Best Ways: How to Get from La Fortuna to San Jose
Are you looking for the best ways to get from La Fortuna to San Jose, Costa Rica? San Jose is the perfect place to end your Costa Rica Itinerary, but if you have more time, visit Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Getting to San Jose may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to San Jose by shared and private transfer, taxi, bus, or car.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from La Fortuna to San Jose, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
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How far is San Jose from La Fortuna?
The distance between La Fortuna and San Jose is about 130 km, which is 2.5-5 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Getting from La Fortuna to San Jose, Costa Rica
There are several ways to get to San Jose from La Fortuna: by bus (4-5 hours), by minivan (3-3.5 hours), and by plane (30 minutes).
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a plane or bus ticket will cost.
Read our → Costa Rica Itinerary
How to Get from La Fortuna to San Jose by Flight
La Fortuna has a small airport with domestic flights only, the La Fortuna Arenal Airport (airport code FON). The airfare and airport transfers make this one of the most expensive options to get to San Jose.
The Juan Santamaria International Airport is located in Alajuela, about 17 kilometers from San Jose.
The flight takes just 30 minutes, and plane tickets start from 107 USD (without luggage) per person for one way.
Sansa Airlines operates two daily flights from Fortuna to San Jose (airport code SJO), departing at 08:40 and 13:20.
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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to San Jose, Costa Rica.
San Jose by Shuttle Bus
One of the best ways to get to San Jose is by air-conditioned bus, which allows 25 kg of bag and backpack per passenger.
The shuttle bus fare from La Fortuna to San Jose Airport or any hotel starts from 44 USD. The journey time takes 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic. It runs twice a day at 8 AM and 2 PM.
La Fortuna to San Jose Airport by Taxi, Private Transfer
One of the most comfortable and fastest ways to reach San Jose is by taxi. The journey time is 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi from La Fortuna to San Jose costs between 130 USD and 160 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable!
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The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to San Jose starting from 169 USD, and 4 pax allowed.
La Fortuna to San Jose by Shuttle Minivan
One of the best and most popular ways to get to San Jose is by air-conditioned minivan, which allows 25 kg of bag and backpack per passenger.
A shuttle minivan from La Fortuna to the Juan Santamaria International Airport starts from 35 USD. The journey time is 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
La Fortuna to San Jose by Direct Bus
There is no train, so the local bus is the cheapest way to travel from La Fortuna to San Jose for just 5 USD. But the journey time is 4-5 hours, depending on traffic.
There is one daily direct bus to San Jose at 14:45. The bus departs from La Fortuna bus station to Terminal 7-10 and is usually not air-conditioned.
The San Jose Airport is about 20-30 minutes away from Terminal 7-10, and you can only get there by taxi or Uber, so the cost adds up quickly!
Good to know
You cannot buy tickets online or reserve a seat on public buses, so you may have to travel standing or not be able to board the bus. You can purchase the bus tickets at the Parada de Autobuses (La Fortuna bus station).
Bus Schedule from La Fortuna to San Jose
We found on the internet that these direct bus services run from Fortuna to San Jose:
- 09:00
- 12:45
- 14:45
- 16:10
But bus timetables are subject to change, and we have not found a reliable bus timetable! So we recommend booking online or asking locals for the current schedule!
San Jose by Indirect Bus
Alternatively, travel from La Fortuna to Ciudad Quesada (1-1.5 hours), then take another bus to San Jose (3 hours) for just 6 USD.
The total travel time is 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops.
The buses between La Fortuna and Ciudad Quesada run every hour from 5:10 AM to 9:20 PM. Buses run between Ciudad Quesada and San Jose from 4:30 AM to 9:10 PM.
Take care of your valuables, as minor thefts or pickpockets may occur on public transport!
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
How to Get from City Center to San Jose Airport
The Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose Airport) is located in Alajuela, about 17 kilometers from San Jose. Once you arrive from La Fortuna to Terminal 7-10, you can take a bus, Uber, or taxi to the airport.
The TUASA bus terminal is about a 10-15 minute walk away, from where buses run every 10 minutes from 4 AM to 11 PM.
TUASA (red and white) or Station Wagon (yellow and orange) buses go to the San Jose Airport. A bus ticket costs just 1.50 USD per person, and the journey takes 35-40 minutes.
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If you want to travel by bus, bring local money, as you can buy your bus ticket after boarding.
Alternatively, you can catch a taxi and travel to the airport for 25 USD. The journey takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Where to Stay in San Jose
Although most people end their Costa Rica trip in San Jose, you can easily spend 1-2 days in San Jose and explore the city’s attractions or take a day trip to Manuel Antonio.
San Jose has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in San Jose, Costa Rica
- Luxury: Radisson Hotel or Barceló San José
- Mid-Range: Hotel Colonial
- Budget: Selina San Jose
We hope our post on how to get from La Fortuna to San Jose will help you plan your next trip to Costa Rica. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about Costa Rica
- The Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary for 14 Days
- How to Renting a Car in Costa Rica
- Best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica
- Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park
- Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
- Things to Do in Monteverde
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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