You are ready to move from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro but are wondering what are even your options?
No matter if you plan to make your trip by car or public transportation. We are going to tell you everything about how to get to Bocas del Toro!
Hop in a bus from Playa Venao
You can also take the public bus which has 3 different hours, make sure to be there at least 30 minutes in advance. Check vivevenao.com for more information about public transportation.
Your trip should look like this: Take a bus from Puerto Cañas straight to Las Tablas. From Las Tablas take a bus to Chitré, from there to Santiago and then to David.
As you arrive at David you must take a bus to Almirante with a duration of 3.5 hours.
(Tip: Buy a ticket for the water taxi right there, it is usually cheaper than buying it in Almirante.)
Once you step out in Almirante, you can either walk or take a taxi. Disclaimer: Public transportation is not very reliable. We suggest you have a plan B departing from Pedasí.
Bus Ride Prices
- Playa Venao to Las Tablas – $2.50
- Las Tablas to Chitré
- Chitré to Santiago
- Santiago to David
- David to Almirante
Take a shuttle bus from Playa Venao
For traveling to Playa Venao to other cities, including Bocas del Toro there are very few options.
The Selina transfer is very famous as it is the most convenient way to get to Bocas del Toro by bus. Plus, you may enjoy a discount if you are a guest of Selina.
Make sure to book in advance to secure your seat!
Prices:
Selina Transfer – $60
Drive from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro
Most people travel to Playa Venao by car so most likely you will drive to Bocas del Toro.
You should expect your trip to be around 9 hours. Don’t be afraid to use your Google Maps during this trip.
Park your car in Almirante or take a ferry ride
If you decide to drive from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro you will have two choices.
As you arrive in Almirante you can leave your car in a car park for a daily rate. Or you can also take a Ferry with a duration of 1 h 40 mins per trip.
Make sure you visit Ferry Bocas’s website for ferry schedules and prices.
Prices:
Ferry Almirante to Bocas del Toro: Starting from $35 for 5 passenger cars, $40, and $45 for medium and large 4×4 cars. Adults are charged $2.00, kids younger than 9 years $1.00, and retirees $1.40.
Car park: You will be charged for the number of days parked. Aim for an average of $3.
You are in Bocas del Toro, now how do you get back to Playa Venao?
Hiring a private shuttle or using public transportation to take you back from Bocas del Toro to Playa Venao, it’s maybe what you are looking for.
Chitré and Las Tablas are the closest cities and the main ones connecting to the Peninsula de Azuero.
So, you should take a bus from Almirante to David, step out and take another bus to either Divisa or Santiago.
If you took a bus to Santiago, you will have to go to Chitré and from there to Pedasí. If you took a bus to Divisa, you can take a bus to Las Tablas and catch another bus to Pedasí.
Bonus: Safety tips for your trip to Bocas del Toro
If you are thinking on driving to Bocas del Toro, I suggest you make sure is worth it.
Since taking the car to Bocas del Toro will be advantageous only if you are staying for a short time or if you are relocating to Bocas del Toro (if the latter is your case, lucky you!).
The reason is that once you get to Bocas del Toro, you will jump from island to island with water taxis.
Moreover, everything is within walking distance and bikes are a very famous means of transport.
On the other hand, expect many hills and wind on the your way there. If its rainy, there is a possibility of mudslides, so watch out.
We hope planning your trip Bocas del Toro is easier now. Chao!
