Tortuguero has no road access. Most travellers arrive by a combination of road and boat, usually through La Pavona or Cano Blanco, or by organised lodge transfer from San Jose. The boat ride is part of the experience, passing lowland farms, river channels, and forest edges before reaching the village.
There is also a small airstrip near Tortuguero with flights at times, but schedules change. If you are travelling independently, confirm the current boat departure times before leaving San Jose or Puerto Limon, and carry cash for local boats and park tickets.