La Fortuna — the town at the foot of the Arenal Volcano — is about 3 hours 30 minutes north of Jacó by road. It's one of Costa Rica's must-see stops: a perfect volcano cone, natural hot springs, waterfalls, and rainforest. Here's how to get there from the coast.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Time | Cost (2026) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer — Jaco Transport | ~3h30 | Sedan $220 / SUV $230 per vehicle | Families, anyone with luggage, door-to-door comfort |
| Shared shuttle | ~4h+ (stops) | ~$55–70 / person | Solo budget travelers |
| Public bus | ~6h+ (transfer in San José) | ~$12 | Backpackers with a full travel day |
Why private wins for this route
It's a 3.5-hour drive across the country — not a trip you want to do standing on buses with two transfers.
- Direct, door to door — your Jacó hotel to your La Fortuna lodge, no changes.
- Stops when you want — bathroom, lunch, a photo of the volcano as it comes into view.
- A local driver who knows the route and the good roadside stops.
- One flat price for the vehicle — six people in the SUV is about $38 each.
What it costs
Priced per vehicle, not per person:
- Private sedan (up to 3) — $220
- Private SUV (up to 6) — $230
- Sprinter van (up to 14) — quote on request
What's waiting in La Fortuna
- Arenal Volcano National Park — trails over old lava flows with the cone towering above.
- Hot springs — natural volcano-heated rivers and resort spas.
- La Fortuna Waterfall — a 200-foot cascade you can swim under.
- Hanging bridges, ziplines, and wildlife in the surrounding rainforest.
Frequently asked questions
Can we do La Fortuna as a day trip from Jacó?
It's a long day — about 7 hours of driving round trip. Most travelers stay 1–2 nights to actually enjoy the volcano and hot springs.
Can you pick us up in La Fortuna for the return?
Yes — round trips and one-ways both. Tell us your dates when you book.
Can we stop along the way?
Yes. Lunch, a leg-stretch, a photo stop — just tell your driver.