By road, Limón and Cartago, Costa Rica are about 90 miles (145 km) apart, or roughly 3 h 14 min of driving.
Full advisory: Costa Rica. Advisory issued: Costa Rica April 02, 2026; checked October 10, 2026.
On the roads, the State Department says:
- Costa Rica: “Do not drive through water if you can't see its depth.”
| Total distance | 90 mi (145 km) |
|---|---|
| Time at the wheel, no stops | 3 h 14 min |
| Provinces on the route | Limón, Cartago |
| Fuel estimate (car at 25 mpg) | about 3.6 gal; actual use varies by vehicle and traffic |
| Stops listed below | 4 |
The Limón–Cartago drive in a few lines
It runs through 2 provinces: Limón, Cartago. None of the 4 stops below is right on the road, so plan each as a short side trip.
Limón to Cartago: the road sequence
| Road | Route miles (from–to) | Length, mi | Province |
|---|---|---|---|
| local roads | 0–90 | 90 | Limón, Cartago |
- Mile 50 of this route: Limón → Cartago (province line)
Stops between Limón and Cartago
Barbilla National Park
On the eastern slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca, Barbilla National Park belongs to the Caribbean La Amistad Conservation Area; it became a biological preserve in 1982 and a national park in 1998.
Guayabo National Monument
Near Turrialba in Cartago Province, Guayabo National Monument is an archaeological site on the southern slope of Turrialba Volcano.
Turrialba Volcano National Park
Turrialba Volcano National Park covers the area around Turrialba Volcano in Cartago Province, within Costa Rica's Central Conservation Area. Major eruptions took place between 1864 and 1868.
Tapantí National Park
On the edge of the Talamanca Range near Cartago, Tapantí National Park protects forests north of Chirripó National Park and part of the Orosí River.
When you get to Cartago
Lankester Botanical Garden
Outside Cartago, the University of Costa Rica runs Lankester Botanical Garden as a research center focused on orchids, and the gardens are open to the public.
Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, Cartago
Our Lady of Carmel Cathedral, also called Cartago Cathedral, is a Catholic church in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, Cartago
In the city of Cartago, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels is a Catholic basilica dedicated to the Virgen de los Ángeles; it dates to 1639 and was partly destroyed by an earthquake.
More drives to Cartago
- San Isidro to Cartago, Costa Rica
- Puntarenas to Cartago, Costa Rica
- Panama City to Cartago, Costa Rica
- Colón, Panama to Cartago, Costa Rica
From Limón to other places in Costa Rica
- Limón to Tortuguero
- Limón to Alajuela
- Limón to San Isidro
- Limón to Puntarenas
- Limón to Manuel Antonio
- Limón to Santa Elena
Continue Your Adventure
- Cartago, Costa Rica to Santa Elena Road Trip: Route & Stops
- Cartago, Costa Rica to Finca Sonador Road Trip: Route & Stops
- Cartago, Costa Rica to Tortuguero Road Trip: Route & Stops
- Cartago, Costa Rica to Parismina Road Trip: Stops & Drive Time
- Cartago, Costa Rica to Pochote Road Trip: Stops Along the Way
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Limón to Cartago, Costa Rica?
About 3 h 14 min of driving without stops, over 90 miles.
What is the driving distance from Limón to Cartago, Costa Rica?
About 90 miles (145 km) on the Wayro route. Other map services may show a few miles more or less, depending on where they start and end in each city.
What does the U.S. travel advisory say about the Limón to Cartago drive?
The U.S. State Department rates Costa Rica Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Read the full advisory before you go.
Where can you stop on the way from Limón to Cartago?
Closest to the road: Barbilla National Park (national park, mile 24, 9 mi from the route); Guayabo National Monument (protected area, mile 66, 5 mi from the route); Tapantí National Park (national park, mile 81, 7 mi from the route). All stops are described above.
How we put this guide together
Wayro calculates the route from OpenStreetMap road data; mile numbers are positions along this route, not highway markers, and "from the route" distances are straight-line, so the real detour depends on access roads. Stops are chosen from parks, natural sites, museums, historic sites and attractions close to the route: at least one strong stop for each stretch of the drive, then the best-known places nearest the road, up to nine in all. Places that are closed, private or not open to visitors are removed. Place descriptions are written by the Wayro team from official park, museum, tourism and government websites and other published sources. Safety levels and entry rules were checked against the U.S. Department of State on October 10, 2026. Conditions change, so check the linked sources before you travel.
Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors.