Are you currently in Costa Rica and trying to figure out how to get from San José to La Fortuna (Arenal)? In this article, you’ll learn about your transportation options, including SHUTTLE (👉price) and bus services, as well as some things to do in La Fortuna and recommended lodging options.
Getting to La Fortuna (Arenal) from San José
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica (👉COSTA RICA GUIDE), you should know that it is a country characterized by the beauty of its beaches, mountains, volcanoes and the diversity of its wildlife.
If you’re foreigner planning a trip, in this link you can check the ✅ SANITARY REQUIREMENTS and get a VISA. Also, to help you travel without spending too much, in this link you’ll find ✈️ CHEAP FLIGHTS and a 💥10% DISCOUNT on your TRAVEL INSURANCE.
When browsing the internet during your trip, it is essential to use a 👉 QUALITY VPN to ensure your privacy and security. Additionally, bringing a ⭐ TRAVEL DEBIT CARD will help you avoid issues with carrying cash and reduce the risk of theft.
In La Fortuna, located in the province of Alajuela in Costa Rica, in addition to enjoying the breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, you can also enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, rafting, boating, and canopy tours.
There are also several hot springs resorts in the area that offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. La Fortuna is a destination that should be on the list of anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica and its impressive biodiversity.
How to get FROM SAN JOSÉ to La Fortuna (Arenal)
To get to La Fortuna from San José, there are several transportation options:
- By car: The most common way to get to La Fortuna is by car, either by rental car or SHUTTLE (👉price). The trip takes approximately 3 and a half hours.
- By bus: There are several bus companies that offer service from San José to La Fortuna, such as the company Alfaro, which leaves from Terminal 7-10. The trip takes around 4 and a half hours.
- By taxi: Another option is to take a taxi from San José to La Fortuna, although this may be a bit more expensive than other options.
- By tour: There are also companies that offer tours from San José to La Fortuna, which may include transportation, accommodation, and tourist activities in the area.
How to get to La Fortuna (Arenal) from San José by shuttle/transfer
A common choice for traveling between San José and La Fortuna is taking a TRANSFER (👉price). This is a comfortable and secure way to travel, as it takes you directly from your starting hotel to your destination hotel without any intermediate stops. You can find information on prices by clicking on the link.
The distance between La Fortuna and San José is approximately 128 kilometers, and the travel time is usually around 3 and a half hours. The length of the trip may vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but it is generally a speedy and safe journey.
How to get to La Fortuna (Arenal) from San José by BUS
For those who prefer a more affordable transportation option, taking a public bus from San José to La Fortuna is a possibility. Here are the steps to follow:
- First, go to the Terminal 7-10 in San José, which is in the city center near Avenida 7 and Calle 10. This is where buses to La Fortuna depart.
- Next, look for the ticket offices of the bus companies that travel to La Fortuna. Several companies offer this service, such as Alfaro and Tilarán.
- After finding the ticket office of your preferred bus company, purchase your ticket. The ticket price may vary, but it usually costs around 4,000 colones (approximately 6.5 dollars) per person.
- The departure times may differ depending on the company, so it is vital to ask at the ticket office when the next bus to La Fortuna leaves.
- The journey from San José to La Fortuna usually lasts around 4 and a half hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The bus will make a few stops along the way for passengers to stretch their legs or purchase food.
- When you arrive in La Fortuna, the bus will drop you off at the city’s bus terminal, located in the town center. From there, you can find additional transportation to your final destination or hotel.
It is crucial to keep in mind that bus schedules may change depending on the season and transportation company. Therefore, it is suggested to plan the trip ahead of time. Additionally, the trip may take longer than anticipated, so please plan accordingly.
Tours in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country with a wide variety of fauna and nature. You can visit volcanoes, national parks, towering waterfalls, sunbathe at the beach, go kayaking,…
There are different TOURS and ACTIVITIES that you can do during your trip, and that will help you to access places and learn things that would cost you more on your own. Here are some for you to make the most of your stay:
Useful stuff for your trip to Costa Rica
Below, you will find some products that will be very useful during your trip to Costa Rica.
In addition, the options that I recommend are committed to the environment/social causes and are vegan.
Waterproof windbreaker
Carrying a waterproof windbreaker in your suitcase is essential in case temperatures drop, it rains unexpectedly, or to go hiking.
When traveling, it’s important to choose a jacket that is lightweight, takes up little space and that you can use in different situations; that is to say, that transpires, is waterproof and has a hood to protect you properly from bad weather.
👉 Price windbreaker for MAN and windbreaker for WOMAN
Gopro 11 Black
The GOPRO 11 (👉 PRICE) is a great choice if you are visiting natural areas, practicing adventure sports or want to make videos underwater, e.g. while scuba diving or snorkeling.
In addition, with its stabilization and Horizon Lock function, it will allow you to make incredibly stable videos even in adverse situations (such as walking, running or riding a motorcycle). In addition, it comes with an amazing 5.3k image quality.
👉 GOPRO 11 PRICE + specs
3-in-1 hiking shoes
These La Sportiva shoes are designed to run in the mountains, thanks to this you can use them for hiking, go out to run and do tourism ; saving space in your suitcase.
They are made with goretex, which means they protect you from the inclement weather weather (such as rain, ice or cold) and are adherent to the ground. This makes them ideal for traveling due to their versatility.
👉 Price shoes for MAN and for shoes for WOMAN
Is Costa Rica Safe to Travel?
Costa Rica is a moderately dangerous country, where nothing should happen to you if you go carefully and take precautions. Remember to follow these recommendations:
- In case of robbery, do not resist physically.
- Do not show a high purchasing power, that is, do not go with jewels, bags, etc … that are expensive.
- Be careful if you go out at night, and stay in crowded places where you are surrounded by other people.
- Thefts are usual, so don’t go with the camera or mobile in your hand or hang out of your neck.
- Try to avoid carrying the backpack on the back. Put it in front of you, or use a belt pouch or a cross bag.
Personally, I spent 3 months traveling alone in Costa Rica (I visited San José, Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Dominical, Uvita, Bay Drake and Puerto Jiménez) and I did not find myself in any really serious situation.
Going down the street with the camera, several Costa Rican people approached and warned me that they were carefully with robberies, since they told me that they are very frequent.
In my case, during the trip they tried to steal 2 times and, luckily, I realized on time and I could avoid it. In any case, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance that can compensate you financially and help you if a medical emergency occurs.
👉 If you are interested in traveling alone, I recommend this article about the reasons and benefits of traveling alone and this other article with tips for traveling alone being a woman. I encourage you to try it since it is a great and very profitable experience for oneself.
Eating Vegan in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not a country faced with vegan food. Anyway, they have some traditional dishes that are vegan or that you can ask without egg or sauces such as the pico of rooster (rice with beans for breakfast), black bean soup or rice with vegetables.
You should always ask if the purés or soups are made with some type of dairy product or meat broth, since at first glance they might seem vegan dishes but not be.
In San José you can find some vegan restaurants, but when you leave the capital the offer is very limited or non -existent. Next, I make three recommendations and in this link you can read tips to travel vegan.
- Try to stay in hotels that are characterized by cooking vegan and vegetarian dishes. This is the best option and the most practical for not having to be looking for places where to eat comfortable without always repeating the same dishes.
- Before going on a tour that includes a meal, always mention that you are vegan or vegetarian, so that they can adapt the food.
- Costa Rica is a country where you can find a variety of fresh products (fruits and vegetables) to prepare salads and breakfast with fruits. In any city or town, you will easily find some supermarket or stalls on the street where you can buy groceries.
