Bocas del Toro, Panama is a Caribbean paradise known for its vibrant marine life, beaches, and laid-back charm. For travelers in La Fortuna or near Arenal Volcano, reaching Bocas del Toro requires careful planning due to the border crossing and varied travel options. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to reach Bocas del Toro from La Fortuna, each suited to different travel styles, schedules, and budgets. This guide explores five transportation methods—rental car or taxi, air travel, shared shuttle, private shuttle, and bus. Each option offers different advantages, travel times, and costs. Let’s dive into travel time, cost range, pros and cons, and helpful tips to help you choose the best fit for your journey.
What is the best way to get to Bocas Del Toro from La Fortuna?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Airplane, Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Bocas Del Toro from La Fortuna by private shuttle
Private Shuttles cannot cross the Panamanian border.
We didn't find any private shuttles that can cross the Panamanian border. For this reason, we recommend a shared shuttle for this route. Shared shuttles provided a seamless experience for travelers from La Fortuna to Bocas del Toro. Their shared transportation service includes 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.
To La Fortuna from Bocas Del Toro by shared shuttle
Solo travelers, group & couples <> 11hrs <> $92
For those looking to balance comfort with affordability for their trip from La Fortuna to Bocas del Toro, a shared shuttle service is a popular choice. Shared shuttles typically pick up from any hotel or hostel in the La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano area and drop off at the Taxi Valencia dock in Bocas del Toro, This 11-hour journey in a 12-passenger, air-conditioned microbus includes a one-hour lunch break in Puerto Viejo. A guide will assist with the border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama, where you’ll need a passport and a printed flight itinerary. It should prepare for border taxes ($9 to exit Costa Rica and $8 to enter Panama). Extra charges may apply for pick-up outside the designated area, and exact pick-up times will be shared upon booking confirmation.
Writers Tips:
Remember that shared shuttles operate on a fixed schedule, so booking in advance and planning accordingly are essential.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases can cost extra.
Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles.
To La Fortuna from Bocas Del Toro by public bus
cost-effective <> 12 - 15 hrs <> $40 US <> multiple bus transfers and border procedures
To travel from La Fortuna to Bocas del Toro, start with a bus from La Fortuna to San José, then take another bus from San José to the Panama border, followed by local transport to reach Bocas del Toro. This journey requires multiple transfers and can be time-consuming, potentially taking up to two days, depending on schedules. Delays are common, so staying on top of bus schedules and border opening hours is important to avoid overnight stops or unexpected waits.
This route is ideal for adventurous, budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind navigating public transportation but require patience and planning.
First step: Bus from La Fortuna to San Jose (4 hours) - around $10
Taking the bus is a viable option for budget-conscious travelers, although it’s the most time-consuming. Buses from La Fortuna to San Jose depart from the La Fortuna Bus Terminal and take you to Terminal 7-10 in the Coca-Cola neighborhood in downtown San Jose. There is normally only one 8:40 A.M morning bus from La Fortuna to San Jose. Other buses go to San Jose from Ciudad Quesada, which is about an hour bus ride from La Fortuna. The button below will direct you to a site with more up-to-date information about traveling by bus to San Jose from La Fortuna.
Second step: Bus from San José to Bocas del Toro (6/7 hours) - around $20-$30
First, you will have to take a bus from 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 $92.
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!
Keep an eye on your belongings, as the bus can become crowded at peak travel times.
To La Fortuna from Bocas Del Toro by car or taxi
Fast and Easy <> 7/9hrs <> From $100
Driving from La Fortuna to Bocas del Toro involves crossing the border at Sixaola, which takes about 9/10 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 bellow. Once in Almirante, take a water taxi (around $6–$10) to Isla Colón in Bocas del Toro.
Hiring a taxi can be very expensive. You would have to hire one taxi from La Fortuna 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:
Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
Always check with your credit card company to see if international car insurance is an added cardholder benefit. This can save you some money on your rental.
Waze is the most used direction application in Costa Rica, so it normally has the most up-to-date road conditions.
To La Fortuna from Bocas Del Toro by airplane
The fun and fast option <> 4 hrs <> $220 - $240
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Bocas del Toro, especially for those with limited time. While there is no direct flight from La Fortuna, travelers can take a 3-hour taxi or shuttle to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. From there, a 50-minute flight on Air Panama or Skyway takes you directly to Bocas del Toro’s airport on Isla Colón.
Writers Tips:
Flights often come with panoramic coastline views, making the journey as scenic as the destination.
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.
To avoid surprises, book tickets in advance, as flights to Bocas del Toro can fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons.
To La Fortuna from Bocas Del Toro by private vehicle
Best for extended visit <> Purchase and resell
If you are planning an extended visit to Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the luxury of a private vehicle, consider buying a car or van when you arrive and selling it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership, and then you would have to sell the vehicle in time before leaving the country, but this hassle could end up being worth the hassle if you can get most of your investment back before you go.
For more information, check our article: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Choosing your ideal route
Each travel option to Bocas del Toro from La Fortuna or Arenal Volcano has unique advantages. For the fastest and most straightforward journey, consider flying from San José. We recommend choosing a shared shuttle, which offers a good balance between cost and comfort. No matter your route, the journey from Costa Rica’s lush landscapes to Panama’s pristine beaches promises to be memorable. With the right preparation and understanding of your travel style, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the vibrant charm of Bocas del Toro.
What is the best way to get to La Fortuna from Bocas Del Toro?
0%By Private Shuttle
0%By Shared Shuttle
0%By Air Plane (domestic flight)
0%By Taxi or Rental Car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Shuttle from La Fortuna to Bocas Del Toro?
Yes, shared shuttles can be reserved using this link:
How much is a taxi from La Fortuna to Bocas Del Toro?
How much does flying from La Fortuna to Bocas Del Toro cost?
Is Bocas del Toro a party island?
How far is it from La Fortuna to Bocas Del Toro?
Why is Bocas Del Toro is so popular?
Why is La Fortuna so Popular?
What is the best bus route from La Fortuna to Bocas Del Toro?
How many days should I spend in Bocas del Toro?
How expensive is Bocas del Toro?
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