Costa Rica’s Central Valley is home to San Jose, a bustling urban landscape. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Since it is the capital of Costa Rica, it may not be as pretty as its beaches or jungle destinations. Even so, if you’re going to stop by, you should spend a day or a few hours exploring before moving on.
There are plenty of activities to do when in the city, including exploring the colonial buildings turned museums on Barrio Amon, sampling the renowned restaurants on Barrio Escalante, and having a blast on El Pueblo.
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If you want to venture outside the city, you should also visit the Poas Volcano and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Ready for it?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose, Costa Rica. Here you can find more information about transportation in Costa Rica.
How far is San Jose from La Fortuna Arenal?
The distance from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose is 98.3 miles or 158.2 kilometers.
Depending on your choice of transportation, it will take you anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to get there.
Transportation Options from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose
The following table outlines all transportation options from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose | 4 hours | USD 5 |
| Shared Shuttle from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose | 4 hours | USD 65 |
| Private Transfer from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose | Custom Time | USD 208 |
| Taxi from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose | 3 hours | – |
| Transport + Tour | 6-8 hours | USD 101-USD 166 |
| Rental Car | 3 hours | – |
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
Getting to La Fortuna Arenal from San Jose
1. Bus from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose
Journey Duration: 4 hours
At $5, the bus is the cheapest option. Although they aren’t quite as comfortable as the minivan or private transfer, the cost is hard to beat. Minivans are 10x more expensive than the cheapest ones!
The only direct bus operating from La Fortuna to San Jose leaves at 14:45. The indirect bus via Ciudad Quesada is an option if it doesn’t fit your schedule.
Additionally, combined rates cost around $5. If you travel by bus (direct or indirect), you can expect to travel for between four and six hours, depending on traffic.
2. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 4 hours
Interbus offers daily shared shuttles from La Fortuna to San José at 12:15 PM. A one-way ticket costs USD 65 per person.
We recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance to ensure availability on your preferred travel date.
3. Private Transfer from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose
Journey Duration: Custom time
San Jose can be reached most comfortably with a private transfer. Your driver can even make stops en route if you’d like. Therefore, you’ll not need to worry about bus or shuttle schedules.
We recommend this option, especially for groups and families. Depending on how many people will join the trip, the price per person may not be much higher than for a shared shuttle.
Prices for a private transfer to San Jose:
- 1 to 13 passengers: USD 208
Book your private transfer online for a stress-free journey from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform to compare prices & schedules and make a booking online.
4. Desafio Shuttle + Activity from La Fortuna to San Jose
Journey Duration: 6-8 hours
Another option is to combine your shared shuttle to San Jose with an activity, like Rafting or Canyoning.
Desafio offers daily shared shuttles starting at USD 101.
La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose Shuttle + Activity Schedule
- 07:00 AM to 01:00 PM: Shared shuttle to San José, including Ziplining and lunch on the road. Total price: USD 101
- 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM: Shared shuttle + lunch, Safari boat at Sarapiquí River, and tour guide. Total price: USD 114
- 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM: Shared shuttle + lunch and snacks, Rafting in Balsa river (2-3), and tour guide. Total price: USD 115
- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM: Shared shuttle + lunch and snacks, Rafting in Balsa river (2-3), and tour guide. Total price: USD 124
- 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM: Shared shuttle + lunch and snack, Rafting in Sarapiqui River, and a tour guide. Total price: USD 127
- 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM: Shared shuttle, Canyoning / Rappel at Lost Canyon, and Lunch included. Total price: USD 166
Taking a shuttle and having an activity included is one of the most fun things you could do, so book a shuttle online and have the greatest ride of your life!
5. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours 57 minutes
As the distance from La Fortuna to San Jose is only 98.3 miles or 158.2 kilometers, traveling there by rental car is also a great option.
Taking a rental car can allow you to visit places along the way, stop for lunch, and not worry about luggage limitations (as long as it fits in your vehicle).
6. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 2 hours 57 minutes
Taxis are also available to take you to San Jose. Make sure to agree on a fixed price before you take the ride!
Best day tours in San Jose, 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.
Here you can find some of the best tours in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airports are in San Jose, Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, has two airports. The Juan Santamaría International Airport, the main airport of Costa Rica, and the Tobías Bolaños International Airport in the Pavas district.
How far is the airport from San Jose, Costa Rica?
The Juan Santamaria International Airport is located 12 miles or 20 kilometers from San José.
What is San Jose known for?
There is a large Central Valley in Costa Rica, home to the nation’s capital, San José. The city is home to world-class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings.
The country’s extensive plain is guarded by majestic volcanoes and lush green hills, showcasing the natural beauty that abounds.
More Routes from La Fortuna, Costa Rica
