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La Fortuna sits at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. It's 226 kilometres (140 miles) inland from the Caribbean coast town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna at $25 (11,000 CRC), but it will take a long time, around 9h 40m. A private transfer is also an option, and the minivan falls in between.
Distance from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna
Puerto Viejo De Talamanca and La Fortuna are about 226 km (140 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 272 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h 50m and 9h 40m.
3 ways to travel from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna
There are three ways to travel from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 4h 50m–9h 40m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $25 (11,000 CRC).
3 legs — see itinerary
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca→San Jose4h 30m
- San Jose→Ciudad Quesada3h 40m
- Ciudad Quesada→La Fortuna1h 30m
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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna by Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna. Combined rates start from as low as $25 (11,000 CRC). However, there are no direct buses for this route, so you’ll need to take three buses.
The transfers are straightforward, but the journey will take at least 9h 40m — that's almost double the time of a direct minivan ride.
You’ll also have to go out of the way to San Jose if you want to travel completely by bus. We’ll leave it to you to decide whether the savings are worth this long journey.
Step 1: Bus from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose
First, you’ll have to take the bus for 4h 30m from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to the capital city of San Jose. That’s roughly a 220 km ride northwest.
Autotransportes MEPE offers several daily trips from 02:00 to 15:00. We recommend that you take one of the earlier buses. It’s easier and safer to travel on unknown roads during the day. Keep in mind that you have to be in San Jose before 18:00 to be able to catch a connecting bus.
Buses depart from MEPE Bus Stop in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca city centre. You can buy your tickets at the terminal for $15 (6,800 CRC).
All services arrive at San Jose
Booking Tip
Buses arrive at Terminal Atlantico Norte in San Jose city centre.
For more info, you can also check out our page for Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to San Jose.
Step 2: Bus from San Jose to Ciudad Quesada
Buses operating from San Jose to Ciudad Quesada depart from Terminal Atlantico Norte, the same terminal you arrive at from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
From San Jose, there is only one bus that goes straight to La Fortuna. This departs at 08:00 in the morning. You can catch this only if you take the earliest bus from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, which departs at 2:00 AM.
If you start your journey at a later time, then you can instead take an indirect bus via Ciudad Quesada, a town about 95 km north of San Jose. Bus trips for this route are more frequent.
Buses depart every 20 to 50 minutes, starting from 04:30 on weekdays and 05:00 on weekends, with the last departure at 18:00. Tickets cost about $6.30 (2,860 CRC) and are available at the bus station.
Buses park at Ciudad Quesada Bus Terminal after around 3h 40m.
Step 3: Bus from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna
You can find your connecting bus to La Fortuna at the same bus station you arrive at in Ciudad Quesada.
There are two bus routes from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna — one is via El Tanque (a little bit faster) and another one is via Chachagua (more scenic). If you don’t have a preference, just hop on the earliest bus available. Buses run daily from 04:00 to 22:00.
Ticket prices start from $3.40 (1,550 CRC) and you can buy them from the driver. You will be dropped off at La Fortuna Terminal in the town centre.
PRO TIP: The bus trip can be tiring, but it’s important to keep an eye on your luggage. Bag thieves are plenty, especially in San Jose. When storing you bigger bags at the luggage compartment, make sure they’re in before boarding the bus and don’t forget to get your luggage ticket. Keep your valuables in a smaller bag on your lap — this is safer than using the overhead bin.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna by Minivan
The minivan shuttle is the most convenient option for solo travellers and small groups. Shared minivans are door-to-door transfers so you can just wait to be picked up at your hotel. With a minivan, you can get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna in 5-6h.
It’s a bit expensive with rates from $77 (35,000 CRC), but well worth the time and hassle you save compared to taking a 9.5-hour indirect bus.
Some of the trusted minivan companies operating on this route are Interbus and Best Travel Puerto Viejo.
Minivan schedule from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna. Rates start from $275 (124,000 CRC) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $91 (41,000 CRC) per person.
If you’re in a group of at least six people, getting a private transfer is a bit cheaper than a shared minivan shuttle.
You can ask for your accommodation's help in finding a trusted driver or you can book a private transfer online through BookAway.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in La Fortuna
Here are our favourite places to stay in La Fortuna for every budget.
Treat YourselfCasa Luna Hotel
This place is just wow! It’s the epitome of luxury, all whilst being surrounded by nothing but nature and tropical gardens. This eco-friendly hotel offers a number of outdoor pools, hot springs, spa and a grill restaurant.
After a relaxing treatment at the spa, slip on your robe and flop onto your comfy bed in your spacious room. The staff here are super friendly and will help you with anything they can. You won’t want to leave this private tropical oasis.
- Hot springs and outdoor pools
- Onsite grill restaurant
- Stunning gardens and views
- Includes a very tasty breakfast
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Treat YourselfCondo’s Vista Al Volcan
This hotel offers more than just a standard room. You’ll get to stay in a fully equipped apartment, for a very reasonable price. Each apartment has its own sitting area, TV and kitchen. It’s your private space to retreat to after a day of adventure in La Fortuna.
On top of that, you’ll also have access to a great gym that includes most of the equipment that goes way beyond the typical hotel gym! Then after you’ve worked up a sweat, you can relax on the hotel’s terrace, or play a game of snooker.
- Fully-equipped apartments
- Amazing onsite gym
- Great location
- Games area
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Mid-RangeHotel Secreto
Hotel Secreto feels like a mini oasis, surrounded by lush plants and views of Arenal Volcano. There are not many places where you can lounge in a swimming pool, or hot tub, and admire views of a 1,600m volcano. Well here you can!
The large glass doors of the rooms mean you’re never shut away from the glorious views either. They’re large, modern and clean. Every morning you can start the day right by enjoying their delicious free breakfast.
- Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
- Delicious breakfast included
- Bright and clean rooms
- Stunning hotel landscape and views
Double rooms between $50-$90 per night
BudgetArenal Xilopalo
The view of Arenal Volcano should already be enough to convince you to stay at Arenal Xilopalo. Enjoy the tasty breakfast with an unobstructed view of the volcano whilst listening to the chirping birds in the trees.
The rooms match the vibe of La Fortuna, boasting a rustic and natural design. Every room is clean, spacious and includes extras like a coffee machine and fridge. The location of the hotel is also perfect.
- Amazing view of Arenal Volcano
- Bicycles for rent
- Perfect location
- Helpful and friendly staff
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit La Fortuna?
La Fortuna translates to "The Fortune" in English, which seems pretty accurate as you feel like you've hit the jackpot while visiting here. As the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna attracts hiking and nature lovers eagerly waiting to explore the park's two volcanoes — the still active Arenal and the inactive dormant Chato.
And let's not forget about the incredible views that this laidback town is blessed with too. From virtually any spot in La Fortuna, you can see Arenal Volcano standing guard over the area.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna, roughly 226 kilometres (140 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $25 (11,000 CRC). The quickest trip takes 4h 50m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna?
The distance from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna is 226 kilometres (140 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna?
Journey times from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna overlap: bus 9h 40m, minivan 5-6h, private transport 4h 50m - 6h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna?
The cheapest way to get from Puerto Viejo De Talamanca to La Fortuna is by bus with ticket costs starting from 11,000 CRC.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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