La Fortuna is a perfect blend of leisure, adventure, and nature. With some of the best hot springs in Costa Rica and the Arenal Volcano that towers over the town, La Fortuna is loved by all. And Monteverde is where the misty cloud forests with a wide variety of flora and fauna are! Combine that with hanging bridges and zip-lining, and you get the perfect package.
No wonder, La Fortuna and Monteverde are two of the most visited places in Costa Rica.
So naturally, thousands of tourists travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde or vice-versa. If you too are looking for the best ways to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde, you are on the right page.
The journey from La Fortuna to Monteverde is not a simple one. The roads are bumpy, unpaved, and with sharp turns at numerous spots. You may even have to cross a lake. But we have got you covered.
In this article, we will cover three popular ways of getting from La Fortuna to Monteverde, along with the cost, travel time, advantages, and challenges. Based on the information, you will be able to decide the option that suits you best.
Quick Resources – La Fortuna to Monteverde
🛥️ Jeep-Boat-Jeep Transfer: Book this transfer, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
🚐 Minivan: Book this minivan (min. 4 people per booking) or this minivan (min. 2 people/booking)
🚌 Public Bus: (1) Bus from La Fortuna to Tilaran. (2) Bus from Tilaran to Monteverde.
🚗 Self-drive: Rent a car. Check out our Costa Rica Car Rental Deal.
Which airport are you flying in to for your Costa Rica trip? San Jose or Liberia? For either airport, you should be able to include Monteverde or La Fortuna in your itinerary, or both, based on the number of days you have in Costa Rica.
Check out these Costa Rica itinerary options:
- 2 weeks in Costa Rica, from San Jose Airport
- 10 days in Costa Rica, from Liberia Airport
- 5 days in Costa Rica – plans from San Jose Airport & Liberia Airport
La Fortuna to Monteverde and Vice-versa
The three ways to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde are by Jeep-Boat-Jeep, by public bus, or by your own vehicle or a rental car.
All three options have their own sets of advantages and challenges. It really depends on what type of traveler you are.
Do you have some extra time? Can you pay extra for convenience? Do you love driving and always take your car around?
So let’s take a quick look at the summary of the above three options.
- Jeep-Boat-Jeep – Most convenient option, but costly. Book transfer here.
- Minivan – Convenient. Road Route. Book minivan here.
- Public Bus – Cheapest option, but time-consuming.
- By Car – More flexible option, and saves time on some routes. Prior experience on Costa Rican roads is recommended. Check out our Costa Rica Car Rental Deal.
Whether you are traveling from La Fortuna to Monteverde, or Monteverde to La Fortuna, you will be visiting two of the most incredible places in Costa Rica. Yes, they are popular but for good reasons.
Make the best out of your Costa Rica travel, and plan in advance. Check out our destination guides:
Jeep-Boat-Jeep from La Fortuna to Monteverde
This is the most convenient way to travel from La Fortuna to Monteverde in case you do not have a rented or private car.
The service, also known as Taxi-Boat-Taxi or Van-Boat-Van, involves ground transportation by shared shuttle from La Fortuna to Lake Arenal, a boat across the lake, and ground transportation from the lake to Monteverde.
You will be sharing the transport with other travelers at all stages.
Things to Know about the Shuttle Transfer
How long is the shuttle from La Fortuna to Monteverde?
The total duration of the trip from La Fortuna to Monteverde is around 3.5-4 hours. If you add up the times for each leg of the journey, it will be around 2.5 hours. But in reality, it takes around 3.5-4 hours including the transfer time and pick-ups and drop-offs of all passengers from and to their respective hotels.
What are the timings for shuttle transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde?
The tour operators make 2 trips in a day, one between 8:00-8.30 am and another between 2:00-2.30 pm.
How much does it cost for the shuttle transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde?
The cost of the service varies between 30-45 USD, depending on the time of the year.
What kind of vehicle is used for shuttle?
The service is often referred to as Jeep-Boat-Jeep or Taxi Boat Taxi. But there are no actual jeeps involved. Ground transportation is generally carried out in a van.
Can you avail Jeep Boat Jeep Transfer in Rainy Season?
The boats are covered and are suitable for all weather conditions.
Who manages luggage transfer during the Jeep Boat Jeep transfer?
Your luggage stays with you throughout the trip, so you will have to handle your luggage for all transfers.
How to book Jeep Boat Jeep transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde?
You can check with your hotel for assistance with the booking. Else, if you like to plan in advance, book online.
Click here to check and book this highly rated transfer with good reviews. They also offer free cancellation with full refund for up to 24 hours in advance.
Shuttle Transfer: Our Experience
We were staying in the La Fortuna town center and the hotel staff helped us make the booking with a tour operator.
Related Reading: Where to Stay in La Fortuna and Arenal
Jeep Boat Jeep: Part 1 – Shuttle from La Fortuna to Arenal Lake
The next morning, a shuttle van picked us up at around 8.15 am from our hotel. After a 30-minute drive and picking up a few passengers on the way, we reached the edge of Arenal Lake where the boats were docked.
We got down from the van, collected our luggage, and waited for our boat. In around 15 minutes our boat arrived and the other passengers got down. We were then instructed to get into the boat and keep our luggage in the front.
Jeep Boat Jeep: Part 2 – Boat Ride across Arenal Lake
The boat ride was pleasant with views of Arenal Volcano in the backdrop. We felt this was a great way to experience a boat ride through the lake. Boat rentals otherwise cost around 60 USD for an hour, and one boat can fit up to 10-12 people. Since you will almost never have the time to wait for other people to join you on the boat, you will end up renting the whole boat for yourself.
The boat ride across the Arenal Lake lasted for around 40 minutes. We soon reached the Rio Chiquito dock where another van was waiting for the pickup. We picked up our luggage and got down from the boat. And quickly our last leg of the journey began.
Jeep Boat Jeep: Part 3 – Shuttle from Rio Chiquito to Santa Elena
The drive from Lake Arenal to Monteverde is bumpy and on a dirt road. Luckily, our driver had stopped just before the bumpy ride for a quick break. This break allowed us to recharge for the upcoming challenging drive.
On the way, there comes a stretch of road where you can see huge windmills. The sight of these windmills is relieving and reminds you of Costa Rica’s efforts in harnessing wind energy.
The drive lasted for around 1.5 hours and soon we were in Santa Elena town. After dropping off a few other passengers on the way, the driver dropped us at our hotel in Santa Elena. With this, we came to the end of our La Fortuna to Monteverde journey.
Related Reading: Where to Stay in Monteverde
La Fortuna to Monteverde Bus
Traveling by bus is the cheapest way of getting to Monteverde from La Fortuna. But it comes with its own share of hassles. Firstly, there is no direct bus from La Fortuna to Monteverde. You have to change the bus once at Tilaran. Secondly, the wait time for the second bus can be up to 2.5 hours. Therefore, it can take you somewhere between 4-7 hours to reach your destination, including wait time between bus rides.
But, the trip is totally doable and is not a very difficult one. Just pack your patience, follow these steps and enjoy the bus rides from La Fortuna to Monteverde.
- From the La Fortuna bus station, catch a bus to Tilaran.
- The buses on this route are run by Transpisa.
- Buses leave for Tilaran daily at 8:00 am, 12.15 pm, and 5.30 pm. It is advisable to catch the 8:00 am bus to Tilaran.
- The bus ride from La Fortuna to Tilaran takes around 1.5-2 hours and costs around 7 USD.
- This is the Google Maps location of Bus Terminal at La Fortuna.
- From Tilaran bus station, catch the bus to Monteverde:
- The buses on this route are run by Transportes Monteverde Hermanos Soto.
- Buses leave from the Tilaran bus station for Monteverde daily at 3.50 am, 9.30 am, 12.30 pm, and 4 pm.
- The bus ride from Tilaran to Monteverde is for around 2.5 hours and costs around 2 USD.
- Here is the Google Maps location for Bus Terminal in Tilaran.
Tips for Planning La Fortuna to Monteverde Bus Ride
If you catch the 8:00 am bus from La Fortuna, you may reach Tilaran just in time for the 9.30 am bus to Monteverde. However, the bus generally arrives in Tilaran at 9.30 am or later, leaving you with little time to make the connection.
In case you miss the 9.30 am bus, you should aim to catch the next bus to Monteverde at 12.15 pm. It will drop you at Monteverde by 3:00 pm.
La Fortuna to Monteverde Drive
There are 3 ways of getting from La Fortuna to Monteverde by car. However, the drive is not easy and often involves narrow, bumpy, and dirt roads. And, not to forget the unexpected potholes. You should drive a car on these routes only if you are already familiar with Costa Rican roads. Also, it is not recommended to make this journey after sunset.
✅ Recommended: Adobe Rent A Car, a 100% Costa Rican company with transparent pricing. Reserve here and get 10% discount and other freebies
🚗 Other options: Compare deals on Rentalcars.com by Booking.com
Read this: Should you rent a car in Costa Rica?
Via Tilaran
This is the most common route for driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde. In La Fortuna, start driving towards Lake Arenal by taking Road 142 west out of downtown. Follow the road around Lake Arenal which will lead you to Tilaran.
Make a left turn to continue onto Road 145. Viento Fresco Waterfall on the way makes for a great stop to get out and stretch your legs. Add this waterfall to your list of things to do on the way from La Fortuna to Monteverde.
From here, keep following the road upwards. Soon you will have to make a left turn for Ruta 606 in the village of El Dos de Tilaran (San Ramon). Please note that this road is bumpy and you will have to constantly look out for potholes. Keep following Ruta 606 and you will reach Santa Elena town.
The drive takes about 3 hours in total, and a high-clearance car is recommended.
Related Reading: Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica
Via San Ramon
Driving through San Ramon is the most comfortable option as the roads are paved. Also, this is a safer route during the rainy season when other roads are in worse condition. This route take your on Ruta 606 but from the other direction. This stretch is paved all the way till Santa Elena town and offers beautiful views.
However, the route via San Ramon takes the longest time, i.e. around 4.5 hours, so Google Maps may not show it.
For taking this route, set your GPS to San Ramon from La Fortuna. After reaching San Ramon, set your GPS to Monteverde.
Via El Castillo and Rio Chiquito
Driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde through El Castillo and Rio Chiquito saves you about 30 minutes as compared to driving around the lake. The route is scenic and gives you a jungle feel. However, this route can only be covered by 4×4 and during the dry season, from December to April, when the river’s water level is low.
For taking this route, set your GPS to El Castillo from La Fortuna. After reaching El Castillo, set your GPS to Monteverde.
La Fortuna to Monteverde Minivan
If you prefer a road route, do not wish to drive your self, and neither want the hassle of changing public buses, this option is best for you. Book a minivan for traveling from La Fortuna to Monteverde, or vice versa.
There are some trusted shuttle companies that operate along this route. They will pick you up from your hotel in La Fortuna and drop you off at your hotel in Monteverde. Most providers have baggage allowance policy of 1 big luggage and 1 hand luggage.
You can book this minivan, the most highly rated for La Fortuna to Monteverde route, and they offer the best pricing. This company has a schedule of two transfers per day. However, you will need to have minimum 4 people to make one reservation.
For a smaller group size, of minimum 2 people, you can book this minivan. They have similar offerings and ratings.
Plan Your Trip – La Fortuna and Monteverde
Whichever way of transport you choose for traveling between La Fortuna and Monteverde, remember to get a good night’s rest after arriving at your destination. Next morning onwards, buckle up and experience some of the coolest things to do. Here are some ideas:
Tour Recommendations
For when you are in La Fortuna and Monteverde, you may be looking for the best activities to book. Check out our recommended tours here.
Browse tours for La Fortuna:
- La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs – Full Day Tour
- Rio Celeste Full Day Tour from La Fortuna
- Rainforest Night Tour
Browse tours for Monteverde:
- Sky Walk, Sky Tram and Hanging Bridges
- Birding and widlife walk at Curi Cancha Reserve – including entry tickets
- Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour
Our Visit Guides to Help You Plan
La Fortuna and Arenal
Plan your Costa Rica trip:
This article has been written by Astha Garg and edited by Paradise Catchers. Astha is a freelance writer who lives in Costa Rica and loves traveling.
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