How to get from San José to La Fortuna

Gateway to Costa Rica’s awe-inspring Arenal volcano, La Fortuna makes the ideal base if you’re looking to explore one of the country’s most beautiful national parks. With that in mind, read on to find out how to get from San José to La Fortuna, where incredible hot springs and epic hikes await.

How to get from San José to La Fortuna 

In good news for visitors who arrive in Costa Rica’s capital hoping to experience the varied activities around Arenal volcano, there are a few ways to get from San José to La Fortuna. Better still, there are options to suit all budgets.

First up, you can fly there in a mere 30 minutes. Once you've landed, a short transfer from Arenal airport will take you to the centre of town.

Alternatively, you could get from San José to La Fortuna via road, covering 81 miles (130 km) in a rental car, shared shuttle bus, or public bus.  

Planning a longer trip around Costa Rica? Make sure to check out our Costa Rica itineraries. 

What's the quickest way to get from San Josè to La Fortuna?

By some margin, the quickest way to get from San Jose to La Fortuna is to take a domestic flight. In around 30 minutes, you’ll have escaped the capital for La Fortuna's quieter climes.

The second quickest option is to drive (3-4 hours), or take a group shuttle service (4 hours).

The slowest, cheapest option is to take a public bus. This can take from four to six hours. 

Want the best of both worlds? Our customisable Beaches and Volcanoes trip takes you from Arenal to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Rough Guides tip: Before you go, arm yourself with tips on getting around Costa Rica. 

By shared shuttle bus

Duration: 4-5 hours | Cost: from $50

Given that this route is popular with tourists, lots of group shuttle services are available to get you from San José to La Fortuna.

Faster than public buses, and cheaper than a private transfer or flying, group shuttles offer the best balance overall. 

If you choose a direct option, it will take around four hours to get from San José to La Fortuna.

With buses operating from the airport and stations in downtown San José, they’re also pretty convenient. 

As for the cost, this varies from season to season, depending on the demand, but expect to pay $50 to $60 per person. 

Love outdoor adventuring? Discover the best hikes around Arenal volcano, and throughout Costa Rica.

By public bus

Duration: 4-6 hours | Cost: from $5 

Though the cheapest way to get from San José to La Fortuna, be aware that the public bus service is also the longest option, and can take up to six hours.

This is due to the multiple stops the buses make along the way. What’s more, these tend to become pretty packed, which can make for a less-than-comfortable experience. 

You should also be aware that you can’t buy tickets online in advance. Rather, you need to buy them at the main terminal in San José. 

Our tip is to get to the terminal as early as possible before the 8.40am departure time. And we mean early — tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, and the service is used by lots of locals.

With just 50 seats per bus (plus room for 20 standing passengers), you won't want to miss out on bagging your spot!

Expect to arrive in La Fortuna between noon and 1pm.

By rental car

Duration: 3-4 hours | Cost: car hire from $40 a day

Given that the route is so incredibly scenic, taking to the open road is a great way to get from San José to La Fortuna. 

This is especially the case if you’re not in a huge hurry and believe the journey is every bit as important as the destination.

Though driving takes a few more hours than flying (more on that below), being able to stop off to be wowed by waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and venture into cloud forests will inject further adventure to your Costa Rica experience.

Keen to make the most of your time around La Fortuna? Discover the best Arenal volcano tours.

By plane

Duration: 30 minutes | Cost: from $200 

Looking for the fastest, most direct way to get from San José to La Fortuna? You’ll need to take a plane.

The Sansa flight from Juan Santamaría International Airport will see you land at La Fortuna Arenal Airport after a 30-minute flight.

With the airport located just a few miles east of town, it’s easy to get to La Fortuna town from by bus or taxi. 

Want to spend more time in San José during your Costa Rica stay? Discover the best hotels in San José. You might also was to read up on day trips from San José, and the best beaches around San José.   

Thinking of taking a trip to Costa Rica? Discover the best things to do in Costa Rica, and read The Rough Guide to Costa Rica before getting into the nitty gritty of planning. 

Alternatively, forego the hassle of planning by booking one of our customisable Costa Rica itineraries, or talking to a local expert. 

Top tip: looking for an easy, ultra-immersive way to experience a mix of Costa Rica’s top attractions? Our customisable Tropical Costa Rica trip includes Arenal, Tortuguero National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park.