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Has anyone taken the bus from Panama City, Panama to San Jose? I will be in Panama in May and am going to take the bus from Panama City to San Jose (want to see the country). I read that this is an 8 hour trip but when I look at a map it looks a lot longer than that. Any advice on this trip would be appreciated. I also am concerned about border immingration, heard that they are tough.

I think the bus ride is 15 or 16 hours. Immigration is not a problem. However if you are going from Costa Rica to Panama you need a round trip bus ticket.I do not think that applies coming to Costa Rica. I would consider stoping at other cities to break the trip up.

Yes, I have done it 3 times. It is a long ass trip. It is about 14 or 15 hours. You will have to change buses @ Paseo Colon, CR. Here is my VERY BEST advice about the buses in Panama. TAKE A COAT. I know it is like 90 degress outside but the a/c on that bus makes the interior temp about 50 degrees. This is not an exageration. Do not wear wear shorts, flip flops, etc.. You will freeze your ass off. No kidding. As for immigration it is a bit confusing. When you get off the bus in Paseo Colon, you need to walk north about 2 blocks and get your passport stamped. The building is on the same side of the street that you will get off the bus. You will see the building, if not, you can ask someone. You can recognize it because there will be some street vendors on the sidewalk in front of the building. Your spanish will need to be on game. There are a few dudes hanging around who speak english, crackheads. And, I think one of the guys in front of the immigration building speaks some english. Anyway, after you get your passport stamped you will need to buy another ticket from Paseo Colon to San Jose. You will have one long stop over from Panama City to Paseo Colon. This is the piss break, food, etc.. Also, from Paseo Colon to SJO, you will have a stop over in Buenes Aires, CR for the piss break, food, etc.. I've done this trip 3 times. It's a fantastic way to really see CR and Panama. The bus will let you off at the Tracopa station, which is about 1 mile south of the Presidente. Cab it from there to where ever you might be going. Enjoy it. I recommend everyone do the frontera at least once. If you need/want more info PM me.

dapanz1

I am looking forward to the journey. Thank you so much for the advice, I will be sure to follow it.