How to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna
Why visit La Fortuna?
La Fortuna translates to “The Fortune” in English, which seems pretty accurate as you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot while visiting here. As the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna attracts hiking and nature lovers eagerly waiting to explore the park’s two volcanoes — the still active Arenal and the inactive dormant Chato.
And let’s not forget about the incredible views that this laidback town is blessed with too. From virtually any spot in La Fortuna, you can see Arenal Volcano standing guard over the area.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna?
There are 3 ways to travel the 270 kilometre (168 miles) distance from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 4 hours 50 minutes to 9 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 11,000 CRC ($24).
Where to stay in La Fortuna?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in La Fortuna.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna by Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna. Combined rates start from as low as 11,000 CRC ($24). However, there are no direct buses for this route, so you’ll need to take three buses.
The transfers are straightforward, but the journey will take at least 9 hours 40 minutes — that’s almost double the time of a direct minivan ride.
You’ll also have to go out of the way to San Jose if you want to travel completely by bus. We’ll leave it to you to decide whether the savings are worth this long journey.
Step 1: Bus from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose
First, you’ll have to take the bus for 4h 30m from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to the capital city of San Jose. That’s roughly a 220 km ride northwest.
Autotransportes MEPE offers several daily trips from 02:00 to 15:00. We recommend that you take one of the earlier buses. It’s easier and safer to travel on unknown roads during the day. Keep in mind that you have to be in San Jose before 18:00 to be able to catch a connecting bus.
Buses depart from MEPE Bus Stop in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca city centre. You can buy your tickets at the terminal for 6,800 CRC ($14.50).
Buses arrive at Terminal Atlantico Norte in San Jose city centre.
For more info, you can also check out our page for Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose.
Step 2: Bus from San Jose to Ciudad Quesada
Buses operating from San Jose to Ciudad Quesada depart from Terminal Atlantico Norte, the same terminal you arrive at from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
From San Jose, there is only one bus that goes straight to La Fortuna. This departs at 08:00 in the morning. You can catch this only if you take the earliest bus from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which departs at 2:00 AM.
If you start your journey at a later time, then you can instead take an indirect bus via Ciudad Quesada, a town about 95 km north of San Jose. Bus trips for this route are more frequent.
Buses depart every 20 to 50 minutes, starting from 04:30 on weekdays and 05:00 on weekends, with the last departure at 18:00. Tickets cost about 2,860 CRC ($6.10) and are available at the bus station.
Buses park at Ciudad Quesada Bus Terminal after around 3h 40m.
Step 3: Bus from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna
You can find your connecting bus to La Fortuna at the same bus station you arrive at in Ciudad Quesada.
There are two bus routes from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna — one is via El Tanque (a little bit faster) and another one is via Chachagua (more scenic). If you don’t have a preference, just hop on the earliest bus available. Buses run daily from 04:00 to 22:00.
Ticket prices start from 1,550 CRC ($3.30) and you can buy them from the driver. You will be dropped off at La Fortuna Terminal in the town centre.
PRO TIP: The bus trip can be tiring, but it’s important to keep an eye on your luggage. Bag thieves are plenty, especially in San Jose. When storing you bigger bags at the luggage compartment, make sure they’re in before boarding the bus and don’t forget to get your luggage ticket. Keep your valuables in a smaller bag on your lap — this is safer than using the overhead bin.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna by Minivan
The minivan shuttle is the most convenient option for solo travellers and small groups. Shared minivans are door-to-door transfers so you can just wait to be picked up at your hotel. With a minivan, you can get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna in 5 to 6 hours.
It’s a bit expensive with rates from 36,000 CRC ($77), but well worth the time and hassle you save compared to taking a 9.5-hour indirect bus.
Some of the trusted minivan companies operating on this route are Interbus and Best Travel Puerto Viejo.
Minivan schedule from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna
We recommend booking your ride online through BookAway so you won’t have to go to the minivan company’s office just to buy your tickets.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna. Rates start from 128,000 CRC ($275) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 43,000 CRC ($91) per person.
If you’re in a group of at least six people, getting a private transfer is a bit cheaper than a shared minivan shuttle.
You can ask for your accommodation’s help in finding a trusted driver or you can book a private transfer online through BookAway.
Private Transport options from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna
What is the distance from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna?
The distance from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna is 270 kilometre (168 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna?
The fastest way to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna is by private transport and takes 4 hours 50 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna is by bus with ticket costs starting from 11,000 CRC ($24).
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
