San Jose to La Fortuna: Detailed Guide with Maps
Updated: Feb 20
Okay, I wish I had this detailed guide like the one I wrote before visiting Costa Rica. Finding the exact bus stop and bus to La Fortuna from Alajuela (the town near the San Jose Airport) was not easy. All thanks and much love to my Airbnb host, who asked around and guided us.
First, I'll talk about the cheapest way to go from Alajuela (a town near the airport) to La Fortuna & San José to La Fortuna. If that doesn't work for you, keep scrolling for alternative ways to get to La Fortuna from San Jose.
Cheapest Option: Public Transportation Bus
Are you arriving at San Jose International Airport and planning to stay in Alajuela before heading directly to La Fortuna?
From Alajuela to La Fortuna
I found a route that doesn't require you to go to San Jose to catch that daily bus. There is a bus station called Central Autobusera del Norte in Alajuela with buses to La Fortuna, but having to transfer at Ciudad Quesada (Terminal de Autobuses Plaza San Carlos) to La Fortuna (Parada de Autobuses). Click here for the complete route on Google Maps.
Catching the direct bus in San José 7-10 Bus Terminal is more challenging because there is only one bus in the morning at 8:30, whereas Alajuela is every hour. The total travel time from Alajuela Bus Stop to Ciudad Quesada is around three to four hours, then from Ciudad Quesada to La Fortuna bus station is 45 minutes to one hour. They don't have a schedule for these buses, but sometimes you can catch direct buses from Alajuela to La Fortuna.
Instructions on where to wait for the bus
When you are at the Alajuela Bus Station, there are no signs or indications of where to stand. You should be able to see a man or worker standing near the restroom, and you can ask, "Ventanilla Ciudad Quesada or La Fortuna." The worker will then show you to the right area to stand for the bus.
How much does the bus cost & where to pay?
Also, you will buy the bus ticket on the bus with the bus driver. The ticket price is around 3000 colones ($6), and remember to have it ready! It doesn't need to be exact change, but you need cash since they do not take cards. It is first come, first serve, so get ready to stand in line to grab yourself a seat. If not, then you will have to stand. This bus route does take many stops on its way to Ciudad Quesada.
These buses are like coach buses with two seats on each side and a small luggage rack on top. Anyone with suitcases would have to leave them in the storage area of the bus. I hate putting my suitcases in those storage areas because other people are getting off the bus at different stops, and you'll never know if it is still there. If you're taking these public buses around Costa Rica, I recommend carrying a backpack instead of a suitcase.
When you get to the Ciudad Quesada bus stop, you will see a sign like the one below for you to line up for the bus to La Fortuna. Our wait was around one hour, so we took an Uber with a stranger who was also going to La Fortuna and was on the same bus from Alajuela to Ciudad Quesada (do not recommend, but always follow your gut🙂 ).
Our experience with the public bus to La Fortuna & back to San José:
It wasn't a pleasant ride because we had motion sickness, especially returning to San José. There was a lot of traffic and no air conditioning on the bus on the way back to San José. Plus it was raining so we couldn't open the windows. You will never know what you will encounter taking the public bus, but it did save us a few bucks.
If you're looking for a more comfortable way but still affordable to get to La Fortuna from San Jose, check out shared shuttle buses.
Traveling from La Fortuna to San José:
Traveling from Ciudad Quesada to San Jose is the reverse route of traveling to La Fortuna. However, it's important to note that the last bus from Ciudad Quesada to San Jose departs around 7 pm. It's best to arrive a little early in case the bus is crowded, and you might need to wait for the next one.
This bus stops on its way to San José, including at the Juan Santamaria International Airport.
I finished with the bus routes but am now wondering how you should pack during the rainy season in Costa Rica. I got a full guide on how to pack during the rainy season!
Shared Shuttle Bus from San José to La Fortuna:
Many shared shuttle bus companies are available going from San Jose to La Fortuna. I wouldn't say this is the fastest way, but it is more comfortable than the big coach buses (Public Bus). Most shared shuttle buses have two or three set times to pick up you and the other travelers from their hotels. You will most likely meet other travelers going to La Fortuna on vacation, and it could be a great chance to meet new friends, especially if you're traveling alone!
Are you traveling with a group of people?
Book a Private Shuttle to La Fortuna!
A private shuttle bus is the best way to go to La Fortuna with a big group and with many suitcases. It will be direct with air conditioning, and the whole group will enjoy the scenic view while driving from San José to La Fortuna.
None of these work out for you.
Just rent a car! 🚘
I was pleasantly surprised by the road conditions in Costa Rica. The only cause for concern was driving in heavy rain at night and the possibility of encountering mudslides en route to La Fortuna. Renting a car is the easiest way to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna; an international license is not required. A driver's license from your home country is sufficient to rent and operate a car in Costa Rica. It allows you to leave and go whenever you want to without coordinating with a tour or shuttle bus.
Not to mention, many worthy destinations are on the way to La Fortuna from San Jose!
[FTC Disclosure: Hey, trying to provide free guides & recommendations, but a girl gotta eat too. Well, some of the links you click on are what are known as “affiliate links.” So if you do buy something, I’ll probably earn a few bucks. Thanks in advance ✍︎]
Should you taxi from San Jose to La Fortuna?
Considering this option as a last resort is advisable due to its high cost, which may exceed that of a private shuttle. With a private shuttle, you can have prior knowledge of the expected expenses, access reviews, and communicate with the driver. Taxis in Costa Rica are generally pricier than Uber services, despite the latter not being a legally recognized means of transportation.
TIP: Taxis in Costa Rica will always have that triangle yellow sign. If you do not see it, don't take it. It is possible those are imposters trying to kidnap you. Especially at airports, please pay extra attention to it.
Things to keep in mind while in La Fortuna:
How will you get around in La Fortuna?
Are you joining tours that provide transportation?
Or will you Uber everywhere?
When you get to La Fortuna, it is a little tricky because it is a smaller town, and taxi drivers pay more attention to Uber drivers. Why did I say that? Uber is not exactly legal in Costa Rica. At La Fortuna, taxi drivers will report Uber drivers, which results in a canceled ride or left abandoned if the police decide to take away the Uber driver's license plate. If you're not joining any tours, your only option is to get a shared shuttle, drive, Uber, or taxi.
Shared Shuttle Bus in La Fortuna:
There is an affordable, popular shared shuttle service called Easy Hop that takes you to popular destinations around La Fortuna. Easy Hop has pick-up spots/drop-off locations and time slots throughout the day for you to pick from. The only con with this shuttle service is the long wait time on the shuttle while they pick up and drop off other people. It can take up to one hour to get back to your hotel when it typically takes 15 minutes, but that comes with a price, right?
Pin This!
You might be wondering...
What is the easiest option to go from San José to La Fortuna?
A convenient choice is to reserve a private shuttle bus offering door-to-door service and amenities such as air conditioning, wifi, and water. This option eliminates the need to fret about traffic, inclement weather, or other concerns.
What is the cheapest option to go from San José to La Fortuna?
If you're looking to save money and are backpacking through Costa Rica, the most affordable option from San José to La Fortuna is taking the public bus. It costs approximately $12-$14 for a round trip. However, if you're prone to motion sickness or in a rush to get to La Fortuna, I wouldn't recommend this mode of transportation. The bus makes multiple stops along the way, which may delay your arrival time if you're in a rush.
Is it safe to take Uber in La Fortuna?
While Uber is not considered a legally recognized mode of transportation in Costa Rica, it is still widely used by locals and foreigners. However, it is essential to note that in smaller towns like La Fortuna, taxi drivers keep a close eye on Uber drivers and may report them to the authorities. If the police catch an Uber driver, their license plate will be confiscated, and if you happen to be riding in the car at the time, you may be left without a ride.
Is Uber legal in Costa Rica?
No, Uber is not legal in Costa Rica. It is illegal, but people still have access to the application, and there are many Uber drivers in San José.
Like always, if you need additional information on the buses, please feel free to reach out anytime through comments or email! Please have a safe travel y'all!
