You can get from Arenal La Fortuna to Santa Teresa by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
From my many trips through Costa Rica, I’ve learned the ins and outs of this route. Dive into this guide, and I’ll share the best travel secrets to make your trip unforgettable and smooth!
Here, you can find more information about transportation in Costa Rica.
My tips are drawn from my own journeys and double-checked with the help of GuateGo‘s CEO, Jean Nájera, to make sure you get reliable, current information.
The summary:
The cheapest way to get from La Fortuna Arenal to Santa Teresa is by public bus (USD 18, approximately 10 hours). The most popular option is the shared shuttle + ferry (USD 65–77, around 5–6 hours). The fastest way is by private SUV or rental car (around 5 hours).
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Bus | ~10 hrs | $18 |
| Shuttle | 5-6 hrs | $65 to 77 |
| SUV | 5 hrs | $412+ |
| Private Minivan | 5.5 hrs | $210 to 345 |
| Rental Car | 5 hrs | – |
How far is Santa Teresa from Arenal La Fortuna?
Using Route 142, the shortest route between La Fortuna and Santa Teresa is 173.5 miles or 279.2 kilometers.
The trip will take around five hours, depending on your transportation.
1. Bus
Journey Duration: 9 hours 50 minutes
The cheapest option is by bus, but there isn’t a direct bus, so you must switch between buses at various locations for almost 10 hours.
Nonetheless, it is a viable option. If you like to venture out and don’t mind having a longer ride, the bus is always an option without breaking the bank!
The journey only costs USD 18!
2. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 5-6 hours
A regular shared shuttle will never disappoint if you want the most convenient and affordable option.
Even though the journey takes a bit longer, it is worth the price since shared shuttles are not too expensive.
Regarding comfort, the standard minivan is the best option. Book your tickets with Montezuma Expeditions to reserve your seats and have a worry-free trip!
In addition, the trip is cheap and relatively faster than a regular indirect bus!
Additionally, these minivans provide luggage space for up to 20-kilogram bags plus 7 kilograms of handle bags per passenger.
There is only one departure daily, so arrive early and catch it on time!
Shared Van Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 2:00pm | 6h | $67 |  |
3. Relaxury SUV Car
Journey Duration: 5 hours
Relaxury offers another type of private transport via SUV Car for 2-4 passengers starting at USD 412.
So, if you are a small group willing to splurge on a comfortable and fast journey, we recommend this option.
This is a direct car ride that takes five hours. There are early departures at 05:00 AM and late departures at 02:00 PM from La Fortuna to your hotel.
The arrival time at station Santa Teresa Beach is 10:00 AM, and the latest arrival is 07:00 PM. This car offers many different amenities from La Fortuna to Santa Teresa Beach.
You can access air conditioning, food, drinks, English-speaking staff, and wifi upon boarding.
It is important to note that a ferry ride is required between Paquera and Punta Arenas. Unfortunately, no ferry ticket is included, but tickets are available at the dock.
- La Fortuna – Punta Arenas Ferry Terminal: 2.5 hours (Car)
- Punta Arenas Ferry Terminal – Paquera Ferry Terminal: 1.5 hours (Ferry Boat)
- Paquera Ferry Terminal – Santa Teresa Beach: 1.5 hours (Car)
4. Private Minivan
Journey Duration: 5.5 hours
Besides the standard minivan, Montezuma Expeditions offers more privacy when traveling to Santa Teresa.
Take their standard minivan, which has limited passenger seats. Gather a group and take this private transfer option, which offers departure time flexibility according to your preference.
The earliest departure from La Fortuna is 00:00, and the latest departure is 23:00. The earliest arrival at Santa Teresa station is 05:30, and the latest arrival is 04:30.
Since this is a private ride, you can select any time you want in 30-minute intervals, starting at 00:00.
Montezuma Expeditions Standard Minivan
- Up to 4 passengers: USD 210
- Up to 8 passengers: USD 345
6. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 5 hours
Renting a car is also possible to drive to Santa Teresa since the distance between La Fortuna and Santa Teresa is 173.5 miles or 279.2 kilometers.
When renting a car, you can stop for lunch, visit places along the way, and not worry about luggage restrictions.
Luckily, La Fortuna offers many rental companies inexpensive options that are worth the price!
My Tip:
If you’re on a strict budget and have plenty of time, the bus is your cheapest bet. If you’re traveling in a group or prefer comfort, go for a private SUV or minivan. And if you want to explore on your own terms, renting a car is the most flexible option!
Best day tours in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Teresa Costa Rica safe?
There is no threat to public safety in Santa Teresa. Costa Rica is the safest country in the entire region. It is a friendly place, and as long as you use common sense, you should have an enjoyable vacation.
Want to highlight this info? Cite the guide:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Santa Teresa
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