The transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to La Fortuna, the gateway to Arenal Volcano, is one of the most requested routes in Costa Rica. With Apa Tours you travel door to door in a private vehicle, with no waiting and no stops for other groups, on a trip of roughly 3 hours and about 125 km.

The route

We leave the arrivals terminal in Alajuela and head north through Naranjo and Zarcero, a mountain town famous for its church and topiary gardens. The road crosses dairy farms, waterfalls and viewpoints where your driver can stop for photos. As you descend toward the San Carlos plains, the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano comes into view.

Why private instead of a shared shuttle?

A shared shuttle picks up several passengers at different hotels and can take up to 5 hours. The private service departs when you land, adapts to your flight even if it is delayed, and drops you directly at your hotel door in La Fortuna, El Castillo or around Lake Arenal.

What to see when you arrive

La Fortuna is the ideal base for volcanic hot springs, the La Fortuna waterfall, hanging bridges and hikes in Arenal Volcano National Park. We also arrange onward transfers to these attractions.

Indicative pricing starts at $120 per vehicle (not per person) for up to 4 passengers. Request your exact quote and we reply in under 2 hours.