You can get from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna by shared shuttle, public bus, private transfer, taxi, or rental car.
The cheapest transportation option from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is by public bus, which costs only USD 18. The journey takes about 5 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering convenience at a very affordable price.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes about 1 hour.
My many voyages from Santa Teresa to the lush rainforests of La Fortuna have taught me the best ways to bridge these two worlds.
This guide is packed with the insights I’ve picked up, ready to help you transition smoothly between the beachfront bliss and the volcanic grandeur of La Fortuna.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna.
Transportation Options from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
The following table outlines all transportation options from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna | 5 hrs | $58 to 65 |
| Santa Teresa to La Fortuna Public Bus | +10 hrs | $18 |
| Santa Teresa to La Fortuna Private Transfer | 5.5 hrs | $195 |
| Taxifrom Santa Teresa to La Fortuna | 5.5 hrs | $250+ |
| Rental Car | 5.5 hrs |
How far is La Fortuna from Santa Teresa?
The distance from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is 175.5 miles or 282.5 kilometers. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to travel between these two places!
Getting to La Fortuna from Santa Teresa
1. Shared Shuttle from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours
A trip to La Fortuna can be an adventure and a wonderful experience, but it’s also a long trip that takes you through some remote areas.
To get there, most travelers opt for a shared van shuttle. These shuttles are modern, well-equipped, and have air conditioning so that you can travel comfortably.
The routes are well planned so that you can travel with peace of mind and be sure to arrive safely and on time at your destination.
They are also really cost-effective and inexpensive!
All you need to do is to know when these shuttles leave, get your tickets, and catch your ride!
Interbus Shared Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable for trips from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00am | 11:00am | 4h | $58 |  |
| 02:00pm | 06:00pm | 4h | $58 | |
| 07:00am | 11:00am | 4h | $62 | |
| 02:00pm | 06:00pm | 4h | $62 | |
| 07:50am | 11:50am | 4h | $65 | |
2. Public Bus from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 10 hours
Are you traveling around Costa Rica on a budget? Take the public bus, also known as a collective, cost-effectively get to your destination!
If you are looking for a direct trip, this is not the option, as you have to change buses, so be prepared for some stop-offs along the way.
This is the cheapest option to La Fortuna, and it only costs USD 18, including all the bus tickets!
If you are adventurous or have spare time, taking a public bus is the best option from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna.
Expect this journey to take about 10 hours.
3. Private Transfer from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
If you are traveling with your family or in a group and want to travel in style and comfort, a private transfer is the way to go!
You can take a private shuttle that will take you straight to your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb in La Fortuna, allowing flexibility when picking your departure time. They leave when you want, without having delays or waiting for other people.
It might be a bit pricey, but it’s worth every penny because you won’t have to worry about carrying your luggage, and you can just lay back and enjoy your surroundings. Plus, it’s the fastest way to get to reach your destination!
Sit back, relax, enjoy your trip in comfortable, modern vehicles, and arrive safely at your accommodation in La Fortuna!
Prices for a private transfer from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
- 1-4 passengers: USD 195
- 7-9 passengers: USD 255
- 5-12 passengers: USD 330
4. Driving with a Rental Car from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
If you want to go to La Fortuna after your Surf trip in Santa Teresa and don’t want to go through the hassle of buses or other shared transport, renting a car is the best choice. You won’t have to worry about trying to catch a taxi or sharing a shuttle with other passengers.
This option is also great if you plan a more extended trip and don’t want to leave any unseen place. Explore Costa Rica on your schedule with a car rental from Santa Teresa!
While the travel time on this route is long, the drive is lovely and offers several stopping points.
You can easily reach La Fortuna by opening your GPS (or grabbing a map!).
It is strongly recommended to book your car in advance to guarantee availability.
5. Taxi or Uber from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna
Journey Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Hiring a taxi from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is the most expensive option. Although it is the easiest and fastest way to get where you are going, it is only cost-effective if you have someone to share the costs with.
Prices for this transportation method vary by taxi company, the time of day, and the traffic you come across along the way. It might be best to try and agree on a fixed price from the start if possible.
Remember that most Costa Rican taxi drivers will overcharge tourists, so make sure you find a good one that is honest and reliable with the prices.
Best day tours in La Fortuna, 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.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Fortuna worth visiting?
There’s no doubt that La Fortuna is worth the trip! While it is costly, certain activities can be undertaken on a budget.
How far is La Fortuna from the beach?
Unfortunately, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, has no beaches nearby. It takes about three hours to get to Puntarenas, one of the closest coastal cities. Are you staying in La Fortuna for your entire vacation in Costa Rica and planning to visit the beach? Be sure to add an extra day to your schedule since the excursion to the coast will last the entire day.
What is La Fortuna known for?
If zip lining and hanging bridges are on your list of things to do, La Fortuna is one of the best places in the country for these activities. On top of experiencing the rainforest canopy from above on zip-line cables or hanging bridges, you will also get incredible views of the volcano or lake.
How do you get around La Fortuna without a car?
Those without a vehicle can rent bicycles or scooters, take public transport, or take a taxi. The location of La Fortuna puts you very close to numerous restaurants, shopping centers, and tour operators. If you are going on a tour, your tour operator will often pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation before and after the tour.
Is Uber available in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
The Uber app is widely available in La Fortuna as of March 2020, and it’s significantly less expensive than red taxis and private transfers. As well as, in the city of La Fortuna, Uber appears to be widely available in the surrounding areas near the main roads.
What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna?
The cheapest transportation option from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is by public bus, which costs only USD 18.
What is the fastest way to get from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna?
The fastest way to travel from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes about 1 hour.
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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