Playa Venao To Boquete: How To Get There & Tips 2024

The perfect place to visit after Venao is Boquete, but you’ll need to know how to get from Playa Venao to Boquete first, as it’s not that straightforward – especially if you’re using public transport!

Boquete is a magical place that we loved visiting. It’s high up in the mountains of central Panama and is perfect for hiking. The small town is bustling with energy, filled with colourful and beautiful forest vibes. We went on so many hikes while we were there, and the forest is filled with waterfalls and coffee plantations.

Boquete has a laid-back atmosphere similar to that of Playa Venao. But, where you have waves in Venao, you have forests in Boquete. It’s the next best place to head after Venao!

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How To Get From Playa Venao To Boquete

👉 ❤️ 🚐 Arriving in Panama soon? You can use My Pink Bus to get from Panama City to Playa Venao.

Playa Venao is an off-the-beaten-path destination which means getting there and leaving there can be tricky. That’s why I’ve put together this transportation guide – it includes every way possible to reach Boquete from Playa Venao.

👉 Read now 13 Fun Things To Do In Playa Venao, Panama 2023

There are numerous ways to reach Boquete from Playa Venao, the most popular is by shuttle. Others include public transport like the bus – your cheapest option – and taxis but you could also rent a car and/or fly (at least part of the way).

The Distance Between Playa Venao And Boquete

The distance from Playa Venao to Boquete is 254 miles/ 409 kilometres. Travelling between Playa Venao and Boquete by car is going to take you around 5 hours and 45 minutes. 

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Playa Venao To Boquete By Shuttle

Let’s start with the best way to get to Boquete from Playa Venao and that is via a shuttle bus. It’s the best way because it’s the easiest way. It’s one vehicle which will take you directly from Playa Venao to Boquete.

You’ll get an airconditioned vehicle with plenty of space, a local driver and a hassle-free way of travelling. The downside is it’s not the cheapest option – that would be public transport which I’ll talk about below.

The shuttle buses can be organised through the hotels in Playa Venao, such as Selina Hotel and Beach Break Surf Shuttle. [My Pink Bus is currently not operating this route]

Shuttle Options

• Beach Break Shuttle: $60.00 one-way 

Departure Location: Beach Break Surf Camp Departure Time: 07:30 am (Every Friday)
Duration of the trip: 6.5 hrs
Number of stops: 2
Surfboards have a charge of $10.00

⭐ Pro Tip: There are other shuttle service providers from Playa Venao to Boquete. They manage different hours and days of the week with departure times from morning to afternoon. Ask around Playa Venao to find alternative options.

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Playa Venao To Boquete By Bus

The public bus is the cheapest way to get from Playa Venao to Boquete. It’s also the longest and will require bus transfers of at least 5 different buses. There are a few different routes however I’ll discuss the route we took.

The bus journey will take you around 10 hours, so it’s best you catch the early bus!

We departed Playa Venao at 7:00 am and stood outside the petrol station to catch it. The petrol station is about 5 minutes up the road. It’s the only one there and can’t be confused with any other. 

👉 Read now 19 Fantastic Things To Do In Boquete Panama 2023 (+ Travel Guide)

That said, we did see the bus stop at the top of the street leading into Playa Venao Bay before it got to us. So, you could probably grab it there too!

Bus Route

Playa Veno – Las Tablas – Chitre – Santiago – David – Boquete

Bus Prices & Times

These prices are taken from our own trip so they might have changed slightly but they will give you an idea. The total cost is around $20.00 one-way

• Playa Veneo to Las Tablas $3.50
• Las Tablas to Chitre $1.50
• Chitre to Santiago $3.00
• Santiago to David $9.00
• David to Boquete $2.25

Although the bus we caught went straight through to Las Tablas, other buses have been known to stop in Pedasi. If that’s the case for you, you’ll need to grab another bus from Pedasi to Las Tablas and continue on with the route.

• Playa Venao to Pedasi $1.50
• Pedasi to Las Tablas $3.00 
• Alternatively, you can arrange a taxi from Playa Venao to Pedasi for around $40.00. Selina Hotel also offers a shuttle 3 times a day from Playa Venao to Pedasi for $8.00 (or $5.00 if you’re staying with them).

Playa Venao To Boquete: Public Bus Vs. Shuttle Bus Pros & Cons

To be honest, the transportation option you choose depends solely on your travel preferences and budget. For us, on a 10-month backpacking trip, $60.00 was too much compared to the $20.00 on public transport. 

However, if we were on a shorter trip or had a larger budget then I reckon we would have opted for the Shuttle. The shuttle is definitely going to be more comfortable and quicker but for $40.00 more per person, we decided the public bus would be just fine. 

A public bus will take around 10 hours while the shuttle is about 6.5 hours.

👉 Read now Is Panama Worth Visiting In 2023? The Answer Might Surprise You!

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Playa Venao To Boquete By Car

When we return to Panama we will be renting a car to explore the country. The freedom a rental car will give you is unbeatable and since many areas of Panama are still untouched this is the best way for you to explore off-the-beathen-path locations.

We met multiple travellers who had done just this. They were beach hopping around the coast seeking the best surf spots and were loving the freedom their rental cars gave them!

Discover Cars Rentals

We absolutely love DISCOVER CARS and recommend them to all our readers. We’ve written a full review of Discover Cars, which is a third-party car rental company. 

Long story short, they are reliable, and affordable and include a full insurance coverage option which is fantastic and rare for third-party companies like this.

The average cost of renting a car in Panama will be around £20.00 / $23.50 a day but you can find them as cheap at £12.00 / $13.50. A pickup (if you’re surfing) such as a Toyota Hilux will set you back £45.00 / $59.00 a day.

Driving Route From Playa Venao To Boquete

Playa Veno – Las Tablas – Chitre – Santiago – David – Boquete

Things To Keep In Mind

When embarking on a road trip adventure in Panama, there are some valuable tips to keep in mind. 

• First and foremost, steer clear of the hectic rush hour traffic. While this might not apply so much when leaving Playa Venao for Boquete, if you’re leaving from Panama City at any point you’ll want to avoid this period.
• This journey is 409 km / 254 miles and will take you just under 6 hours.
• Before hitting the road, it’s essential to synchronise your plans with the rental company’s opening hours. Confirm that their schedule aligns with your arrival to ensure a smooth start to your journey.
• Safety should always be a top priority, so meticulously review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. Double-check that your insurance coverage extends for the entire duration of your trip, providing you with peace of mind throughout your travels.
• As you navigate Panama’s roads, be on the lookout for potholes, which can occasionally pose a challenge. Additionally, it’s advisable to limit nighttime driving to minimise potential hazards and fully enjoy the daylight beauty of this country.

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Playa Venao To Boquete By Taxi

Another way to get from Playa Venao to Boquete is by private transfer or taxi. This has got to be the most expensive way of travelling between destinations but also the most comfortable. It’s a reasonable option if you’re travelling in a group of three or four. 

There is Uber in Panama, although it operates from Panama City and David only. This is an option if you’re trying to get to Playa Venao from Panama City. If you’re in Playa Venao you’ll be seeking a local taxi, or maybe a friend of a friend…

Deals can be made, so if you want to travel this way ask around and your surely find a willing local to take you. If you choose this option the price should be around $250.00 to 300.00 per car. 

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Playa Venao To Boquete By Plane

Finally, we come to flights. Recently, Air Panama has started flights to and from Pedasi – which is only a $40.00 taxi journey away from Playa Venao. It’s completely possible to reach Pedasi, jump on a flight to David (via Panama City), and then a bus/taxi to Boquete.

For internal flights, you can check in half an hour before flying, (although I would stick to an hour to be safe). Flight time from Pedasi to David is 1 hour 55 minutes and you’ll remain on the plane while it transfers through Panama City.

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It’s the quickest way by far although it’s also the most expensive, once you add all the transfer costs. The flight cost alone is around $230 one-way.

We can work it out as 40 minutes Playa Venao to Pedasi; Pedasi to David 2 hours +1 hour pre-check-in; David to Boquete 1 hour. Total travel time is 4 hours 40 mins.

⭐ Pro Tip: It’s possible to catch an Uber from David to Boquete, the cost is around $25

Flight Route

Playa Venao – Pedasi (Bus)/Pedasi – Panama City – David (Plane)/David – Boquete (Taxi/Bus)

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Where To Stay In Boquete?

There are numerous accommodation options in Boquete. It was one of our favourite places to visit in Panama. We’ve written a complete guide to the best hotels in Boquete here, but these are our top three picks depending on budget.

✅ Best Top-End Option. Boquete Garden Inn. Boquete Garden Inn offers a one-of-a-kind experience in a peaceful and natural setting. This is a great hotel to sit back and witness the variety of wild birds Boquete has to offer.

✅ Best Mid-Range Option. Casa Ejecutiva Boquete. Situated in the centre of Boquete, Casa Ejecutiva Boquete features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

✅ The Best Budget Option. Agaseke Lodge Boquete. A great family-run hostel where you can pitch a tent or book a dorm. They also have a selection of private rooms.

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FAQs Playa Venao To Boquete

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Playa Venao To Boquete Conclusion

There we go, all the way to get from Playa Venao to Boquete. I hope this post has been helpful to you and you’ve decided where to go after your trip to Playa Venao and how you’re going to get there.

We had a great time in Boquete and if you’re a nature lover who loves hiking and the natural world you’re going to love Boquete too.