You can get from Tamarindo to La Fortuna by public bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option to travel from Tamarindo to La Fortuna is by public bus, which costs USD 11. The journey takes about 5.5 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering direct transport and convenience at a very affordable price.
The fastest way to travel to La Fortuna from Tamarindo is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes about 4 hours.
Traveling from the sunny shores of Tamarindo to the misty allure of La Fortuna has been one of my favorite routes to master.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the steps to make this scenic journey as easy and enjoyable as possible, with tips only experience can teach!
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.
Transportation Options from Tamarindo to La Fortuna
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tamarindo to La Fortuna:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle from Tamarindo to La Fortuna | 5.5 hrs | $55 |
| Public Bus from Tamarindo to La Fortuna | 7 hrs | $11 |
| Tamarindo to La Fortuna Private Transfer | ~4 hrs | $305 |
| Rental Car from Tamarindo to La Fortuna | ~4 hrs |
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.
Getting to La Fortuna from Tamarindo
1. Shared 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 being unable to stop whenever you want, for bathroom breaks or lunch breaks.
Besides that, it’s an excellent service at an affordable price.
Tamarindo to La Fortuna Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Tamarindo to La Fortuna, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02:30pm | 08:00pm | 5h 30m | $55 |   |
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
Do you need help arranging your transportation?
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4. Driving with a 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!
Depending on your comfort level, renting a car and driving yourself may be a better option. 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 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. 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 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.
What is the cheapest way to get from Tamarindo to La Fortuna?
The cheapest option to travel from Tamarindo to La Fortuna is by public bus, which costs USD 11.
What is the fastest way to get from Tamarindo to La Fortuna?
The fastest way to travel to La Fortuna from Tamarindo is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes about 4 hours.
More Routes from Tamarindo, 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.
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