Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro: How To Get There & Tips

If you’re wondering how to get to Bocas del Toro from Playa Venao, I’ve got you covered with this guide; I’m literally going over every transportation option imaginable!

Bocas del Toro is a beautiful place, it’s a lush archipelago of tropical paradise waiting to be explored. It’s on the opposite side of the country, the Caribbean Sea, so you’ll get calm waters and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkelling. 

While both Playa Venao and Bocas Town have a laid-back atmosphere, Bocas Town has a colourful Caribbean charm. It’s a great spot to visit after Playa Venao!

That said, we actually went to the mountain town of Boquete for some hiking and chocolate tours after Playa Venao.

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

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How To Get From Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro

Unlike bustling urban hubs such as Panama City, Bocas del Toro, retains its unspoiled charm where the jungle meets pristine beaches. It’s quite a popular location among backpackersseeking an authentic escape. 

👉 Read next 21 Best Things To Do In Panama City & Why It’s Worth Visiting In 2023

However, the growing interest in this stunning location is evident, as new hotel developments are beginning to surface, making now the perfect time to experience its untouched beauty. 

There are numerous ways to get to Bocas del Toro from Playa Venao, most will make a stop in Boquete, however, some of you might prefer sticking to beach locations. If that’s the case, your options include Public Bus, Shuttle, Car Rental and Taxis. 

The Distance Between Playa Venao And Bocas Del Toro

The distance from Playa Venao to Bocas Del Toro is 331 miles/ 533 kilometres. Travelling between Playa Venao and Bocas Del Toro by car is going to take you around 8 hours and 55 minutes. 

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Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro Shuttle

The best way to get from Playa Venao to Bocas Del Toro is by shuttle bus. It’s the best way because it’s the easiest and most comfortable, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Your vehicle will take you directly from Playa Venao to Almirante ferry port where you can jump on the boat to Bocas del Toro.

Around Playa Venao you will find companies that offer this service, the most popular is Beach Break Surf Camp which operates a shuttle service to and from multiple locations within Panama. 

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

The Bocas del Toro route is one of the most popular but they also go from Playa Venao to Boquete, another popular location to visit. The shuttle is the most comfortable because you’ll get an airconditioned vehicle alongside comfy seats, space and a local driver. [My Pink Bus is currently not operating this route]

Shuttle Options

• Beach Break Shuttle: $70.00 one-way  (part of Beach Break Surf Camp)

Departure Location: SELINA RIVER
Departure Time: 10:30 pm 
Trip Duration: 8 Hours. Approx.
The shuttle arrives at the PORT OF CHIRIQUI GRANDE
Number of stops 2
INCLUDES (BOAT)
Surfboards have a charge of $10.00.

⭐ Pro Tip: There are other shuttle service providers from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro. 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 Bocas Del Toro Bus

Taking the public bus from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro might be the most economical option it’s also the most time-consuming, involving transfers between a minimum of seven different buses. 

For the entire journey, you should expect 14 hours of travel. You will not be able to reach Bocas del Toro on the same day as the last taxi boat is at 6 pm. Instead, you’ll need to spend the night in Almirante if you head directly to Bocas.

We left Playa Venao at 7:00 am, and although we headed to Boquete first, the journey is the same until you reach David. I recommend breaking up the journey with a stop in Boquete – it’s a lovely mountain town great for hiking!

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

You catch the bus outside the petrol station on the main road, located about a 5-minute walk away. It’s worth mentioning we noticed the bus stopping at the top of the street leading into the bay. Therefore, you can likely catch the bus at that point as well.

Bus Route

Playa Veno – Las Tablas – Pedasi – Santiago – David – Almirante – Bocas del Toro

Bus Prices & Times

The prices shown below are from our own trip so they might have changed slightly but they will give you a decent idea of how much it will cost you. The total cost is around $31.00 one-way

• Playa Veneo to Las Tablas $3.50 (1.5 hours)
• Las Tablas to Chitre $1.50 (1 hour)
• Chitre to Santiago $3.00 (1.5 hours)
• Santiago to David $9.00 (3 hours)
• David to Almirante Bus Terminal $8.00 (4 hours)
• From Almirante Bus Terminal to Almirante Ferry Port $1.00 (taxi or 15 mins walking)
• Almirante Ferry Port to Bocas del Toro $6.00 (20 mins)

We caught a bus 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 (These buses run every 30 minutes)
• 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 Bocas Del Toro: Public Bus Vs. Shuttle Bus Pros & Cons

Jack and I were on a 10-month backpacking trip and when we reached Panama we were coming towards the end of the trip. Needless to say, the budget was almost gone and so for us, catching the public bus was the only option. 

Travelling using public transport can be an exciting way to move around, it’s all part of the journey; visiting the unknown and new experiences, and since it’s the cheapest way of getting from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro we went willingly.

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

The buses are cramped and rarely have aircon. Especially if you get on a minivan rather than the coaches. You can be waiting for ages at the terminal, usually until the bus is full to depart which is why you can’t rely on reaching Bocas del Toro on the same day.

The Shuttles on the other hand are comfy and definitely a better way to travel but with a hefty price tag of $70.00 it might not be feasible for everyone. The shuttle bus is also quicker taking 8 hours compared to the 14 hours it takes using public transport, plus an overnight stay in Almirante.

The better option is dependent on your travel preferences and budget. If you are looking to use public transport, make a stop in Boquete!

👉 Read next Playa Venao To Boquete: How To Get There & Tips

👉 Read next Where To Stay In Boquete Panama: The Ultimate Hotel Guide (2023)

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Guess What?

I’ve created a packing list to help make life easier for you and relieve the stress of packing. This useful resource is perfect for any trip to Panama. You can download your copy below by joingin my newsletters!

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Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro Car

We are already planning a return to Panama and this time around we’ll opt for renting a car to explore the country. The freedom that comes with having a rental car is unparalleled, and considering that numerous parts of Panama remain unspoiled, it’s the ideal method to discover those hidden gems.

During our travels, we encountered several adventurers who had chosen this very approach. They were embarking on a beach-hopping journey along the coast, in search of the ultimate surf spots, and they couldn’t get enough of the independence and flexibility that their rental cars provided!

There is a ferry which you can take the car over on but most people will leave their car in the parking lot in Almirante. It depends on how much exploring you want to do on Colon Island. 

This journey is 331 miles/ 533 kilometres and is going to take you around 9 hours.

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 – Almirante – Bocas Del Toro

Things To Keep In Mind

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

• First and foremost, it’s wise to avoid the bustling rush hour traffic. While this may not be as relevant when departing from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro if you find yourself leaving Panama City at any point, steering clear of this busy period is advisable.
• Before you hit the road, it’s crucial to synchronise your plans with the rental company’s operating hours. Ensure that their schedule aligns with your arrival to guarantee a smooth start to your journey.
• Safety should always remain a top priority, so it’s essential to meticulously review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement. Double-check that your insurance coverage extends for the entire duration of your trip, offering you peace of mind throughout your travels.
• While navigating Panama’s roads, keep an eye out for occasional potholes, which can present challenges. 
• Additionally, it’s a good idea to limit nighttime driving to reduce potential hazards and fully immerse yourself in the daytime beauty of this remarkable country.

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Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro Taxi

Another way to get from Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro is by private transfer or taxi. This has got to be the most expensive way of travelling between destinations but also the quickest and 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. A taxi from Playa Venao to Almirante will cost around $300 

Another option is to use the public buses to David and then jump in an Uber from David to Almirante. This journey looks to take around 3 hours and costs about $70.00.

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Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro Flight

Finally, we come to flights. Recently, Air Panama has started flights to and from Pedasi – which is only a $1.50 bus ride from Playa Venao. It’s completely possible to reach Pedasi and jump on a flight to Bocas Del Toro (via Panama City).

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 2 hours 40 minutes and you’ll remain on the plane while it transfers through Panama City.

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 from Playa Venao to Pedasi; Pedasi to Bocas del Toro 2 hours 40 mins +1 hour pre-check-in; Total travel time is 4 hours 20 mins.

Pro Tip: It’s also possible to catch a taxi from Playa Venao to Pedasi for around $40.00

Flight Route

Playa Venao – Pedasi (Bus)/Pedasi – Panama City – Bocas del Toro (Plane)

Where To Stay In Bocas Del Toro

There are plenty of great places to stay in Bocas del Toro. To help you find the perfect place here are the top 3 locations according to budget.

👉Top-End: Oasis Bluff Beach
Set in Bluff Beach, 6 km from Bocas Town, Oasis Bluff Beach features unobstructed views of the beach and ocean. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

👉Mid-Range: Nowhere
Located in Bocas del Toro, Nowhere provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property.

👉Budget: Selina Bocas del Toro
Offering a restaurant, Selina Bocas del Toro is located in Bocas Town on Isla Colon, the main island of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. You can enjoy views of the sea from the restaurant, bar or lounge area.

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FAQs Playa Venao to Bocas Del Toro

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Travel Resources For Panama

• 12 Best San Blas Island Tours In Panama, 2023: Discover Paradise
• 12 Best Panama City, Panama Tours: Canal, Casco Viejo & More
• 11 Best Panama Canal Tours From Panama City 2023
• 11 Best Panama City Boat Tours Panama: Cruises, Canoes & More

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Playa Venao To Bocas Del Toro: Conclusion

I hope this transportation guide has been helpful in guiding you to plan your Panama trip. Bocas del Toro is a beautiful location and somewhere which shouldn’t be missed. 

It is a little far from Playa Venao which is why we suggest breaking up the journey with a stop in Boquete. Otherwise, make sure you’re up nice and early and be sure to book a hotel in Almirante for the night of your arrival (unless by some miracle you make the last water taxi at 6 pm).

Good Luck!