How to get from La Fortuna to San Jose
About traveling from La Fortuna to San Jose
Both La Fortuna and San Jose are epitomes of Costa Rican culture, from the liveliness of the locals to the stunning nature, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, from the jungle to the city. In La Fortuna, admire the beauty and lush nature at the gates of the Arenal Volcano, while San Jose is the cultural epicenter filled with museums, theatres, and impressive restaurants.
If you decide to take a car transfer from La Fortuna to San Jose, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the iconic La Fortuna waterfall, the protective Proyecto Asis, the vibrant Else Kientzler Garden, the Los Chorros waterfalls, and the Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria.
How to get from La Fortuna to San Jose
If you’re travelling from La Fortuna to San Jose, you have several travel options. For travellers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from La Fortuna to San Jose. The fastest way to travel from La Fortuna to San Jose is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from La Fortuna to San Jose since it’s so convenient.
La Fortuna to San Jose by bus
To travel from La Fortuna to San Jose by bus, go to Terminal De Buses De Fortuna and buy a ticket to Terminal 7-10 (San Jose). While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 7:30 AM, and the last bus is at 2:45 PM, with about 4 buses running at intervals. The bus from La Fortuna to San Jose is run by AutoTransporte San Jose-Venecia with bus tickets from La Fortuna to San Jose costing about €5 for the 4 hour trip. The distance from La Fortuna to San Jose is about 130 kilometers.
All options offer direct service from La Fortuna to San Jose.
La Fortuna to San Jose by bus
First/Last Departure: 7:30 AM/2:45 PM
Avg. Price €5
Distance ~130 km
Duration ~4 hr
Operating Companies: AutoTransporte San Jose-Venecia
La Fortuna to San Jose Private Car Transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from La Fortuna to San Jose. You will be picked up at your accommodation in La Fortuna, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in San Jose, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
Book a Private Car Transfer from La Fortuna to San Jose
La Fortuna to San Jose Shuttle
For an in-between option that’s more convenient than the bus and cheaper than a private car, you can take a shared shuttle from La Fortuna to San Jose with Daytrip. The La Fortuna to San Jose shuttle departs twice a day from Selina La Fortuna or custom pickup locations, either in the morning (7:00AM Selina La Fortuna, custom pick-ups after) or afternoon (1:45PM Selina La Fortuna, custom pick-ups after). Prices start at $30, and tickets can be booked in advance to guarantee a seat.
Going the other direction? Check our guide on How to get from San Jose to La Fortuna