Panama to Costa Rica by night bus

               

The terminal is called Albrook Bus Terminal. We went there from the Panama Canal by Bus as the Taxis were an absolute ripoff. We wanted to go initially to David, but then we decided to get the bus till the boarder with Costa Rica (La Frontera). 

If you don't want to go with the Tica Bus, then your only option is to get your ticket the same day as the departure. For us was a bit inconvenient as we were just coming back from Islas San Blas the same day, but the guys from the transportation company told us they can have several buses per hour depending on the demand. We took the 11 PM bus and they were 3 from the same company leaving at that hour.  

Cost of the bus was 20.25$ per person with arrival at 7AM. Taking time change into account. 
For the bus trip, take something warm with you as it is cold inside, the seats are decently comfortable. 

at the boarder: Panama Exit 

once off the bus, you need to get your luggage 'checked' in a room, in most of the times they don't even ask you to open the backpack but for some reason the point is to pass through the room. We saw a lady that I guess was on a regular basis passing the boarder that just entered and immediately exited the room. 

Afterwards you need to queue for the exit stamp. While at the queue a guy passes by and you have to buy a sticker that he will put in your passport for 1$. There was no real explanation why it is needed. 

At the customs counter, they might ask you for your vaccination booklet, especially if you are coming from countries where the yellow fever is a potential risk, so best just take it with you in case the ask 

at the boarder: Costa Rica Entry 

once you got your stamp you have to walk like 5-10 minutes till you find the entry office. There, as always you need to fill out your papers. They needed a proof of exiting Costa Rica at a later date, we did not have as we were flying back home from Nicaragua. I did not have any issue, the customs officer just put on my passport the date of the exit from Nicaragua. One of my friends was not left in at first as he did not have a flight or bus ticket out of Costa Rica, but then he went to the customs office I've been and there was no issue. 

​I would say there is absolutely no stress as long as you can show that at some point you will be in a different country :)

from here we went to Golfito, as the idea was to reach Puerto Jimenez. More details HERE. 

#ILoveToTravel​