San José Travel Forum

Which bus and where can I catch it - travels to the Carribean Panama border and on into Panama - from San Jose. And how long does it take? Are accomodations good in Panama? Thank you, Michael

Are you planning on going to Bocas del Toro? There are 2 borders into Panama from Costa Rica- there are direct buses from San Jose into David and Panama City which leave from the Tica Bus or Panaline stations- the border there tends to be quite long and ardous and customs tought.

The border in Sixaola/Guabito is pretty easy going though tends to close for lunch at random times irregardless of whether people are waiting in line.

The bus to Sixaola from San Jose has several daily departures from Terminal Gran Caribe. Take a cab to the station (not safe to walk around this area) which is in the northern part of downtown. Bus leaves as early as 6 am I believe and fare is about 3800 colones if I remember correctly. Bus will stop in Limon, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Bribri and takes about 6-7 hours. Once in Sixaola, you have to walk to sign out of Costa Rican customs, cross the bridge and go to Panamian customs. From Guabito you can take a public bus to Changuinola and then a taxi to Finca 60 where the boat launch to Bocas is located; alternatively you can pay $5 US and take a taxi direct from the border to the Changuinola launch- takes about 20-30 minutes to get there. Launch is another hour.
Buses to Caribbean generally dont leave San Jose after 3pm unless going to Limon. Last bus leaves at 7 pm- the last direct bus is at 6:30. To shorten your trip to Panama, may want to take a night bus to Limon, spend the night and then take the 5 am bus from Limon to Sixaola. Means you would be in Bocas before noon if you catch the launch (take a taxi from Guabito- ask driver to call ahead and hold the boat for you if necessary). Hotel Continental and International are 1.5 blocks from Sixaola bus in Limon. Be careful waiting for bus there as it is still dark at 5 am and many sketchy people abound. Get there just a few minutes before 5 am to minimize chances of being mugged.