You can get from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, taxi, or a guided tour!
The cheapest option to travel from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose is by public bus, which costs USD 5. The journey takes about 4 hours.
The most popular option is the guided tour, offering a day filled with activities and your transfer to San Jose.
The fastest way to travel to San Jose from La Fortuna Arenal is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 3 hours.
Having journeyed multiple times between La Fortuna Arenal and San Jose, I’ve gathered several tips. Let me guide you through the most scenic and efficient paths to ensure your travel is memorable and hassle-free!
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.
Transportation Options from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose
The following table outlines all transportation options from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose | 4 hrs | $5 |
| Shuttle from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose | 4 hrs | $65 |
| La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose Private Transfer | ~3 hrs | $208 |
| Taxi from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose | 3 hrs | – |
| Transport + Tour | 6-8 hrs | $101 to 166 |
| Rental Car | 3 hrs | – |
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 transportation choice, getting there will take 3 to 8 hours.
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 between four and six hours, depending on traffic.
2. Shared Shuttle from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose
Journey Duration: 4 hours
A shared shuttle service is one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to travel between La Fortuna Arenal and San Jose. Travelers often prefer these shuttles because they combine the convenience of door-to-door service with the affordability of public transportation.
Interbus offers daily shared shuttles from La Fortuna to San José at 12:15 PM. A one-way ticket costs USD 65 per person.
It’s always advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. The journey usually takes around 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Vehicles used for these services are usually modern vans or minibusses equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seating. Most can accommodate between 10 to 20 passengers, ensuring a relatively intimate travel experience.
We recommend purchasing your ticket online to ensure availability on your preferred travel date.
La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the Interbus shared shuttle timetable for trips from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15pm | 04:30pm | 4h 15m | $65 |   |
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.
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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 most incredible ride of your life!
5. Driving with a Rental Car from La Fortuna to San Jose
Journey Duration: 2 hours 57 minutes
The distance from La Fortuna to San Jose is only 98.3 miles or 158.2 kilometers, so traveling there by rental car is also a great option.
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).
The trip takes about 3 hours, making this one of the fastest transportation options.
6. Taxi from La Fortuna to San Jose
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. 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 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.
What is the fastest way to travel from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose?
The fastest way to travel to San Jose from La Fortuna Arenal is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to travel from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose?
The cheapest option to travel from La Fortuna Arenal to San Jose is by public bus, which costs USD 5.
More Routes from La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.