Bus from David to San José
Tracopa + Panaline + Tica Bus cross-border Pullman · ~8 hours via Paso Canoas border · US$25-45 · Daily departures
Why choose Spring Bus?
Spring Bus is the best way to find bus tickets from David to San José
Plan your perfect trip
Find and book your bus tickets in just a few clicks.
Best prices
We partner with top bus companies to provide you with the best prices available.
Flexible Booking
Change your travel plans as needed with our flexible booking options.
The David → San José Costa Rica cross-border route is the standard transit between Panama's Chiriquí + Costa Rica's capital — ~8 hours including Paso Canoas border crossing.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — Tracopa + Panaline + Tica Bus daily Pullmans ($25-45 USD), with the operators handling border formalities.
Route details: David to San José
Travel time
8 h
Distance
370 km
Typical fare
$25 – $45 USD per person
Frequency
Daily cross-border Pullman options
First departure
Approx. 8:30 AM
Last departure
Approx. 12:00 PM
Operators on this route
Tracopa · Panaline · Tica Bus
Pickup at David
David central bus terminal + Tracopa / Panaline cross-border Pullman terminals
Drop-off at San José
San José Tracopa terminal — taxi to hotels in San Pedro, Escazú, or other safer districts
About the journey
The David → San José route is the standard cross-border transit between Panama's Chiriquí + Costa Rica's capital — ~8 hours including the Paso Canoas border crossing. Tracopa + Panaline + Tica Bus all run daily cross-border Pullmans — the operators handle border formalities. The road passes through Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast (San Vito + General + Pérez Zeledón) before crossing the Cerro de la Muerte to San José.
Travel tips for David → San José
- Cross-border Pullman handles border formalities — much easier than independent crossing.
- Paso Canoas border ~1-2 hours of formalities each way. Bring passport + small USD cash.
- Costa Rica entry typically waived for most Western travelers + Panama exit fee waived for most.
- Early departure (~8 AM) arrives San José evening — taxi to hotel before nightfall.
- Onward to La Fortuna / Monteverde / Manuel Antonio from San José by Costa Rican operators.
- Currency: USD accepted on both sides; CRC for Costa Rica.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from David to San José Costa Rica?
**About 8 hours** including the Paso Canoas border crossing (~1-2 hours of formalities).
How much is the bus from David to San José?
**US$25-45 per person** depending on operator + class (Tracopa, Panaline, Tica Bus).
What's the Paso Canoas border crossing like?
**Paso Canoas (Panama-Costa Rica border)** — well-organized, ~1-2 hours of formalities each way. **Costa Rica entry typically waived** for most Western travelers + **Panama exit fee waived** for most. Bring passport + small USD cash. Pullman drivers guide you through the process.
Can I take a local bus across the border?
**Technically yes** — local bus from David to Paso Canoas (~30 min, $3-8 USD), walk across border (~1-2 hours formalities), Costa Rica bus to San Vito + onward to San José. Total ~9-12 hours, $15-25 USD combined. **Cross-border Pullman is strongly recommended** for international travelers.
Can I continue to Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna same-day from David?
**Tight but possible.** Early David Pullman (~8 AM) arrives San José evening, no onward connections same-day. **Overnight in San José** + continue to Manuel Antonio / La Fortuna / Monteverde next morning by Costa Rican operators.
Going the other direction?