How to get to Tortuguero

The best ways to reach the green heart of Costa Rica

Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating destinations: dense rainforest, a branched canal system, exotic wildlife – and no roads. This is precisely what makes getting there a little adventure. Whether you’re coming from San José, SJO Airport, or La Fortuna, there are several ways to reach Tortuguero – for every budget and every travel style.
Here you’ll find a clear guide with all the common options, including tips, duration, and approximate costs.

Getting to Tortuguero: the most important information first

Tortuguero can only be reached by boat or plane. Most travelers first go to one of the boat docks:

La Pavona – ideal if arriving from San José, SJO, or La Fortuna
Moin – better suited if arriving from the Caribbean (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Limón)

From there, you always continue by boat to Tortuguero.

Getting to Tortuguero is only possible by boat (or plane).

The best way to get to Tortuguero?

In short:

Cheap: public bus or shared shuttle
Fast & convenient: plane
Groups & families: private shuttle
Flexible: rental car or taxi to the boat landing stage

Public bus from San José to Tortuguero

The cheapest but most time-consuming option

Approximately 5–6 hours
Bus ticket approximately $5.80
Boat costs $5 to $10
Several transfers + boat

The classic route is:
1. San José → Cariari (bus)
2. Cariari → La Pavona (bus)
3. La Pavona → Tortuguero (boat)

The boats run several times a day, often coordinated with bus arrivals. Nevertheless, it is important to start as early as possible, otherwise you will miss the last boat trip, which is around 4:00 p.m.

Tips for bus travelers:

Basic knowledge of Spanish is recommended
Always keep valuables in your hand luggage
Double-check timetables on site
It is best to start early in the morning and allow plenty of time

I took the public bus to Tortuguero and I can tell you: expect to be on your way for a long time

Tip: get to the bus station early, otherwise you’ll spend 4 hours sitting on the floor

Timetable*
San José Bus Station (Grand Terminal del Caribe) to the dedicated San José direct bus terminal in Cariari.
6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m.
Tip: take the 6:30 or 9:00 bus to make it to Tortuguero the same day.
Allow enough time to get to the terminal on time and still get a ticket (I was at the terminal at 6:15 a.m. and didn’t get a seat on the bus, I had to sit on the floor).

Cariari to La Pavona
6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 3:00 p.m.
The last buses are coordinated with the buses from San José.

La Pavona to Tortuguero
Boats run almost continuously.
It is possible that people will be dropped off or picked up along the way, but this does not affect you. Just enjoy the the boat ride and the view.

Return trip to San José*
La Pavona to Cariari
7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Cariari to San José
9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.

*Note from personal experience: The departure times listed here are based on my own research and the situation during my trip. Ferry schedules in Costa Rica are subject to change, so I recommend checking the times again in advance.

Shared shuttle to Tortuguero

Popular option for solo travelers & couples

Approximately 4.5–5 hours
Approximately $65–90 per person
Many providers combine shuttle + boat ticket in one transfer. You will be picked up early in the morning in San José or at the airport, travel in an air-conditioned minibus to La Pavona, and then transfer directly to the boat to Tortuguero.

Practical information:

Departure usually early in the morning
Reserve in advance (limited seats)
Note luggage limits (oversized luggage costs extra)

Private shuttle to Tortuguero

Ideal for families, groups, and stress-free travel

Approximately 3–4 hours to La Pavona
Approximately $230–250 per vehicle

Private shuttles pick you up directly at your hotel in San José or at SJO Airport and take you directly to the boat docks (usually La Pavona). Departure times are flexible, and breaks for meals or photo stops are possible.
Good to know:

Ideal for 4–12 people

To Tortuguero by plane

Fast, spectacular & stress-free

Approx. 30 minutes flight time
From approx. USD 120

A domestic flight from San José to Tortuguero is the fastest way to get there – including impressive views of the rainforest and coastline. After landing, a short boat taxi will take you to your hotel or the village.

Please note:

Strict baggage limits
Be at check-in early
Extra baggage can be expensive

Rental car to La Pavona boat dock

Flexible & independent

Approximately 2.5–3 hours to La Pavona
La Pavona parking lot $10–20 per day

You can easily drive to La Pavona in a normal car (no 4×4 necessary). There you can park your car in a secure parking lot and transfer to the boat to Tortuguero.
Practical tips:

Waze works better than Google Maps in Costa Rica
Check your credit card insurance for rental cars

Getting to Tortuguero from La Fortuna & Arenal

There are also several options from La Fortuna:

Private shuttle: approx. 3 hours, ideal for groups
Shared shuttle: convenient, with hotel pickup
Public bus: very cheap, but long (via San José, several changes)

No matter which option you choose, always plan for the additional boat trip to Tortuguero. It can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the water level.

Conclusion

Tortuguero is not a destination for a “quick trip” – but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Whether you choose the cheap bus, the comfortable shuttle, or the spectacular plane, the journey is simply part of the adventure.

Want to know what you can do in Tortuguero? Click here for the bucket list.