La Fortuna

Private car transfer
from Liberia to La Fortuna

Door-to-door
in 2 h 30 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Liberia.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 30 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in La Fortuna.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 135 km
  • 2 h 30 min

Overview: car trip from Liberia to La Fortuna

La Fortuna, situated in the northern region of Costa Rica, is almost an oasis, drawing visitors from all corners of the world. It is one of the most famous destinations in Costa Rica, and rightfully so. La Fortuna attracts visitors thanks to its lush nature, breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, and the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall. The car trip from Liberia to La Fortuna promises to be as awe-inspiring as the destination.

Along the route, you will encounter a diverse landscape filled with lush countryside and tropical rainforests. The best way to avoid missing out on the route's beauty is by booking a private car service such as Daytrip. With Daytrip, you can tailor the trip according to your preferences. You can make stops at such sightseeing spots as Ponderosa Adventure Park, Las Pumas Rescue Center, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, and so much more!

About La Fortuna

'La Fortuna' translates to English as 'the fortune,' a name that perfectly captures the essence of this city. It is a versatile destination that has something for everyone. Whether you are going on a relaxing vacation, honeymoon, or looking for an adventure, La Fortuna is the right place. Interestingly, not that long ago, La Fortuna was just an agricultural town, and some believe that the city gained its name thanks to its highly productive soil.

The town was the perfect place for farmers until, in July 1968, the famous Arenal Volcano erupted, sweeping 87 lives away. The volcano is in the resting phase right now with very occasional activity, the most recent occurring in 2010. Although the volcano is still possibly active, it does not stop visitors from exploring it and the surroundings of La Fortuna. This unfortunate event brought attention to La Fortuna, and the city became a popular ecotourism destination.

It is not only the volcano itself that draws people’s attention. The hot springs near La Fortuna are also heated by volcanic activity. These thermal waters are known for their relaxing and therapeutic benefits. They are also popular amongst visitors, as they contain low sulfur levels, so the waters are free from the unpleasant odor.

La Fortuna is a great destination for adventurers. Besides hiking the Arenal Volcano, visitors can enjoy thrilling activities such as zip-lining, canyoning, rafting, and walking across the hanging bridge. The area is also known for its rich wildlife, including sloths, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.

From Liberia to La Fortuna: travel tips

Although the distance from Liberia to La Fortuna is not that large, a few things are worth knowing before you explore this paradisiac town.

Pay attention to volcano alerts

While the volcano has been inactive since 2010, it is dormant and could become active at any time. To keep yourself safe, make sure you pay attention to any alerts and follow instructions and directions.

Bring appropriate clothing and footwear

When packing for your trip to La Fortuna, make sure you bring lightweight and quick-drying clothing. As the tropical climate is humid and rain showers can occur out of nowhere, it is suggested to be well-prepared. Don't forget to also bring comfortable footwear to enjoy to the fullest any outdoor activities. If you are planning to hike in rainforests, bring waterproof shoes.

Pack a bug-repellent

Bug spray is an essential item no matter where you travel in Costa Rica. It will ensure that your outdoor activities are not disturbed and protect you from mosquitoes and any other insects that live in the tropical climate.

How to get from Liberia to La Fortuna

Ensure a smooth Liberia to La Fortuna transfer by choosing the mode of transportation that suits your preferences. Here are the main means of transport that will take you to La Fortuna:

From Liberia to La Fortuna by bus

While taking a bus is usually the cheapest way to reach La Fortuna, currently, there are no direct buses for the route from Liberia to La Fortuna. You will have to go by different bus companies, firstly taking a bus from Liberia to Cañas, then from Cañas to Tilaran, and then from Tilaran to La Fortuna. The total journey time should take around 6 hours, excluding the transfer and wait time.

Unfortunately, the bus websites do not offer information about the ticket prices, so if you plan to travel by bus, you will have to ask at the bus station.

From Liberia to La Fortuna by plane

You can opt for a direct plane from Liberia to La Fortuna, as both cities have an airport. These flights are operated by Sansa Airlines and usually depart once a day at 12:30 PM, and a one-way ticket costs $175 (€162). The flight is just 40 minutes, but remember that you have to arrive at the airport 2 hours earlier and consider the commuting time, so it can take around 4 hours to finally reach La Fortuna.

From Liberia to La Fortuna by private plane

If you want a more luxurious and unique way to reach La Fortuna, you can opt for a private plane operated by Fly Adventure Air. The flight from Liberia to La Fortuna is 45 minutes, and it costs $1199 (€1115) per person. As this is a charter flight, there is no fixed timetable, so you can choose the preferred departure time.

From Liberia to La Fortuna by private car service

If you do not want to risk getting lost, taking different buses, or dealing with a delayed flight, the most secure way to reach La Fortuna is by a private car service such as Daytrip. Your local driver will ensure that you are picked up at your accommodation at your selected departure time, load your luggage, and take you on an unforgettable trip. The journey should not take more than 2.5 hours.

Daytrip’s priority is your comfort and flexibility, so you are also given the opportunity to explore any sightseeing stops along the way, which is not possible with any other mode of transportation. Do you fancy a little bit of African wildlife in Costa Rica? Add the Ponderosa Adventure Park to your itinerary and meet monkeys, iguanas, exotic birds, and more! It is also a great stop for adventurers, as you can explore nature trails or go kayaking or zip-lining.

Before you dive into the famous waterfall of La Fortuna, you can hide behind the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, as the cliff wall behind has eroded over the years. If you want to connect with Costa Rica's nature, you should definitely visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, which has diverse flora and fauna. In the park, you can spot birds, reptiles, and insects. You can even admire pumas, jaguars, and tapirs migrating from November to February.

From Liberia to La Fortuna by shared shuttle

Do you not mind sharing the car with other travelers? Then choose Daytrip’s shared shuttle service! Your English-speaking local driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you and the rest of the travelers on a journey in a comfortable, air-conditioned car. With Daytrip, you won’t have to worry about anything, as you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Things to do when you get to La Fortuna

La Fortuna is so diverse that it has something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, adventurous soul, or foodie, these recommendations will surely make your trip memorable.

Admire the La Fortuna waterfall

When visiting La Fortuna, the famous Catarata Río Fortuna is a must! This 200-foot-tall natural beauty is the perfect place for a cold and relaxing swim. Keep in mind that you will have to climb more than 500 steps to reach the waterfall. You also have to purchase a ticket to access it, which costs $20 (around €18.50).

Hike the Arenal Volcano

Hiking the Arenal Volcano is a great activity for those who are seeking a mix of adventure and breathtaking views. While you cannot climb to the peak, you can choose from trails in different directions around the volcano, depending on the difficulty level. It is suggested to go with a guide to learn more about the history of the volcano and its surroundings.

Go on a sloth-watching tour

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for those who have been wanting to see sloths. There are several tours available that will take you on a journey to meet these slow creatures, just find one that accommodates your expectations. The best way to see sloths while respecting the wildlife is by going on a tour that offers to see sloths in their natural habitat. Some of the tours also allow you to encounter other creatures of nature, such as frogs or toucans.

Get a rush of adrenaline at a zipline canopy tour

If you are an adventurer at heart, La Fortuna is the place to be. There are so many things you can choose from:

  • Kayaking: a fun way to admire the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Some tours teach you the basic kayaking techniques, so don’t worry if you don’t have previous experience.
  • Canyoning: a great activity that combines rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, and swimming. If you travel with kids, some companies offer family-friendly tours.
  • Ziplining: this activity lets you admire the lush rainforests as you glide above. You will find several tours available, some of them focusing just on ziplining, while others may include horseback riding or other activities.

When is the best time to visit La Fortuna

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, making La Fortuna a great destination all year round. The temperatures usually range from 81°F to 88°F (27-31°C). The warmest period in La Fortuna is from February to April. It is especially warm in April when the temperatures reach around 88°F (30°C). Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that the temperatures in La Fortuna are slightly cooler than in the coastal towns.

If you want to avoid rain, visit La Fortuna in the dry season, which is from December to April. From May to November, you can expect increased humidity and rainfall, especially in July and October.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Liberia to La Fortuna

If you want to explore most of La Fortuna's offerings, you should stay for at least 3 to 4 days.
The quickest way to reach La Fortuna is by private car service or shared shuttle, which takes just 2.5 hours!
If you are not renting a car, you should not worry, as the drivers are locals and know the route. While the roads are usually paved, some are quite narrow, and the weather can affect their conditions.
If you want an easy and stress-free way to get from Liberia to La Fortuna, choose a private car service such as Daytrip. With no direct buses available and air travel consuming too much time, Daytrip provides a seamless solution. You are also given the freedom to customize the journey by adding any sightseeing stops. You can also go for a shared shuttle if you don’t mind sharing the car with other travelers.
Absolutely! La Fortuna is one of the most visited places in Costa Rica, and it has such iconic landmarks as the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, diverse flora and fauna, and so much more.
The driving distance from Liberia to La Fortuna is 83 miles (135 km).

Visit these sights on the way

Ponderosa Adventure Park

Ponderosa Adventure Park

Unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica, you can enjoy indigenous wildlife and an exotic African safari at this nature reserve. A Taste of Africa 

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

At one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls offers, you can go behind the curtain. The White Curtain 

Centro de Rescate Las Pumas

Centro de Rescate Las Pumas

This rescue center rehabilitates wild cats and many other animals in large, natural enclosures. Pouncing for Protection 

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

Discover the plants and animals of Costa Rica’s lush rainforest as you move from floor to canopy. Suspended Scenes 

Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano National Park

This still active volcano offers a taste of Costa Rica's diversity - from lush rainforest to lunar landscapes. The Cone 

La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall

One of Costa Rica’s most iconic waterfalls paints a postcard-perfect picture of jungle beauty. A Jungle Gem 

Why people love Daytrip

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4,800+ reviews
  • 633 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

suv

SUV

Comparable to aToyota RAV 4
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Upgrade to larger vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Liberia to La Fortuna
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Liberia to La Fortuna

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

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