5 Ways to Get from San José to La Fortuna, Costa Rica

If you’re going to Costa Rica, spending a few days near La Fortuna is a must. This small town serves as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park and a hub for a number of adventurous excursions (think hiking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, waterfall rappelling…). Getting around Costa Rica does take a bit of time and planning, however. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best options to get from San José airport to your lodging in La Fortuna. 

About La Fortuna

La Fortuna is the town near Arenal Volcano National Park and Lake Arenal where you’ll find an abundance of wildlife, serene views, and hot springs.

This area is located to the northwest of Costa Ricas’s capital of San José, where you’re likely to be arriving into the country (the other international airport is in Liberia near the west coast). The drive from the airport is about 2 hours 45 minutes without taking a break, but can take longer in the rainy season.

Quick Overview of Transportation Options

1. Rent a car (or preferably an SUV) - this is ideal if you see yourself spending a lot of time exploring the rural areas or navigating between different parts of Costa Rica. The trip takes 2.5-3 hours by car.
2. Hire a private shuttle - if you don’t want to deal with driving yourself, this will be another fast option, and you’ll have the benefit of a local driver who can impart some cultural gems and points of interest along the way.
3. Book a shared shuttle - a longer but more economical approach 
4. Take the public bus - the most economical mode of transport, but quite a bit longer (4-5 hours) and bus options are limited.
5. Fly a regional airline - the fastest route if the timing happens to line up in your itinerary and there are no weather delays.

Option 1: Rent a Car in San José

You might hear that you need a 4x4 to get around Costa Rica, but this generally isn’t the case if you are driving on major roads. While the highways are overall in good condition, opting for an SUV rental is smart if you can swing it, especially during the rainy season.

The most direct route from San José to La Fortuna is Route 1 to Route 702. You’ll pass through some toll booths as you leave San Jose that accept cards and USD, so no need to change money at the airport. Be prepared for frequent turns and foggy conditions as you drive up into the mountains. 

Option 2: Hire a Private Shuttle from San José to La Fortuna 

We hired a driver on our first trip as we weren’t sure what to expect with the road conditions during the wet season. While we found we found have made the drive ourselves, we enjoyed not having the responsibility a rental car. Your driver can make recommendations to you and give you some insight into what Costa Rica is like as a local. Additionally, when you stop for a break along the drive, they will be able to watch the car or know where to stop with a parking lot attendant to ensure your things are safe.

A private shuttle generally starts around $170 for a group of 6-8 passengers. There are several companies you can find, but some don't publish their prices or offer online booking. Other tour operators such as Fortuna Expeditions have more user-friendly sites.

Option 3: Take a Shared La Fortuna Shuttle

If you’re traveling with just one or two people and don’t want to drive yourself, a shared shuttle would be my recommendation. It will take a little longer than a private shuttle but will be more affordable, running around $50 per person. The driver will stop midway through the trip for a restroom and snack break. The downside here is that companies have set times that they depart, so if you are wanting to transfer straight form the airport, it may not work well with your flight schedule. Companies generally depart from San José around 8am and 3pm, but check their website for exact times.

Option 4: Take the public bus

The public bus is the cheapest option by far, though the ride takes 4-5 hours and you cannot purchase tickets online in advance. The bus to La Fortuna also departs from downtown San José, so you first have to take a city bus or taxi downtown if you're coming from the airport. There are a few departures throughout the morning. You can find the bus scheduled here.

Option 5: Fly a local airline

You can theoretically fly from San Jose to Fortuna, but as far as I’m aware, there are no direct flights. Sansa Regional connects through Liberia or Tortuguero before continuing onto Fortuna. These routes run between 1h15min to 2.5 hours depending on the time and cost around $100. This probably wouldn’t be my recommendation during the rainy season due to risk of flight cancellation, but if you're opposed to sitting in a car, it's an option.

My Final Thoughts on Getting to La Fortuna from San José

If you're planning to explore several regions of Costa Rica, you're probably best off renting a car rather than paying for individual transfers between hotels. But we do love the convenience of not dealing with a rental, so if you'd rather go without, I would recommend a shared shuttle for an individual or couple, or a private shuttle for a larger group.

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

Here are a few of our favorite lodging options in La Fortuna. There's a huge range of options from budget hostels to ultra-luxury resorts, and a more comprehensive hotel guide is coming soon!