How to Get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (and Vice Versa)

Figuring out how to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde (or Monteverde to La Fortuna) can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

These two incredible destinations in Costa Rica are must-visits, with La Fortuna offering stunning volcano views and Monteverde boasting magical cloud forests.

While they aren’t far apart, the journey between them isn’t exactly a straight shot.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the ways to travel between La Fortuna and Monteverde, from budget-friendly buses to scenic boat rides and even an epic hiking option. Let’s dive in!

Map of Route

On a map it appears that La Fortuna and Monteverde are not too far away from each other. Unfortunately, it typically takes at least 3 hours to get between the two locations. That is because of Lake Arenal and the thick jungle behind Arenal Volcano.

As of now, the only route is to drive all the way around Lake Arenal.

I also need to preface this guide by saying, if you have issues with carsickness this route might be rough for you. I always get car sick on this drive because there are so many tight curves (especially around Lake Arenal).

I highly suggest bringing motion sickness pills if you think this may be a problem for you.

Ok, let’s get to the different transportation options!

Car Rental and Driving

Driving yourself is a fantastic way to enjoy the stunning scenery between La Fortuna and Monteverde. The journey is an adventure with several places to stop for amazing views.

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Driving Directions

The main road is about 120 km (75 miles) and includes some bumpy gravel sections, especially near Monteverde.

From La Fortuna

• From La Fortuna, take Route 142 around Lake Arenal.
• Continue for about 1.5 hours until you reach the town of Tilaran.
• In Tilaran, switch to Route 145, which will take you directly to Monteverde.

From Monteverde

• From Monteverde, take Route 145 to Tilaran.
• Switch to Route 142 and continue around Lake Arenal to La Fortuna.

Travel Tip: Download the free app Waze for driving directions. It’s by far the best GPS app in Costa Rica.

Travel Time

The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, but some of the roads are narrow. If you get stuck behind a big truck, it can be difficult to pass, and the drive might take a lot longer.

Road Conditions

In La Fortuna and on the road around La Fortuna you can expect decent road conditions. After Lake Arenal and until a bit before Montverde there are some sections of unpaved road.

However, I feel like the conditions are fine. These roads are heavily driven and packed down. It’s not like you’ll be doing any crazy off roading or something.

Rent Your Car

We suggest renting your car with our favorite local rental car company, Adobe for a 10% discount plus other great perks.

We suggest renting your vehicle through Adobe Rent-a-Car because:

• They are a local company that prides themselves on excellent customer service.
• They don’t have any hidden fees and are completely upfront with their costs.
• They offer free cancellation at any time.
• Your car rental will include unlimited mileage for tons of exploration.

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Pros & Cons

• Pros: Freedom to stop wherever you want (hello, photo ops!), flexibility with timing, and great for those continuing their trip by car.
• Cons: Can be a more expensive option if you are traveling as couple or solo, you have the stress of driving.

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Where to Stop Along the Way

Here is a map I made of Lake Arenal. It is helpful for finding viewpoints and restaurants around Lake Arenal.

Between Lake Arenal and Monteverde there aren’t that many places to stop.

If you would like a restaurant between the lake and Monteverde, I suggest: Restaurante y Pizzería Donde Jossy

If you would like a gas station between the lake and Monteverde, I suggest: Gasolinera JSM (in Tilaran)

Boat and Shuttle Transfer

One of the most unique ways to get between La Fortuna and Monteverde is with a combo of shuttle, boat across Lake Arenal, and then another shuttle.

Basically, how this works is you will:

• Start with a van transfer from your La Fortuna hotel to Lake Arenal.
• Board a boat to cross Lake Arenal with an experienced captain.
• On the other side, take another van transfer to your hotel in Monteverde.

If coming from Monteverde, you will do the same route in reverse.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• This is often quicker than driving or taking a traditional shuttle on the road around Lake Arenal.
• If you get bad carsickness, this route might be easier on you than the road around the lake.
• You get a fun boat ride activity to break up the travel

Cons:

• This is a shared transfer option so the schedule is fixed and not flexible.
• This is probably not the best option for families with small children or people in limited physical abilities. I say this because you will need to bring your luggage from the shuttle down to the boat and then back up to the next shuttle on the other side.

Shared Shuttle

If you do not want to do the boat transfer, you can always opt to take a shared shuttle that drives the entire way.

Private Shuttle

A private shuttle is a great option if you are traveling as a family and would like door-to-door service.

You can just sit back and enjoy the jungle views while someone else deals with the stress of driving.

It is also often the most cost-effective method for a group.

Cost: $160+ per group (prices vary depending on the company and group size).

Public Bus

The public bus is often the best option for travelers on a tight budget. However, the problem with the public bus is that there isn’t a direct bus between La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Instead, you will need to take the bus to the town of Tilaran and switch.

• Travel Time: This route takes about six hours.
• Cost: Approximately $10 per person.

If you are stuck hanging out in Tilarán for a few hours, there isn’t much to do. There is a small park directly across from the bus terminal where you can at least sit on a bench.

If you want something to eat for breakfast while waiting, I suggest:

• Musmanni Tilarán: Not amazing by any means, but affordable and fine if you want just a pastry and a coffee. It’s basically a bread shop, but they have tables.
• Entre sabores restaurants: They open at 7:00Am and serve traditional Costa Rican breakfast for about ₡3,000
• La Choza Del Sabor: Another good place to eat a relaxed traditional breakfast at an affordable rate.

I can not remember if there are bathrooms at the bus station here. If there are not, I suggest walking to either this gas station or checking out if this is actually free public bathrooms as it is marked on Google Maps.

Safety Tips

We have heard about people being robbed while taking the public bus, so please use caution. The typical way this theft occurs is that people will steal your stuff from the racks above your seat on the bus while you are sleeping.

To combat this we suggest that you avoid putting stuff above your seat if possible. If you need to put stuff up there, make sure you always keep valuables such as your wallet, passport, phone, etc. directly on you at your seat.

Also, avoid sleeping if possible and be vigilant.

La Fortuna to Monteverde

• Depart on bus from downtown La Fortuna.
  • The bus departs at 8AM, 12:15PM, and 5:30PM
  • You should take the 8AM bus to make it to Monteverde at a decent time.
  • The bus stop is called Terminal de autobuses La Fortuna.
  • The bus costs about ₡3,300 ($7).
• Arrive in Tilarán at approximately 9:30AM.
• Now, if you are lucky, you can hop on the 9:30AM bus to Montverede at Tilarán. However, typically the bus from La Fortuna is a bit late and you’ll miss the connection. Instead, you will need to hang around and depart from Tilarán on bus at 12:30PM.
  • The bus costs about ₡930 ($2).
• Arrive in Monteverde at approximately 3:00PM

Monteverde to La Fortuna

• Depart on bus from Monteverde at 7:00 AM from the Monteverde Cheese Factory or 7:10 AM in front of Hotel El Sueno.
• The bus costs approximately ₡930 ($2).
• Arrive in Tilarán around 9:00 AM.
• Wait for departure at 12:15 PM.
  • The bus costs about ₡3,300 ($7).
• The bus arrives in La Fortuna at approximately 3:00 PM at the bus terminal.

Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde

Ok, this idea sounds completely crazy, but also very fun. The company Red Lava offers two-day hikes from La Fortuna to Monteverde with experienced guides.

Don’t worry, your luggage is transported separately and will be waiting for you when you arrive in Monteverde. You don’t need to lug it with you.

On day one of your hike, your group will make your way beneath the Arenal volcano, past Lake Arenal, and into the jungle at Children’s Eternal Rainforest (a national forest). After your day of hiking, you’ll spend the night in a mountain cabin, and enjoy a dinner cooked on an open fire.

The next day, after a typical breakfast your group will continue on the second leg of the hike. On this day the trail changes into a country road. Here you can enjoy idyllic Costa Rican farmland and its breathtaking panoramic views until you arrive in Monteverde.

• This tour is best for moderately fit travelers with hiking experience
• One breakfast and one dinner are included

Check Availability and Book Your Two Day Hike to Monteverde

Transportation in Monteverde

Once in Monteverde there are a few ways to get around. We typically like to have a rental car to explore easily on our own without depending on day tours.

We like having a rental car in La Fortuna because it gives us the most flexibility to explore off the beaten path places.

Read more in our guide to renting a car in La Fortuna.

However, if you opt not to get a rental car there are still tons of fun day tours with transportation included that you can book.

If you are looking for some fun activities to do with your rental car, we suggest:

• Hike at the Mistico Hanging Bridge Park
• Visit the La Fortuna Waterfall
• Relax in one of the many hot springs
• Take a day trip to Rio Celeste

If you are looking for some fun activities to do with transportation included, we suggest:

• Rainforest Night Walk and Authentic Costa Rican Dinner
• North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour
• La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano Combo Tour
• Rio Celeste Full-Day Tour From La Fortuna

Conclusion: Traveling Between La Fortuna and Monteverde

Whether you choose to drive, take a boat transfer, or use public transportation, there are multiple ways to travel between La Fortuna and Monteverde.

Each option has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your travel style and budget.

If you have any questions about planning your trip between these two destinations, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We’re here to help!

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