How to get to Manuel Antonio or Quepos from La Fortuna, Arenal?
- Esteban Acedo
- Dec 21, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Costa Rica, with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. If your adventure starts in La Fortuna and your final destination is the captivating beach town of Manuel Antonio, you're in for an unforgettable experience. In this guide, we'll explore all the options available for traveling from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, providing you with valuable information and analysis to help you make an informed decision for navigating this 218km trip.
Need other useful information? We have a complete travel guide dedicated to the town of Manuel Antonio & Quepos: the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do in the area.
What is the best way to get to Manuel Antonio or Quepos from La Fortuna, Arenal?
Pura Vida Traveling Recommendations:
On a Budget: Shared Shuttle, Public Buses
Singles, Couples, or Small Groups: Airplane, Taxi or Rental Car, Shared Shuttle
Families or Large Groups: Private shuttle
To Manuel Antonio from La Fortuna by Private Shuttle
Best for Groups - 4-6hrs - $360-$650
A private shuttle service is a popular choice among travelers seeking convenience and comfort. These private shuttles offer direct transportation from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic journey.
The distance between La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio is approximately 218 kilometers (135 miles). The travel time for shuttle services typically ranges from 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Click here for detailed information about shared and private shuttle service in Costa Rica.
Writers Tips:
Private shuttles are great for groups of 5-12 people.
Ask your driver to stop along the way. There is so much to see, and your driver should know the area well.
To Manuel Antonio from La Fortuna by Shared Shuttle
Solo travelers & couples - 5-6hrs - $70
If you enjoy the company of fellow travelers, a group shuttle might be the perfect choice. Shared shuttles operate on set schedules and pick up passengers from various locations. Although you may have less control over the schedule, group shuttles are a cost-effective and social way to travel to Manuel Antonio. Click here for more detailed information about Group and Private shuttles
Writers Tips:
Reserve in advance, as these shuttles can fill up.
Shared shuttles from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio are typically scheduled to depart in the morning.
Be aware of luggage restrictions. Surfboards and extra suitcases may incur additional costs.
To Manuel Antonio from La Fortuna
By Car or taxi
Easiest - 4-5hrs - $250
The easiest way to travel from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio is by renting a private car or hiring a private taxi. The distance is approximately 218 kilometers, and the drive can take between 5 and 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The highways are well-kept and relatively easy to navigate. We recommend using Waze to navigate in Costa Rica as it is the most locally used app and therefore should be the most accurate. If you do drive yourself, make sure to add a quick stop by the Tarcoles River to check out the famous crocodile bridge - you don’t wanna miss it!
Writers tips:
Use our Pura Vida Traveling exclusive link to receive up to 10% off and additional rental benefits.
Get a 4x4 if you want to get close to nature!
Plan to make longer voyages during daylight hours, as driving at night can be more dangerous.
Book rental cars well in advance to save some money.
Contact your credit card company to see if your car is insured as a benefit to your card (this is very common).
To Manuel Antonio from La Fortuna by Public Bus
Cheapest - 7-9hrs - $15 - 3 bus transfers
Traveling from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio by public bus is a scenic, budget-friendly option that takes some patience and planning. While there’s no direct bus, you can make the journey by combining three or four local routes.
La Fortuna to San Ramón ($4.50) (2.5 hrs)
Start your journey by taking the bus from La Fortuna to San Ramon. Run by Compañía Carbachez e Hijos, this route operates daily with multiple departures.
Daily Departures (Mon–Sun): 4:30 AM, 5:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM
After reaching San Ramon, you can take either of these 3 routes:
Option A: Via San Ramón and Puntarenas (Most Efficient)
San Ramón to Puntarenas ($2) (1.5 hrs)
From San Ramón, take a regional bus to Puntarenas. The ride takes around 1.5 hours.
Puntarenas to Quepos ($4) (2.5 hrs)
Next, board a bus from Puntarenas to Quepos. Expect around 2.5 hours of travel time.
Option B: Via San Ramón and San José
San Ramón to San José ($3) (1.5 hrs)
From San Ramón, board a bus to San José operated by Empresarios Unidos. Buses run frequently throughout the day.
San José to Quepos ($5) (3.5–4 hrs)
Take a Tracopa bus from the Tracopa terminal in San José to Quepos. Choose the direct service when possible for a faster ride.
Option C: Via San Ramón, San José, and Jacó (Least Efficient)
San Ramón to San José ($3) (1.5 hrs)
Board a frequent bus to San José via Empresarios Unidos.
San José to Jacó ($4.90) (2.5 hrs)
From San José, take a Transportes Jacó bus heading to the beach town of Jacó.
Jacó to Quepos ($2.65) (1.5 hrs)
From Jacó, board a Transportes Quepos–Puntarenas bus to Quepos. Departures are available throughout the day.
Quepos to Manuel Antonio ($0.65) (20 min)
Final leg is a quick ride from Quepos to Manuel Antonio, with very frequent buses.
Departures (Mon–Sun): Every 20 minutes from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Writers Tips:
Most companies in Costa Rica provide services from early morning to late afternoon.
Leave as early as possible to make all your connecting bus transfers.
Store large suitcases and bags under the bus, and keep a small bag with you for all your most valued items.
To Quepos Airport from La Fortuna
by Air
Fastest - 45 min - $110-$250
Flying from La Fortuna to Quepos is the fastest way to reach Manuel Antonio, but direct commercial flights between these two airports are extremely limited or unavailable most of the year. Most travelers will need to first travel to San José Airport (SJO) and then catch a domestic flight to Quepos from there.
La Fortuna’s local airport, Aeropuerto Arenal, is located just 10 minutes from town, while Quepos Airport lies about 15 minutes from Manuel Antonio. If your schedule allows, connecting through San José may be your only option for commercial air travel.
Private charter flights
If you're short on time and don’t mind splurging, private charter flights offer one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel from La Fortuna to Quepos. You can charter a single-engine plane (typically seating up to 12 passengers) between any domestic airports in the country. These flights often feel like a private aerial tour, offering incredible views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes—from coastlines to volcanoes—all in under 45 minutes. It’s a fast, effortless, and unforgettable way to get from one destination to another.
Writers Tips:
Please note that flying with extra or heavy luggage may incur an additional cost.
Be at the airport for check-in at least 1 hour before your flight, or you may not be allowed to fly.
To Manuel Antonio from La Fortuna by Private Vehicle
Best for extended visits - Purchase and resell
If you are planning an extended visit to Costa Rica and want to travel the entire country in the luxury of a private vehicle, consider buying a car or van when you arrive and selling it when you leave. Buying a vehicle is both legal for tourists and pretty easy to do. You would have to pay the initial lawyer's fees to transfer ownership, and then you would have to sell the vehicle in time before leaving the country, but this hassle could end up being worth the hassle if you can get most of your investment back before you go.
For more information, check our article: How to buy a car in Costa Rica?
Writer’s Tip:
Travelers, be aware that Uber is not fully legal in Costa Rica. While we recommend using Uber as a transportation option in this blog, you must use it with caution, as Uber has been a controversial issue in the country, with the legality of using it coming into play regularly. Both drivers and passengers could face fines or penalties for using UBER.
If you plan to stay in Costa Rica for an extended period, purchasing a SIM card at the airport may facilitate your trip. The prepaid SIM card they sell costs 10,000 colones (or $20 USD) for 30 days, and the Claro stand is located in the baggage claim area of the SJO airport. This is the only place where you can obtain a SIM card at the airport; once you leave baggage claim, you cannot return. They will switch out your SIM card, activate your new number, and you will be all set up with a new phone number within 2 minutes - the process is surprisingly efficient. This plan includes 5 GB of data, Unlimited WhatsApp (excluding calls and video calls), and 85 minutes of phone calls to Costa Rica, Central America, the USA, or Canada. Your internet package can also be used in the rest of Central America if you travel outside Costa Rica afterward.
Choosing your ideal route
From volcanic hot springs to palm-lined beaches, the journey from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio connects two of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re chasing comfort, saving on budget, or looking to soak in the sights along the way, there’s a travel option for everyone. Now that you know the route, let the adventure begin. And when you arrive, our full guide to Manuel Antonio & Quepos has everything you need to dive right in.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the best way to get from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio?
If you can afford it and the flights align well with your schedule, then flying is the most convenient way to travel from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio. The other best option is to take a private or shared shuttle.
Do I need a 4x4 to travel between La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio?
No, roads are well paved and maintained well.
How to get from Manuel Antonio to Fortuna?
The information in this blog post can serve as a guide on how to get from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna. This post should have all the information you need.
What is the best driving route from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio?
Head out of town on 702, and stay on this road for 1.5 hours until you get to the town of San Ramon. Here, you'll get on Route 1 west for another 1.5 hours. Merge on to Route 23, then Route 27, and finally Route 34.
Is it easy to get around La Fortuna without a car?
The primary bus station is situated downtown, adjacent to Mega Super. Bus tickets can be purchased at the Red Lava stand nearby. Nevertheless, if your accommodation is not in downtown La Fortuna, opting to rent a car is the most convenient way to explore the various attractions in the Arenal area at your own pace, as they are widely dispersed.
Is it better to go to La Fortuna or Monteverde?
If you seek a destination with extensive tourist activities, a variety of hotels, and numerous dining options, La Fortuna is the perfect choice. Here's a bit more information: Monteverde is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate activities like bird watching, hiking, and exploring the cloud forest.
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