Shared Shuttle from San Jose Area & Juan Santamaria International SJO Airport to Bocas del Toro, Panama

Overview

Travel from San José and the SJO Airport area to Bocas del Toro by shared shuttle, a Panama-side transfer and a boat from Almirante.

What's Included

• Shared shuttle transportation
• Ground transfers via Puerto Viejo and Almirante, border assistance, and the boat from Almirante to Bocas Town
• Drop-off at the boat dock next to Bocas Town Hotel
• One large suitcase or backpack and one carry-on-size personal bag per passenger
• Estimated journey time: approximately To be confirmed, subject to border and road delays.

Good to Know

• Pickup in San José area & SJO Airport and drop-off in Bocas del Toro, Panama are subject to the designated service zones.
• Airport pickups meet at Denny’s restaurant near SJO, not at the airport terminal; take a taxi there. The shuttle is scheduled there at 5:30 AM.
• Indicative itinerary (Costa Rica time unless noted): airport pickup 5:30–6:00 AM; San José hotels 6:00–6:30 AM; travel to Puerto Viejo 6:30–11:00 AM; lunch stop at Banana Azul 11:00 AM–12:30 PM; travel to the border 12:30–1:30 PM; border crossing 1:30–2:30 PM. In Panama time (one hour ahead), travel to Almirante 3:30–4:30 PM and boat to Bocas Town 4:30–5:00 PM. Lunch is a scheduled stop; meal cost is not stated as included.
• Bring a passport valid at least six months from expiration and a printed flight itinerary for immigration. The supplier says Panama accepts a flight itinerary, not a bus ticket; a flight from anywhere in Central America back to your home country is acceptable under the supplier’s stated instructions. Check current entry requirements for your nationality before travel.
• Pickup may vary by 15 minutes either way. Be at the assigned point 15 minutes early; the supplier states the shuttle waits at most five minutes, after which a missed pickup is nonrefundable.
• Expect potentially extensive delays on Highway 32 due to road construction; allow extra time for onward plans.
• Hotel or hostel pickup is standard where offered; a vacation home or Airbnb pickup may be possible case by case with a valid Google Maps location, subject to confirmation.
• Pickup or drop-off outside designated areas may incur an additional charge, only with your approval before the reservation is confirmed.
• This is a shared service: pickup order and travel times vary with traffic, road conditions, weather and other passengers. For delays beyond the operator’s control, any refund or discount is subject to the applicable terms.
• Plan enough time for onward flights, ferries, tours and other connections.
• The included carry-on is a small computer-size bag; one large bag or backpack is also allowed per person.

Additional Costs

• Pickup or drop-off outside designated areas may incur an additional charge, only with your approval before the reservation is confirmed.
• Extra luggage (more than one suitcase and one carry-on/personal item per passenger): $20 + 13% tax ($22.60 total) per piece.
• Surfboard (maximum 6 ft 5 in): $20 + 13% tax ($22.60 total); include its length in special requirements and confirm acceptance before travel.
• Costa Rica exit tax: $9; Panama entry fee: $4, neither included in the ticket. Verify current border fees before departure.

Cancellation Policy

View full details here: https://pvt-website.vercel.app/terms-conditions

Frequently Asked Questions