Traveling to Bocas del toro, Panama from San Jose or SJO Airport, Costa Rica is an exciting journey that offers a variety of options to suit different travel styles and budgets. This 322-kilometer trek usually takes travelers around 7-11 hours, including a border crossing at Sixola, Costa Rica, which can sometimes extend your travel time. Here’s a guide on how to get to Bocas del toro, highlighting five popular travel methods: by rental car or taxi, by air, by shared shuttle, by private shuttle, and by public bus.
What is the best way to get to Bocas del Toro Panama from San Jose or SJO Airport?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Shared Shuttle, Air Plane
Families or Large Groups: Shared Shuttle
To Bocas del Toro from San Jose by private shuttle
Group travel <> 7-8 hrs <> $423
For a more personalized experience, private shuttles offer service from your San José accommodation to the Sixola border town. These private transports aren't able to cross the Panamanian border, so if you choose this option, you will have to de-board in the border town of Sixola, cross the border, and make the rest of the journey by shuttle, taxi, or public buses. Because this isn't an attractive option, we recommend a shared shuttle for this route. Shared shuttles provided a seamless experience for travelers from San Jose to Bocas del Toro. Their shared transportation service includes lunch, assistance in the border crossing process, ground transportation from the Panamanian border to Almirante, and your boat ride from Almirante to Bocas del Toro. If you don't want to share your ride with other travelers, you can try to buy all the seats available on the shared shuttle.
Writers Tips:
Make sure you book with a trusted transportation company or travel agency.
Private shuttles are typically priced for 1-6 passengers. Plan to pay an additional $15 per additional passenger.
Click here for more information about Private and Group Shuttles in Costa Rica
To Bocas del Toro from San Jose by shared shuttle
Solo travelers or couples <> 10 hrs <> $85
Shared shuttles provide a balanced option between cost and convenience. Several companies offer daily shuttle services from San José to Bocas del Toro, often including lunch, separate shuttle transportation in Panama, and your boat ride to Bocas del Toro. The journey usually takes about 10 hours, and prices typically range from $80 to $90 per person. This option is great for those who want a hassle-free experience without the stress of driving. You may also find that lunch is included with your trip purchase. This is our most recommended way of getting to Bocas del Toro from San Jose or SJO.
Writers Tips:
Reserve in advance, as these shuttles can fill up.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
To Bocas Del Toro from San Jose by rental car or taxi
Easiest <> 10hrs <> $300
Driving from San José to Bocas del Toro involves crossing the border at Sixaola, which takes about 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, with opportunities to stop at scenic spots. However, you’ll need to park your car on the Costa Rican side at the border, as rental cars typically cannot cross into Panama. From the Panamanian side of the border, you would then need to catch a bus or taxi to the Almirante, where you can board a boat to Bocas del Toro. Find more details on getting to Almirante in our public bus section.
Hiring a taxi is a more relaxed option, though it can be expensive, ranging from $250 to $350. You would have to hire one taxi to get to the border town of Sixola. You would then cross the border on foot and need to hire a new cab in Panama to get you to Almirante, where you will board a boat to Bocas del Toro.
Writers Tips:
Book a rental car far in advance to save money.
Airport taxis are always available right outside the airport exit. Make sure to negotiate with taxis to get a fair rate.
To Bocas del Toro from San Jose by bus
Budget-friendly <> 10-12hrs <> $30
The most budget-friendly option is to take a public bus from San José to the border town of Sixaola, which takes around 6-7 hours. From there, you’ll need to walk across the border, complete the necessary immigration procedures, and catch a local bus or taxi on the Panamanian side to Almirante. In Almirante, you can take a water taxi to Bocas del Toro’s Isla Colón, which takes about 30 minutes. The total journey costs around $20-$30, making it the cheapest option, but it requires multiple transfers and can be time-consuming. It’s a good choice for adventurous travelers on a budget who don’t mind navigating public transportation.
San Jose to Sixola (Panama Border) (6-7 hours) ($17)
Buses to the border town of Sixola leave from the MEPE bus terminal in central San Jose. You can buy tickets online using the MEPE website, and these buses should leave on the following schedule: 6 am, 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. These buses usually stop in Puerto Viejo and Cahuita to drop off and pick up passengers. We recommend taking the 6 am bus to ensure you make all your transportation connections.
Crossing the Panama Border (30-60 minutes) ($8)
The bus terminal in Sixaola is the final stop, right next to the border. There are two options for paying the exit tax: a small store next to the station or inside the emigration office. Ensure you have USD if you are paying in the store; their exchange rate is horrible. They also charge $1 extra for the service, which is $8.
After presenting the receipt and your passport, you’ll get stamped out of Costa Rica. Next, cross the metal bridge and go into the Panamanian side. The emigration office is after the bridge on the left-hand side next to a duty-free store. You must present an onward ticket; they are quite strict about it. You’ll get fingerprinted and photographed.
Panama Border to Amirante: (1hr) ($12)
The next part of your journey is to get from the border to the small town of Amirante, where the water taxis will deliver you to Bocas del Toro. Look for the vans lined up at the foot of the stairs on the Panama side of the border. For around $12, these will take you on the hour-long trip to Almirante, where you catch the taxi boat to Bocas del Toro. There’s also the option of taking a local bus for around $2, but this is a sweatier, more complicated alternative with no guarantee of getting you to the boat docks before service shuts down for the evening.
Amirante to Bocas del Toro (30 min) ($6-7)
Two ferries in Almirante will take you the rest of the way to Bocas del Toro. Each has boats leaving every half hour (or whenever they fill up) and costs $6-7.
Writers Tips:
This is one of the longest and most complicated journeys via public bus. We recommend a shared shuttle for this route. Shared shuttles include lunch, transportation on both sides of the border, and assistance crossing the border, all for around $85.
Use this Google Maps Link to find the MEPE terminal yourself.
Use the recently posted Bus Schedule below for Bus times. The schedule can change but is pretty consistent).
Confirm at MEPE ticket offices, call their San José office at +506 2257 8129, or WhatsApp at +506 7285 2592.
For more updated information about this bus journey, visit our friends @CentralCoasting!
To Bocas Del Toro from San Jose by Air
Fastest and Easiest <> 1 hr <> $220
Direct flight is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Bocas del Toro from San José. Nature Air and other airlines offer regular flights from San José’s domestic airport (Tobías Bolaños) to Bocas del Toro’s Isla Colón Airport. The flight takes about 1 hour, making it the fastest option available. While flying is more expensive than other methods, costing around $200-$400, it’s ideal for travelers who prioritize comfort and speed.
Writers Tips:
Be aware that flying with extra or heavy luggage could be expensive.
Be at the airport check-in at least 1 hour before your flight, or they won't allow you to fly.
Choosing the ideal option:
Each travel option from San José to Bocas del Toro offers a different experience, balancing time, cost, and comfort. Whether you prefer the convenience of flying, the flexibility of driving, or the affordability of taking the bus, there’s a method that suits your needs. Consider your priorities and travel style to choose the best route for your adventure to Bocas del Toro.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a shuttle from San Jose to Bocas del Toro, Panama?
Yes, There are shuttles from San Jose to Bocas del Toro daily.
Is it worth going to Bocas del Toro, Panama, while traveling in Costa Rica?
How much is the bus from San Jose to Bocas del Toro, Panama?
How long do you need in Bocas del Toro, Panama?
What is the best way to get to Bocas del Toro from Costa Rica?
Can I drive a Costa Rican rental car across the Panama border?
Is Bocas del Toro a party town?
How expensive is Bocas del Toro?
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