San Jose to La Fortuna
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What to expect when visiting 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 very 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.
7 ways to get from San Jose to La Fortuna
There are seven ways to travel the distance of 160 km (99 miles) from San Jose to La Fortuna: by direct bus (4-5 hours), minivan (3h-4h40m), private transfer (3 hours), flight (1h10m), indirect bus (1h10m), day trip (14 hours) and car rental (3.5 hours). The journey takes between 1h10m - 14h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from $4 (2,000 CRC) for the direct bus.Where to stay in La Fortuna?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in La Fortuna at the bottom of this page.
San Jose to La Fortuna by Direct Bus
The direct bus is the cheapest option for the San Jose to La Fortuna route, but unlike the minivan, you’ll need to travel to and from the bus terminals. Ticket prices start from only $5.50 (3,000 CRC) and travel time is around 4 hours, sometimes longer depending on traffic.
Operated by Autotransportes San Carlos, there is only one direct bus available daily and it departs every morning at 08:40. Note that it is not airconditioned, and the heat can be uncomfortable.
Departure and arrival station
The bus departs from Terminal 7-10 in San Jose city centre. Upon arrival at the bus station, be aware of scammers. They will tell you that the bus has already left and will then offer expensive taxi rides. Immediately look for the bus or head to the ticket counter.
You will be dropped off at La Fortuna Bus Station, which is just within walking distance from most accommodations in La Fortuna.
Direct bus schedule from San Jose to La Fortuna
You can only buy tickets at the bus terminal, online reservations are not available. Keep in mind that this route is popular not just for tourists, but also among locals. We recommend arriving 30 minutes to 1 hour before departure time to secure tickets.
On weekends or during the busy season, it’s possible for the bus to be too full, so some passengers will have no choice but to stand. If you’re among the standing passengers, we recommend that you just ditch that direct bus and take an indirect bus instead.
Bus personnel might tell you that you’ll be able to sit after a while. But in reality, there’s a high chance you won’t get to sit at all during the 4-hour journey.
Alternative: Direct Bus from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna
When coming from Juan Santamaria International Airport, you don’t have to go all the way to San Jose city centre to take the bus. There is also one direct bus departing for La Fortuna from La Radial Bus Station, which is less than 2 km away from the airport.
The thing is, this direct bus departs at 06:50 in the morning. That means you can only take it if you arrive very early at San Jose Airport, or if you spend the night in the area.
A bus ticket from La Radial to La Fortuna costs about $4 (2,000 CRC). The bus journey takes around 3 hours.
If you arrive at the airport later in the day — but still before lunch — you can still take the bus from La Radial, but only up to Ciudad Quesada. From here, you can take another bus to La Fortuna. Check out the next section by indirect bus for more details.
PRO TIP: Local travel links, including the bus station in San Jose, can attract thieves, so keep your belongings in sight. Don't board the bus until your bigger bags are inside the luggage compartment, and be sure to get your luggage ticket. It's best to keep smaller bags, containing your valuables, in front of you or between your feet, instead of in overhead storage.
San Jose to La Fortuna by Indirect Bus
The indirect bus via Ciudad Quesada is a good alternative if you don’t like to plan and would rather just show up at the bus terminal. You will have to take two buses, but it comes with the advantage that buses depart more frequently. This option is just $1.50 more expensive than a direct bus with combined rates from $7 (4,000 CRC).
When taking the indirect bus journey from San Jose to La Fortuna, you will first take a bus from San Jose to Ciudad Quesada and then another bus from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna. Total travel time is 5-6 hours.
Step 1: San Jose to Ciudad Quesada by Bus
Ciudad Quesada is a district located 95 km northwest of San Jose.
The buses bound for Ciudad Quesada also depart from Terminal 7-10. These buses are available from 05:00 until 18:00 with a 40-minute interval.
There is also no need to buy a ticket beforehand. You can buy them from the driver for around $4.20 (2,000 CRC). Travel time from San Jose to Ciudad Quesada is almost 4 hours, but the ride can take longer depending on the traffic.
Indirect Bus options from San Jose to La Fortuna
Upon arriving at Ciudad Quesada Bus Terminal, you can directly transfer to another bus heading to La Fortuna.
Step 2: Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna by Bus
For the second part of this journey, you can choose between two bus routes from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna:
The routes via El Tanque and Chachagua cost the same and take the same time.
Travel time from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna takes around 1.5 hours. If you cannot decide which route to take, just take the next departing bus.
Buses are available from 04:00 to 21:30. A ticket costs $2.80 (1,000 CRC) and you can buy them from the bus driver.
Indirect Bus options from San Jose to La Fortuna
All buses park at La Fortuna Terminal, situated in the town centre.
Alternative: Indirect Bus from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna
You can also take an indirect bus from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna. It’s basically the same process, you’ll just have to take the bus from the bus terminal in La Radial, instead of Terminal 7-10 in San Jose centre.
Here’s how your journey will go:
Combined travel time by indirect bus from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna is around 5 hours.
San Jose to La Fortuna by Car Rental
Driving from San Jose to La Fortuna is also possible. The roads between the two cities are paved and easy to manoeuvre, even for tourists. Still, it’s best to drive only when you plan to arrive in La Fortuna before 17:00.
We don’t recommend driving this route at night. It gets dark pretty early in this region. And there are a lot of twists and turns in some areas, which might not be safe if you’re not familiar with the roads. Also, there are plenty of trucks taking these roads at night!
Why rent a car from San Jose to La Fortuna
We especially recommend renting a car when you’re coming back to San Jose after visiting La Fortuna. Car rental prices are cheaper that way — about 1/4 the price compared to when you’re dropping off the car in La Fortuna.
If you’re travelling in a group, your rental car can also come in handy when exploring La Fortuna. The town centre itself is just a few blocks of accommodations and places to eat. Its highlights, however, are far apart.
You’ll need a car (or a motorbike) to travel between Arenal Volcano, Chato Volcano, Fortuna Waterfalls, El Salto, and the town’s other attractions.
There are taxis in town, but they can be expensive, even for short distances. Buses are also available, but don’t depart frequently. So having your own car can definitely help you do more and go to more places!
Where to rent a car in San Jose
There are plenty of car rental shops in Costa Rica’s capital city or at San Jose Airport. You should be able to rent a car whether you plan to return to San Jose or not. Just expect additional costs when you drop off the vehicle in another city, like La Fortuna.
You can ask your hotel for recommendations on where to rent a car, or you can just find one online.
We normally recommend checking Skyscanner for the best car rental prices (and flights), but occasionally you might find even better prices on Kayak. Both are reliable search engines which make it easy to search for the cheapest car deals and apply relevant filters.
One-day car rental costs around $25 (13,000 CRC) per day when you’re returning the car to San Jose. If you’re dropping off the car in La Fortuna or elsewhere in Costa Rica, rental prices are significantly more expensive, starting at $115 (60,000 CRC) on the first day.
Check Car Rentals on Skyscanner
Driving directions from San Jose to La Fortuna
There are two routes you can take when driving from San Jose to La Fortuna: via San Ramon and via Ciudad Quesada. San Ramon is the most direct, and usually the route that will be recommended to you when you use Waze or Google Maps.
From San Jose, take the Pan-American Highway (Carretera Interamericana) going to Puntarenas. Exit at San Ramon. Drive through the town and continue on to Route 702. In case your Waze stops working, don’t worry. There will be plenty of road signs pointing the right way to La Fortuna.
Prepare for winding roads (and amazing landscapes) as you enter Route 702. These roads are still paved, but we recommend driving a bit slower for safety.
The entire drive from San Jose to La Fortuna takes about 3.5 hours, unless you decide to make a stop along the way — something you are definitely free to do when renting your own car!
San Jose to La Fortuna by Minivan
Taking a minivan shuttle from San Jose to La Fortuna is the most popular option, and also the best way to travel this route.
With a shuttle, you get an airconditioned ride that comes with free hotel pick-up/drop-off. The journey takes between 3-5 hours and minivan rates start from $36 (19,000 CRC).
Coming from the airport? You can even book a shuttle that picks you up for free at San Jose Airport. When you arrive, the driver will be waiting at the arrival hall holding a sign with your name on it. This way, you won’t need to spend an extra night in the city of San Jose and also save yourself taxi costs.
There are several companies operating minivan shuttles from San Jose to La Fortuna. Below, we give an overview of the schedule of the recommended companies.
Shared minivan schedule from San Jose to La Fortuna
These minivan operators get good reviews on BookAway, but note that some of them require a minimum of 2-3 passengers onboard before leaving.
San Jose to La Fortuna by Flight
You can also take a flight from San Jose to La Fortuna, but we don’t really recommend it. When you include the airport transfers and the waiting time at the airport, you don’t really get to save time or money with this option.
Still want to take a flight? Read on for a step-by-step guide.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: San Jose City Centre to San Jose Airport by Bus or Taxi
San Jose Airport, also called Juan Santamaria International Airport, is 15 km northwest of San Jose city centre. You can get there in 2 ways: a 40-minute bus or a 30-minute taxi.
On a budget? A bus ride only costs $1.50 (1,000 CRC) and it departs frequently throughout the day. Buses are available at TUASA Terminal every 10 minutes from 04:00 to 23:00. Just look for any of these two bus companies: TUASA (coloured red and white) and Station Wagon (coloured orange and yellow).
A taxi ride is more expensive with rates from $25 (13,000 CRC), but also more convenient because you don’t need to go to the bus terminal. You can just hail a taxi from the street or through the ride-hailing app Uber.
PRO TIP: While Uber is widely used in Costa Rica, it is still not entirely legal. There have been rare cases of Uber rides being stopped in the middle of the journey, not something you’d like to risk when in a hurry to make it to your flight. It’s best to confirm with your hotel whether it’s safe to use Uber before booking a ride.
Step 2: San Jose to La Fortuna by Flight
Sansa Airlines operates one daily flight from San Jose to La Fortuna. This departs at 12:00 noon every day.
Airfares start from $100 (53,000 CRC) and flight time is around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Step 3: La Fortuna Airport to La Fortuna City Centre
All flights arrive at Arenal Airport, about 8 km east of La Fortuna centre. The best way to get to your hotel would be to take a taxi.
Expect to pay around $15 (8,000 CRC) for the 20-minute taxi ride.
San Jose to La Fortuna by Private Transfer
If you travel from San Jose to La Fortuna in a group, a private transfer is often more convenient. There’s no need to pick up other guests and the driver will bring you straight from your hotel or San Jose Airport to your accommodation in La Fortuna. Also, a private minivan is already cheaper if you travel with 3 or more people.
Private minivans for 6 people usually cost $135 (70,000 CRC) — that’s just around $22 (12,000 CRC) per person if you’re in a group of 6. Bigger vehicles are also available for larger groups of up to 18 people and these vans cost around $330 (174,000 CRC).
San Jose to La Fortuna by Day Trip
Short on time? You can also visit La Fortuna via a day trip from San Jose. This group tour takes around 14 hours, including roundtrip transfers. We don’t think that’s enough time to fully explore La Fortuna, to be honest. But good enough if you really don’t have more time to spare.
We recommend booking your day trip with GetYourGuide, which will allow you to enjoy the best of La Fortuna: La Paz and San Fernando Waterfalls, hot springs on the base of Arenal Volcano, zip lining, wildlife sighting, and authentic Costa Rican lunch and dinner, among others.
Prices start from $170 (88,000 CRC) per person.
Our favourite places to stay in La Fortuna
Casa Luna Hotel - Treating Yourself
This place is just wow! It’s the epitome of luxury, all whilst being surrounded by nothing but nature and tropical gardens. This eco-friendly hotel offers a number of outdoor pools, hot springs, spa and a grill restaurant.
After a relaxing treatment at the spa, slip on your robe and flop onto your comfy bed in your spacious room. The staff here are super friendly and will help you with anything they can. You won’t want to leave this private tropical oasis.
- Hot springs and outdoor pools
- Onsite grill restaurant
- Stunning gardens and views
- Includes a very tasty breakfast
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Condo’s Vista Al Volcan - Treating Yourself
This hotel offers more than just a standard room. You’ll get to stay in a fully equipped apartment, for a very reasonable price. Each apartment has its own sitting area, TV and kitchen. It’s your private space to retreat to after a day of adventure in La Fortuna.
On top of that, you’ll also have access to a great gym that includes most of the equipment that goes way beyond the typical hotel gym! Then after you’ve worked up a sweat, you can relax on the hotel’s terrace, or play a game of snooker.
- Fully-equipped apartments
- Amazing onsite gym
- Great location
- Games area
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Hotel Secreto - Mid Range
Hotel Secreto feels like a mini oasis, surrounded by lush plants and views of Arenal Volcano. There are not many places where you can lounge in a swimming pool, or hot tub, and admire views of a 1,600m volcano. Well here you can!
The large glass doors of the rooms mean you’re never shut away from the glorious views either. They’re large, modern and clean. Every morning you can start the day right by enjoying their delicious free breakfast.
- Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
- Delicious breakfast included
- Bright and clean rooms
- Stunning hotel landscape and views
Double rooms between $50-$90 per night
Arenal Xilopalo - Budget Friendly
The view of Arenal Volcano should already be enough to convince you to stay at Arenal Xilopalo. Enjoy the tasty breakfast with an unobstructed view of the volcano whilst listening to the chirping birds in the trees.
The rooms match the vibe of La Fortuna, boasting a rustic and natural design. Every room is clean, spacious and includes extras like a coffee machine and fridge. The location of the hotel is also perfect.
- Amazing view of Arenal Volcano
- Bicycles for rent
- Perfect location
- Helpful and friendly staff
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose to La Fortuna
What to expect when visiting La Fortuna?
Located northwest of the capital San Jose, La Fortuna is a quiet little town in Alajuela Province. Its name translates to” The Fortune”, referring to its fertile lands and abundant natural wonders.
La Fortuna is also the gateway to the famous Arenal Volcano National Park. You can find here 2 volcanoes – the still-very-active Arenal and the dormant Chato – as well as the 70-metre-high La Fortuna Waterfalls.
Both are tucked in lush jungle, making it an adventure to reach the falls while keeping an eye out for the wildlife. The park is home to an abundant amount of birds and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot a few sloths and toucans in La Fortuna’s rainforest.
What are the top things to do in La Fortuna?
There are so many different activities to do in La Fortuna. You can go white-water rafting, go off-road with an ATV tour, climb a volcano or two, relax at Tabacon Hot Springs, go zip lining or become a kid again and visit one of the best waterparks in Costa Rica. If you love adventure,
Make sure to have a look at our blog post with the top 17 things to do in La Fortuna. It’s truly amazing how much La Fortuna has to offer.
How is the nightlife in La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica and is mainly known for its famous vulcano and national park. Therefore, don’t expect the same vibrant nightlife you’ll find in other Costa Rican destinations like Santa Teresa or Tamerindo.
Most of the bars in La Fortuna have a more laid-back culture. You can enjoy your food while listening to live music and mingle with other travellers and locals. If you want to dance till late in the night, you can visit Volcan Look Discotheque, which is about a 5km ride from La Fortuna centre. It’s one of Costa Rica’s larger clubs and is open from Thusrday to Saturday.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from San Jose 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!
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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.
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