Puntarenas is about two hours from San José by car or bus along the CA1 and then the Costanera highway. Direct buses run frequently from San José's Terminal Puntarenas (Calle 16, Avenida 10/12) — journey time is about two hours. The bus drops you at the main terminal near the market, a short walk from the ferry docks and the Paseo.
By car from San José, take the CA1 west and then follow signs toward Puntarenas — the route is straightforward. Parking in town can be tight near the ferry terminal during peak hours.
There is no commercial airport in Puntarenas; the nearest airports are Juan Santamaría International in San José and Liberia Airport in Guanacaste.