Bus from San José to David
Tracopa + Panaline + Tica Bus cross-border Pullman · ~8 hours via Paso Canoas border · US$25-45 · Daily departures
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The San José → David cross-border return route is the standard transit for travelers continuing from Costa Rica to Panama on the Pacific corridor.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — Tracopa + Panaline + Tica Bus daily Pullmans ($25-45 USD).
Route details: San José to David
Travel time
8 h
Distance
370 km
Typical fare
$25 – $45 USD per person
Frequency
Daily cross-border Pullman options
First departure
Approx. 7:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 12:00 PM
Operators on this route
Tracopa · Panaline · Tica Bus
Pickup at San José
Tracopa + Panaline + Tica Bus terminals in San José
Drop-off at David
David central bus terminal — onward to Boquete (~30-45 min) or Bocas del Toro (~3-4 h to Almirante) or Panama City (~6-7 h Pullman)
About the journey
The San José → David cross-border return is the standard transit for travelers continuing from Costa Rica to Panama on the Pacific corridor — David is the Chiriquí transit hub for Boquete, Volcán, Bocas del Toro, or onward Panama City.
Travel tips for San José → David
- Pullman operators handle border formalities — much easier than independent crossing.
- Paso Canoas border ~1-2 hours each way — bring passport + USD cash.
- Early departure (~7 AM) arrives David evening — connect to Boquete or stay overnight.
- Onward to Boquete — local microbus from David (~30-45 min, $2-5 USD).
- Onward to Bocas del Toro — local bus from David to Almirante (~3-4 h, $8-15 USD) + ferry.
- Onward to Panama City — Padafront / Expreso Panamá overnight cama Pullman from David (~6-7 h, $15-25 USD).
- Currency: USD throughout Panama.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from San José to David?
**About 8 hours** including Paso Canoas border — same as inverse direction.
How much is the bus from San José to David?
**US$25-45 per person** depending on operator + class.
Can I continue to Boquete same-day from San José?
**Yes** — early San José Pullman (~7 AM) arrives David ~3 PM, microbus to Boquete (~30-45 min, $2-5 USD). Total ~9 hours same-day to Boquete.
Can I continue to Bocas del Toro from San José same-day?
**Tight but possible.** San José → David (~8 h) + David → Almirante (~3-4 h) + ferry (~30 min). Total ~12-13 hours including border + transfers. **Overnight in David** + continue next morning is more relaxed.
What time do Pullmans leave San José for David?
**Typically 7 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM** for Tracopa + Panaline + Tica Bus. Book a day or two ahead in high season.
Going the other direction?