Are you thinking about taking a trip to Costa Rica? There is no better place to go in Costa Rica if you’re looking for adventure than La Fortuna! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to La Fortuna.
Are you ready for some of the best outdoor adventures of your life? Grab your boots, bathing suit, and hat because it’s time to make your way to the small town of La Fortuna!
La Fortuna is a town nestled in the northwest corner of Costa Rica at the base of the dormant volcano Arenal. Surrounded by a thick jungle and abundant wildlife, La Fortuna is a great home base for various adventure activities in Costa Rica.
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For good reasons, the Arenal area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. There’s a lot to see and do in the scenic areas around this town!
You could spend days exploring this place’s hiking trails, hot springs, and volcano viewing opportunities!
Why don’t you book a tour and experience all there is to see? With this tour from La Fortuna, you’ll experience three incredible activities.
Wander the trails of the Arenal Volcano, view the cascades of La Fortuna waterfall, and cross suspension bridges in the rainforest canopy at the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park!
Read also:
- Best things to do in la Fortuna
- Top la Fortuna tours and day Trips
- The best la Fortuna hotels in Costa Rica
What are you waiting for?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Tamarindo to La Fortuna, and here you can find more information about getting around in Costa Rica.
How far is Tamarindo from La Fortuna?
The distance from Tamarindo to La Fortuna is 129.3 miles or 208.1 kilometers. It can take a 4 to 5-hour drive, depending on your chosen vehicle.
Transportation Options from Tamarindo to La Fortuna
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tamarindo to La Fortuna:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Van Shuttle from Tamarindo to La Fortuna | 5.5 hours | USD 55 to 59 |
| Public Bus from Tamarindo to La Fortuna | 7 hours | USD 11 |
| Private Transfer from Tamarindo to La Fortuna | 3 hours 45 minutes | USD 305 |
| Driving with Rental Car from Tamarindo to La Fortuna | 3 hours 45 minutes |
Getting to La Fortuna from Tamarindo
1. Shared Van Shuttle from Tamarindo to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Taking a shared shuttle is a great option to reach La Fortuna! Thanks to bilingual drivers and door-to-door service, your trip will be smoother than ever.
Shared shuttles are available in the morning and afternoon, provided by multiple companies. This option makes traveling easy, as it offers clean and comfortable transportation.
Some downsides might be having to wait for others to be picked up, which can take up some time, and not being able to stop whenever you want, for bathroom breaks or a lunch break.
Besides that, it’s an excellent service at an affordable price.
Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
- 02:30 PM to 08:00 PM: Interbus Shared Shuttle to La Fortuna from Tamarindo
Total price: USD 55
- 07:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Caribe Shared Shuttle to La Fortuna from Tamarindo
Total price: USD 59
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 7 hours
If you don’t mind several bus transfers and have plenty of time, you can take the public bus from Tamarindo to La Fortuna!
With this option, you will travel for 7 hours, including all the stops and transits.
From Tamarindo, you first have to take a public bus to Liberia. Next, you take a bus to Canas, then from Canas to Tilaran, and finally, from Tilaran to La Fortuna.
You must leave Tamarindo early in the morning if you plan to take the public bus option. You want to have plenty of time to make all your connections. Remember that the last bus from Tilaran to La Fortuna departs at 05:00 PM.
This is an extremely cheap option; you’ll only pay USD 11 for the entire tour, including all buses! Just make sure to check out all the schedules in advance.
3. Private Transfer from Tamarindo to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Cars or private transfers are the best way to reach the Volcanoes of Arenal from the surf and sunsets in Tamarindo.
A private transfer is the best choice if you are traveling with your family or in a group!
Take a break and consider stopping for lunch at a roadside soda, where you can sample typical Costa Rican food! In addition to making stops along the route, the driver will be happy to answer all your questions about the area!
Book your private transfer online and get a great deal!
Prices for a private transfer from Tamarindo to La Fortuna:
- 7-9 passengers: USD 305
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
If you are daring and want to embark on an adventure between the two locations, renting a car and exploring on your own is best!
Renting a car and driving yourself may be a better option depending on your comfort level. It should be no problem to drive during the dry season when you have good, paved roads the entire way, so long as you follow some safety precautions.
Due to the unlit and winding roads, it is recommended to drive during daylight hours. Driving in Costa Rica in the rainy season may be problematic for first-time visitors, as heavy and sudden rains can obstruct roads and reduce visibility.
Otherwise, if you are ready, grab a map and head over to one of the car rental companies in Tamarindo, or book online!
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
How many days do you need in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
For a complete experience in La Fortuna, it is recommended you stay at least three nights.
Do you need a car in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
A car is unnecessary if you stay downtown; however, you may want one if you stay closer to Arenal Volcano, where things are spread out.
Can you swim in the La Fortuna waterfall?
La Fortuna Waterfall, which towers over 230 feet high and is located inside a rainforest, is a must-see attraction. The waterfall’s abundant wildlife is situated in the Arenal-Monteverde protected area. It is allowed to swim in the river, but not near the waterfall’s base.
How far is La Fortuna from the beach?
Sadly, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, has no beaches nearby. Three hours away is Puntarenas, one of the nearest beach cities.
