What is the cheapest way to get from Panama to Costa Rica?

The cheapest way to get from Panama to Costa Rica is to bus via Almirante which costs $30 - $55 and takes 20h 28m.

What is the fastest way to get from Panama to Costa Rica?

The fastest way to get from Panama to Costa Rica is to fly which takes 4h 4m and costs $180 - $410.

Is there a direct bus between Panama and Costa Rica?

No, there is no direct bus from Panama to Costa Rica. However, there are services departing from Panama City and arriving at Terminal Atlántico Norte via Terminal de transporte, Terminal de Transporte Changuinola Urraca and Terminal Sixaola. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 20h 28m.

How far is it from Panama to Costa Rica?

The distance between Panama and Costa Rica is 565 km. The road distance is 782.5 km.

How do I travel from Panama to Costa Rica without a car?

The best way to get from Panama to Costa Rica without a car is to bus which takes 16h 39m and costs $55 - $95.

How long does it take to get from Panama to Costa Rica?

It takes approximately 4h 4m to get from Panama to Costa Rica, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Panama to Costa Rica bus from?

Panama to Costa Rica bus services, operated by Tranceibosa Bocas del Toro, depart from Panama City station.

Bus or fly from Panama to Costa Rica?

The best way to get from Panama to Costa Rica is to fly which takes 4h 4m and costs $180 - $410. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $55 - $95 and takes 16h 39m.

Where does the Panama to Costa Rica bus arrive?

Panama to Costa Rica bus services, operated by Tranceibosa Bocas del Toro, arrive at Terminal de transporte station.

What is the time difference between Panama and Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is 1h behind Panama. It is currently 3:48 AM in Panama and 2:48 AM in Costa Rica.

Can I drive from Panama to Costa Rica?

Yes, the driving distance between Panama to Costa Rica is 783 km. It takes approximately 12h 49m to drive from Panama to Costa Rica.

Where can I stay near Costa Rica?

There are 752+ hotels available in Costa Rica.

Panama to Costa Rica - 6 ways to travel via plane, bus, and car

There are 6 ways to get from Panama to Costa Rica by plane, bus, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Fly from Tocumen International Airport
best
1. Fly from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane PTY - SJO
4h 4m
$181–402
Bus via Almirante
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Panama City to Terminal de transportebus Panama City
2. Take the bus from Terminal Sixaola to Terminal Atlántico Nortebus Sixaola
20h 28m
$31–53
Bus
1. Take the bus from Terminal Albrook to Terminal Tica Busbus Panamá / ...
16h 39m
$55–90
Drive 782.5 km
1. Drive from Panama City to San Josécar 782.5 km
12h 49m
$107–155
Bus, bus to Golfito, fly
1. Take the bus from David to Fronterabus
2. Take the bus from Paso Canoas to Golfitobus
3. Fly from Golfito (GLF) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane GLF - SJO
5h 1m
$180–211
Bus, bus to Puerto Jiménez Airport, fly
1. Take the bus from David to Fronterabus
2. Take the bus from Ciudad Neily to Puerto Jiménezbus
3. Fly from Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane PJM - SJO
6h 21m
$192–243

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) flights

70Weekly Planes

1h 25mAverage Duration

$40Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Panama to Costa Rica.

Launch map view

Distance: 565.5 km
Duration: 4h 4m

What companies run services between Panama and Costa Rica?

Avianca - Aerovías del Continente Americano S.A. and Copa Airlines fly from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) every 3 hours. Alternatively, Cristóbal Colón Autobuses (Línea Dorada y Trans Galgos Inter) operates a bus from Terminal Albrook to Terminal Tica Bus 4 times a day. Tickets cost $58–90 and the journey takes 15h 30m. Tica Bus also services this route once daily.

Airlines