If you are looking for a place that is full of natural beauty and activity, this is it! La Fortuna is a charming spot to unwind, kick back, and enjoy your daily life without the hustle and bustle of the big city. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna.
Lovers of nature and adventure, rejoice! Nestled just below Arenal Volcano that is watching over from above is the quaint town, La Fortuna, all about leisurely ambling and enjoying life at a slow pace.
La Fortuna is truly a little slice of heaven! You won’t be disappointed with the incredible choice of outdoor activities.
You will be delighted by the beautiful mountains, characterized by their red tones. They give an incredible contrast to their green surroundings!
The pleasant, peaceful little town has been beautifully organized around its famous dormant volcano silhouette. Be sure to enjoy the natural springs here by swimming or taking a dip in one of the therapeutic Jacuzzis — both of which are set against a breathtaking landscape.
Read also:
- Best things to do in la Fortuna
- Top la Fortuna tours and day Trips
- The best la Fortuna hotels in Costa Rica
This small town is a great place to spend your vacation!
So, are you ready?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna.
How far is La Fortuna from Santa Teresa?
The distance from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is 175.5 miles or 282.5 kilometers. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to travel between these two places!
Transportation Options from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
The following table outlines all transportation options from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna | 5 hours | USD 68 |
| Public Bus from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna | 10+ hours | USD 18 |
| Private Transfer from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna | 5 hours and 30 minutes | USD 195 |
| Taxi from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna | 5 hours and 30 minutes | USD 250+ |
| Rental Car from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna | 5 hours and 30 minutes |
Getting to La Fortuna from Santa Teresa
1. Shared Van Shuttle from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours
A trip to La Fortuna can be an adventure and a wonderful experience, but it’s also a long trip that takes you through some remote areas.
To get there, most travelers opt for a shared van shuttle. These shuttles are modern, well-equipped, and have air conditioning so that you can travel comfortably.
The routes are well planned so that you can travel with peace of mind and be sure to arrive safely and on time at your destination.
They are also really cost-effective and inexpensive!
All you need to do is to know when these shuttles leave, get your tickets, and catch your ride!
Interbus Shared Shuttle Schedule:
- 06:45 AM to 11:45 AM: Shared Shuttle to La Fortuna from Santa Teresa
Total price: USD 68
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
2. Public Bus from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 10 hours
Traveling around Costa Rica on a budget? Get to your destination in a cost-effective way by taking the public bus, also known as a collective!
If you are looking for a direct trip, this is not the option, as you have to change buses, so be prepared for some stop-offs along the way.
This is the cheapest option to La Fortuna, and it only costs USD 18, including all the bus tickets!
If you are a bit adventurous or have spare time, taking a public bus is the best option for you to get from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna.
Expect this journey to take about 10 hours.
3. Private Transfer from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
If you are traveling with your family or in a group and want to travel in style and comfort, a private transfer is the way to go!
You can take a private shuttle that will take you straight to your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in La Fortuna, allowing flexibility when picking your departure time. They leave when you want, without having delays or waiting for other people.
It might be a bit pricey, but it’s worth every penny because you won’t have to worry about carrying your luggage, and you can just lay back and enjoy your surroundings. Plus, it’s the fastest way to get to reach your destination!
Sit back, relax, enjoy your trip in comfortable, modern vehicles, and arrive safely at your accommodation in La Fortuna!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
If you want to go to La Fortuna after your Surf trip in Santa Teresa and don’t want to go through the hassle of buses or other shared transport, then renting a car is the best choice. You won’t have to worry about trying to catch a taxi or having to share a shuttle with other passengers.
This option is also great if you are planning a longer trip and don’t want to leave any place unseen. Explore Costa Rica on your own schedule with a car rental from Santa Teresa!
While the travel time on this route is long, the drive itself is extremely beautiful and offers quite a few stopping points along the way.
Just open your GPS (or grab a map!), and it will be easy to make it all the way to La Fortuna.
It is strongly recommended to book your car in advance to guarantee availability.
5. Taxi or Uber from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Hiring a taxi from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is the most expensive option. Although it is the easiest and fastest way to get where you are going, it is only cost-effective if you have someone to share the costs with.
Prices for this transportation method vary by taxi company and by the time of day, and also the traffic you come across along the way. It might be best to try and agree on a fixed price from the start if that is possible.
Keep in mind that most Costa Rican taxi drivers will overcharge tourists, so make sure you find a good one that is honest and reliable with the prices.
Best day tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Fortuna worth visiting?
There’s no doubt that La Fortuna is worth the trip! While it is costly, certain activities can be undertaken on a budget.
How far is La Fortuna from the beach?
Unfortunately, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, has no beaches nearby. It takes about three hours to get to Puntarenas, one of the closest coastal cities. Staying in La Fortuna for your entire vacation in Costa Rica and planning to visit the beach? Be sure to add an extra day to your schedule since the excursion to the coast will last the entire day.
What is La Fortuna known for?
If zip lining and hanging bridges are on your list of things to do, La Fortuna is one of the best places in the country for these activities. On top of experiencing the rainforest canopy from above on zip-line cables or hanging bridges, you will also get incredible views of the volcano or lake.
How do you get around La Fortuna without a car?
Those without a vehicle can rent bicycles or scooters, take public transport, or take a taxi. The location of La Fortuna puts you very close to numerous restaurants, shopping centers, and tour operators. If you are going on a tour, your tour operator will often pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation before and after the tour.
Is Uber available in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
The Uber app is widely available in La Fortuna as of March 2020, and it’s significantly less expensive than red taxis and private transfers. As well as in the city of La Fortuna, Uber appears to be widely available in the surrounding areas near the main roads.
Leave a comment