Thread: question about travel to panama from costa rica

Hello.

I have a couple of questions about travelling from San Jose to Panama City.
Is it safe to assume that there is a regular bus schedule somewhere for this trip?

Also, is there a requirement for yellow fever vaccination before travelling between the two countries? If so, where might this be obtained?

Thanks in advance.

No need for a yellow fever vaccination.

Check out this web site, I think it will help with the bus schedule. Mexican, Caribbean, Central and South American bus schedule

check also www.ticabus.com

Same issue trying to get from San Jose to Bocas. I've heard there is a bus from San Jose to Alimirante or another ferry.
Can anyone confirm?

Buses don't cross border on that side to my knowledge - it's just an unstable wooden bridge. You can take a bus to the border. Walk over the bridge and get a ride to Almirante.

Originally Posted by Captain

Same issue trying to get from San Jose to Bocas. I've heard there is a bus from San Jose to Alimirante or another ferry.
Can anyone confirm?

Thanx Ed,
Do you know where to catch the bus and how long it takes?

Nope, I took my car over the border to Guabito and further down (US plates). The ride was about 6 hours if I remember correctly.

Make sure you get to the border by 1-2 PM or you will have a tight schedule making it to Bocas. Find one that leaves around 6 AM. Probably you will need to switch in Puerto Limon.

Originally Posted by Captain

Thanx Ed,
Do you know where to catch the bus and how long it takes?

Is the ferry in Almirante the only one to Bocas, because it only makes one trip per day.

Ferry? Are you bringing a car or a truck? There are boats leaving every 30 mins from 8 AM to 4 PM - for your bags and body.

Originally Posted by Captain

Is the ferry in Almirante the only one to Bocas, because it only makes one trip per day.

On a related subject, crossing at Pasa Canoas has become very time consuming and a ticket showing that you will be leaving Panama and a credit card are necessary.

You can buy a ticket from David to Costa Rica for like $10 probably, valid for a year. Other option is to print a pending itinerary from a travel website.

Originally Posted by jonr

On a related subject, crossing at Pasa Canoas has become very time consuming and a ticket showing that you will be leaving Panama and a credit card are necessary.