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How to get from San Jose to La Fortuna
La Fortuna is located about 130 kilometres (80 miles) northwest of San José. You can travel this distance from San Jose to La Fortuna by a shared or private minivan (between 3 and 5 hours) and by a direct or indirect bus (between 4 and 6 hours). Ticket costs range from $4.00 (2,000 CRC) to $145.00 (78,000 CRC).
Read on for a detailed breakdown of how to get to La Fortuna by minivan, taxi, private transfer or bus— including schedules and where to book your tickets.
TIP: Our compact La Fortuna guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your vacation to La Fortuna!
4 ways to get from San Jose Costa Rica to La Fortuna
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 Minivan
Taking the minivan from San Jose to La Fortuna is the most popular option. It’s the fastest way to get to La Fortuna and it comes with the advantage of free hotel pick-up/drop-off. The journey takes between 3-5 hours and minivan rates start from $38 (22,000 CRC).
Coming from the airport? You can even book a van 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 on this route 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 Private Transfer
If you travel 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 $145.00 (78,000 CRC) — that’s just around $24.00 (13,000 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 $275.00 (148,000 CRC).
Check Private Transfers with BookAway
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 $4.00 (2,000 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.
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
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure time to secure tickets. You can buy the tickets at the ticketing centre on the terminal’s top floor or directly on the bus.
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 (Costa Rica) 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. It’s just $2 more expensive than a direct bus with combined rates from $6.00 (3,000 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 $3.50 (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.
Bus schedule from San Jose to Ciudad Quesada
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:
- via El Tanque to the north (a bit faster)
- via Chachagua to the south (more scenic)
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 05:00 to 19:30. A ticket costs $2.50 (1,000 CRC) and you can buy them from the bus driver.
Bus schedule from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna
All buses park at La Fortuna Terminal, situated in the town centre.
Our favourite places to stay in La Fortuna
Casa Luna Hotel - Treat 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 $80 per night
Condo’s Vista Al Volcan - Mid Range
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 between $50-$80 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-$80 per night
Arenal Xilopalo - Budget Friendly
The view on Arenal Volcano should already be enough to convince you to stay at Arenal Xilopalo. Enjoy the tasty breakfast with a 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 on Arenal Volcano
- Bicycles for rent
- Perfect location
- Helpful and friendly staff
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
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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.
