How to Get to La Fortuna, Costa Rica: Shuttles, Rental Cars, and More

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Planning a trip to La Fortuna, Costa Rica? One of the first things to consider is how you’ll get between the town and the main airports—San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR)—or other destinations in Costa Rica.

Whether you’re arriving in La Fortuna or heading back to the airport, there are several popular transportation options that cater to different budgets, group sizes, and travel styles.

Below, we cover the four most common ways to get to and from La Fortuna: shared shuttles, private shuttles, car rentals, and public buses, along with the pros and cons of each to help you plan your perfect trip.

💡 Save Time & Maximize Your Trip

In many cases, skipping an overnight stay in San José or Liberia allows you to enjoy a full extra day in La Fortuna. The money you'd spend on airport hotels, taxis, and meals can often be applied toward a private shuttle or rental car, letting you head straight to La Fortuna and start your adventure immediately.

1. Shared Shuttle to La Fortuna

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, or groups of two looking for a stress-free and affordable option.

Shared shuttles are a popular and reliable way to get from San José, Liberia, or other tourist destinations to La Fortuna. These air-conditioned vans offer door-to-door service and are operated by trusted local companies. Most shared shuttle departures are scheduled for 8:00 a.m., with some mid-day options available between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. depending on the season.

🕓 If your flight arrives after these times, you’ll likely need to stay overnight in San José or Liberia and catch a shuttle the next morning—or consider a private shuttle or rental car.

✨ We work closely with all reputable shared shuttle providers and can help you find availability, even during high season or with short notice.

Average Cost:$65–$70 per person

Pros:

* Comfortable, air-conditioned vans

* Door-to-door pickup/drop-off

* More affordable than private transfers and rental cars

Cons:

* Limited daily departure times

* Not ideal for late-arriving flights

* Can be less cost-effective for families or groups

✉️ Contact us HERE to reserve a shared shuttle to or from La Fortuna or through Whatsapp at +506 6460 2217.

2. Private Shuttle to La Fortuna

*Best for: Families, groups of 3+, or anyone arriving early or late in the day.

If you’re arriving in Costa Rica at an off-hour—or simply want to travel in total comfort—a private shuttle is the most convenient way to get to La Fortuna. Once your group hits 3 or more people, the cost becomes comparable to shared shuttles, with added flexibility and direct pickup from the airport, hotel, or wherever you need.

🌙 Exclusive Overnight Shuttles: Visit La Fortuna is one of the only platforms offering private shuttle service during overnight hours. So if you land at midnight or 2 a.m., we can still get you directly to La Fortuna—no overnight stay near the airport required.

Pros:

* Choose your own departure time

* Pickup from airport, hotel, Airbnb—day or night

* Ideal for groups, families, or honeymooners

Cons:

* Pricier for solo travelers or couples

✉️Ready to book your private shuttle? Click HERE to book your private shuttle to or from La Fortuna.

3. Car Rental to La Fortuna

Best for: Travelers staying outside downtown La Fortuna or looking for flexibility to explore.

Driving yourself to La Fortuna gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. You can rent a car at the airport or wait until you're in La Fortuna. Either way, having your own vehicle is especially useful if you’re staying at Airbnbs or lodges outside the main town, where tour pickup might not be available.

The drive to La Fortuna from San José or Liberia is scenic but winding, with stretches through remote rainforest areas. If you're uncomfortable driving at night or without cell reception, consider taking a shuttle and renting a car upon arrival to La Fortuna.

🚗 Tip: A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially if you're staying off the beaten path.

🚗 Ready to Explore La Fortuna at Your Own Pace?

Rent a car with DiscoverCars and enjoy the freedom to travel on your schedule.

👉 Compare prices and book your rental car now

Pros:

* Total freedom and flexibility

* Ideal for discovering waterfalls, viewpoints, and hot springs

* Great for stays outside downtown La Fortuna

Cons:

* Not ideal for solo travelers

* Driving after dark can be intimidating

* Parking is limited in town

4. Public Bus to La Fortuna

Best for: Backpackers and budget travelers with flexible schedules.

Taking the public bus to La Fortuna is the cheapest option—often under $10—but it's also the slowest and most complicated. There's usually only one direct bus scheduled daily, and other routes usually require at least one transfer, and can take up to 6–8 hours depending on traffic, connections, and departure location.

If your flight arrives later in the day, you'll need to stay in San José or Liberia overnight and catch the morning bus. This option is best suited for travelers with time to spare and very light luggage.

🚌 Want to take the bus? Check out our step-by-step blog post on how to get to La Fortuna by bus.

Pros:

* Extremely budget-friendly

* Great for long-term travelers or backpackers

Cons:

* Requires transfers and longer travel time

* No door-to-door pickup/drop-off

* Limited space for luggage

* Not ideal for short trips or first-time visitors

Final Thoughts: What's the Best Way to Get to La Fortuna?

Whether you're flying into San José or Liberia, there’s a transportation option to La Fortuna that suits your travel style and budget. We have a full webpage dedicated to transportation where we post the latest information as well as transportation options.

* Choose a private shuttle if you want convenience, comfort, or are arriving late.

* Go with a shared shuttle for a safe, affordable, and reliable middle-ground.

* Rent a car if you want maximum independence and plan to explore off the beaten path.

* Hop on the public bus if you're on a tight budget and don’t mind a longer journey.

💡 And remember—skipping an overnight stay near the airport doesn’t just save you money. It can give you a full extra day to soak in hot springs, chase waterfalls, or take in the view of Arenal Volcano. Why wait when La Fortuna is waiting for you?

Check out the Transportation section of our website for more blogs on this topic or if you are ready to book transportation! PURA VIDA!