How to get from San Jose to La Fortuna
About traveling from San Jose to La Fortuna
Both San Jose and La Fortuna 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 city to the jungle. San Jose is the cultural epicenter filled with museums, theatres, and impressive restaurants. While in La Fortuna, admire the beauty and lush nature at the gates of the Arenal Volcano.If you decide to take a car transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including the Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria, the Los Chorros waterfalls, the vibrant Else Kientzler Garden, the protective Proyecto Asis, and the iconic La Fortuna waterfall.
How to get from San Jose to La Fortuna
If you’re travelling from San Jose to La Fortuna, you have several travel options. For travelers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna. The fastest way to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna since it’s so convenient.
San Jose to La Fortuna by bus
To travel from San Jose to La Fortuna by bus, go to Terminal 7-10 and buy a ticket on the third floor of the station to La Fortuna. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. There are about 3 buses to La Fortuna that depart from San Jose Terminal 7-10. The earliest bus is at 5:00 AM, and the last bus is at 11:50 AM, with a handful of buses leaving in the early to late morning. The bus from San Jose to La Fortuna is run by AutoTransporte San Jose-Venecia with bus tickets from San Jose to La Fortuna costing around 5 EUR for the about 4 hour trip. The distance from San Jose to La Fortuna is about 130 kilometers.All options offer direct service from San Jose to La Fortuna.
San Jose to La Fortuna by bus
Time intervals: Operating on intervals from about 5:00 AM, and the last bus is at 11:50 AM
First/Last Departure: 5:00 AM/11:50 AM
Avg. Price: €5
Distance: ~130 km
Duration: ~4 hr
Operating Companies: AutoTransporte San Jose-Venecia
San Jose to La Fortuna Private Car Transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna. You will be picked up at your accommodation in San Jose, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in La Fortuna, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
Book a Private Car Transfer from San Jose to La Fortuna
San Jose to La Fortuna 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 San Jose to La Fortuna with Daytrip. The San Jose to La Fortuna shuttle departs twice a day from Selina San Jose, San Jose International Airport, or custom pickup locations either in the morning (7:45AM Selina San Jose, 9:00AM SJO) or afternoon (1:00PM Selina San Jose, 2:15PM SJO). 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 La Fortuna to San Jose
