Private car transfer
from San Jose to La Fortuna
in 2 h 40 min
per seat
car
Trip Information
Pick-up
Your driver will meet you at your address in San Jose.
- Door-to-door service
- Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 2 h 40 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
- 131 km
- 2 h 40 min
Overview: Car Trip from San Jose to La Fortuna
You might have just arrived at the airport in San Jose or might be leaving the capital after enjoying it for some time. In either case, traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna will be a refreshing journey into the thick green of Costa Rica from the modern capital. The distance from La Fortuna from San Jose is 80 miles (130 km) and both private car and shared shuttle rides take around three hours without stopping.
Aside from the comfort and convenience of riding door to door, one of the benefits of taking a private car from San Jose to La Fortuna is sightseeing! There's the delectable Britt Coffee Tour, where you can learn about the history of Costa Rica’s delicious coffee, how it is made, and even how to prepare it at home through a guided tasting. From this delightful experience, you can move on to a nice trip into the jungle. Los Chorros Waterfalls are located in the heart of a lush park and are reachable on a walk along a jungle trail. Or wander among tropical plants from around the world at the Else Kientzler Garden.
And in between these stops, be prepared to be amazed by the fantastic scenery the roads of Costa Rica offer before your driver drops you off at your accommodation in La Fortuna.
About La Fortuna
Located in Costa Rica's Northern Highlands, La Fortuna is one the best destinations to enjoy Costa Rica's natural beauty. The lush rainforest climbing the slopes of Arenal Volcano feels worlds away from the bustle of San Jose, even though it's just a 2.5-hour trip.
The heart of La Fortuna is a vibrant park with colorful gardens with a white church in the center. In these streets around the central plaza, there are local restaurants where you can try Costa Rican food, tour operators in case you’d like to set out into the jungle, and many shops.
While the town is charming, what makes La Fortuna so special is the Arenal Volcano, which dominates every view from every angle. Standing at a lofty 5,358 feet (1,633 meters) above sea level, it really is the star of the town. La Fortuna is also famous for its hot springs and waterfalls. As a result of an eruption of another volcano called Chato, the nearby La Fortuna Waterfall was formed, and is a very popular attraction. Hot springs are scattered throughout La Fortuna. With temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °C, they're the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking. With its small-town vibes and tropical surroundings, La Fortuna is guaranteed to leave you mesmerized.
From San Jose to La Fortuna: Travel Tips
Traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna is a dream trip for many. Follow these travel tips to make sure yours doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
Be ready for rain
Because of its tropical climate, La Fortuna sees a lot of rain. Bring good shoes that can stand against the mud, water, and puddles. We also recommend having a lightweight rain jacket or poncho for sudden showers. Packing a waterproof sunscreen is a lifesaver when you are enjoying the hot springs of La Fortuna as the sun can get strong during the day despite the rains.
Beware of mosquitoes
La Fortuna sits smack in the middle of Costa Rica's jungle. The wet weather makes it prime real estate for mosquitos, so expect to be pestered. Mosquito-proof clothing is a good idea, but repellent is almost a necessity. Local travel guides recommend ParaKito natural bug repellent.
Currency and payments
The Costa Rican colón is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Keep some cash with you for small purchases and visits to local markets or shops that don't accept credit cards.
Stop for sightseeing
Whether it’s your first time in Costa Rica or your 100th, there’s always something new to see or do. Use the drive from San Jose to La Fortuna as an opportunity to explore more of this beautiful country and make your trip even more memorable.
How to Get from San Jose to La Fortuna
There are several ways to get from San Jose to La Fortuna including taking a bus, driving, booking a private door-to-door car, or a shuttle transfer. Which one is best for you depends on your preferences.
San Jose to La Fortuna by bus
Taking a public bus from San Jose to La Fortuna is the cheapest option. The tickets can be purchased for 2,600 colones which is around $5 US. However, the bus does have several drawbacks. The bus is slower, taking around 4 hours to get to La Fortuna. Also, tickets are not available online so you'll need to buy them at the station. The bus departs only once a day at 8:40 AM, so you should be at the station an hour early to make sure you secure a ticket. Finally, the ride can be a bit uncomfortable considering the bus can be filled with up to 70 people and goes through hot and humid conditions.
San Jose to La Fortuna by a shared shuttle
Taking a shared shuttle to La Fortuna is the best balance between budget and comfort. It's faster than the bus, taking just 3 hours, and you'll be in a comfortable air-conditioned van with 7 people rather than 70. The shuttle departs at 7:45 AM and 1:00 PM, so you can travel in the afternoon instead. And to relieve a lot of stress, you can book tickets in advance online. Prices range from $42-$80 US depending on the season and demand.
San Jose to La Fortuna by rental car
If you plan to travel around Costa Rica and like being in complete control, you can rent a car and drive yourself from San Jose to La Fortuna. The drive takes between two to three hours depending on the traffic in San Jose. It might take longer than what your GPS shows you since you'll probably want to make some stops and will be driving more carefully than the local drivers who are used to the sharp turns and curves of the roads.
San Jose to La Fortuna by private car
The most convenient and relaxing way to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna is by booking a door-to-door private car service like Daytrip. You don't have to stress about driving on foreign roads or catching (or missing!) a bus, and instead can just sit back and enjoy the views as you ride door to door. And unlike public transportation, you leave whenever you want and can stop for sightseeing. It's still economical, especially if you're traveling in a group with prices starting from $32 US per person.
Things to Do When You Get to La Fortuna
After smoothly traveling from San Jose, there is a tropical town filled with things to do when you get to La Fortuna. La Fortuna offers countless activities, hikes, walks, and nature excursions that will make you consider becoming a tropical hermit.
Explore the Arenal Volcano
Although Arenal Volcano will watch over you throughout your stay in La Fortuna, you cannot miss exploring the volcano closer. Hike the Arenal Volcano National Park or Arenal 1968 Trail, each of which will take you over decades-old lava flows to get closer to the volcano. Another trail to take is called Mirador El Silencio which will take you to an almost eye level with the volcano’s peak. If you’d like to see the volcano from another perspective, you can also visit the Arenal Observatory. The observation deck offers some fantastic views for anyone with limited mobility.
Relax in the hot springs
After a day of hiking, spending a long afternoon in the hot springs of La Fortuna is a once in a lifetime experience that no one should miss. The heart of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, heats the springs with its thermal energy. There are several different ones with varying temperatures so you can choose the one that suits you. Resorts such as EcoTermales and Tabacon are among the most popular.
Don’t skip the hanging bridges
16 bridges are scattered around the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, which gives you a perfect vantage to watch the birds, snakes, monkeys, and other park inhabitants as they go about their jungle business. The bridges are high off the ground and can swing in the wind, so this might not be the best activity if you're afraid of heights.
See the jungle at night
A really unique thing to do in La Fortuna is to take a night tour of some of the parks. Experiencing the jungle and observing its exotic animals at night is an entirely different experience than exploring during the day. Much of Arenal's wildlife is nocturnal, so there's a whole other world to get lost in.
When’s the best time to visit La Fortuna?
Thanks to its location, Costa Rica has a tropical climate all year round and experiences only two seasons; the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, from December to April, gets the most sunshine. But it's also the high season and is when most people visit. The wet season is also called the rainy or the green season and lasts from May to November. Both seasons are great for discovering La Fortuna if you plan accordingly.
The wet season is cooler with sunny mornings and rainy afternoons - perfect for taking an early hike and then relaxing in the hot springs. In mid-July there's a break in the rain that locals call “el veranillo de San Juan”. If you visit La Fortuna during this period, you will enjoy the gorgeous summer weather. Both seasons are warm enough to have a tropical getaway with temperatures varying between 20 to 25°C.
Questions & Answers about Traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna
Visit these sights on the way
Britt Coffee Tour
How is coffee made and why is Costa Rica's so delicious? Find out on a fun and informative tour at this eco-friendly plantation. The Magical Fruit
Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria
Costa Rica’s history, and especially the life of its national hero, is detailed in this fascinating free museum. A Hero’s History
Los Chorros Waterfalls
Feel the rush of these two powerful cascades roaring in the lush jungle. The Jets
Else Kientzler Garden
This lush botanical garden is home to tropical plants from around the world. Transnational Tropical Treats
Proyecto Asis
This nonprofit helps preserve wildlife and lets you lend a hand in their rehabilitation. Wild Assistance
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
- 5,583 travelers took this route with us
Great way to travel and see some sights on the way
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
Michelle R
Feb 10, 2025Excellent service
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
Omar
Jan 25, 2025Excellent 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”
lakekariba
Dec 4, 2024Great site for booking transport, very easy
“Really great site, I highly recommend it if you’re looking for long transport. You’re paying for convenience and being able to book on your own time, in advance and not have to wait for public transit. We booked 3 rides in Costa Rica: San Jose to La Fortuna, La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio to San Jose. The communication before and during the trip was great, very easy process. Our driver for the first and last ride was Cesar Matamoros, he was great! He spoke English and Spanish and was very knowledgeable about the country. We learned a lot from him! Our other driver for the second trip was named Jason and he mainly spoke Spanish. We added a stop during the ride at a beautiful garden and he waited for us while we explored. And he added a bonus stop for us to the crocodile bridge!”
Jlj1397
May 10, 2023Vehicle options for this trip
Most popular
Sedan
- 1-3
- 3x
- 3x
- Clean
- Comfortable
- Air conditioned
- Handicapped accessible
- Child seats
- Pet friendly
- Smoke-free
Best reviews
SUV
- 1-2
- 2x
- 2x
- All standard sedan features
- Upgrade to larger vehicle
- Chauffeur-style service
- Extra amenities
The Daytrip driver advantage
Local knowledge about the route from San Jose 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 San Jose 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.Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,000+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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