Transportation Options to Arenal Airport
Arenal Airport is conveniently located near La Fortuna, in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica. We offer several transportation options to help you travel to and from the airport safely and comfortably.
Arenal Airport is located 7 kilometers from La Fortuna town center near the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Transportation Options
Official Airport Shuttle
Our official airport shuttle service provides convenient transportation between Arenal Airport and major hotels and resorts in the La Fortuna area.
- Operating Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak times
- Cost: $10 USD per person one-way
- Booking: Available at the transportation desk in the arrivals area or online in advance
The shuttle stops at major hotels in La Fortuna and the Arenal area. Look for the blue "Arenal Airport Shuttle" signs outside the main terminal.
Taxis
Official airport taxis are available 24 hours a day outside the arrivals area. All official taxis are orange with a yellow triangle on the side and are equipped with meters.
- Approximate Costs:
- Arenal Airport to La Fortuna town center: $15-20 USD
- Arenal Airport to Arenal Volcano area hotels: $25-35 USD
- Arenal Airport to Monteverde: $80-100 USD
- Payment: Cash (USD and Costa Rican colones accepted) and major credit cards
For your safety, we recommend using only official airport taxis that can be arranged at the taxi desk in the arrivals hall.
Car Rental
Several car rental companies operate at Arenal Airport, providing a range of vehicles suitable for exploring Costa Rica's diverse terrain.
- Companies Available: Adobe, Budget, Economy, National, Alamo, and local providers
- Vehicle Types: Economy cars, SUVs, 4x4s (recommended for mountain areas), and vans
- Location: Car rental desks are located in the main terminal
- Requirements: Valid driver's license, credit card, and minimum age of 21 (some companies require 25)
We recommend booking your rental car in advance, especially during the high season (December-April).
Public Transportation
Public buses connect Arenal Airport with La Fortuna town and other major destinations in Costa Rica.
- Bus to La Fortuna:
- Frequency: Every 2 hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Journey Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cost: 500 colones (approximately $1 USD)
- Bus Stop Location: 200 meters from the main terminal entrance
Public transportation in Costa Rica is reliable and affordable, but schedules may change. Check at the information desk for the most current timetables.
Distances from Arenal Airport
| Destination | Distance | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| La Fortuna Town Center | 7 km | 15 minutes |
| Arenal Volcano National Park | 15 km | 25 minutes |
| Tabacón Hot Springs | 18 km | 30 minutes |
| Lake Arenal | 20 km | 35 minutes |
| Monteverde | 115 km | 3 hours |
| Liberia | 130 km | 2.5 hours |
| San José | 160 km | 3.5 hours |
| Manuel Antonio | 220 km | 4.5 hours |
Driving in Costa Rica Tips
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers
- Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour
- A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for trips to remote areas, especially during the rainy season (May-November)
- Roads can be narrow and winding in mountainous areas
- Gas stations are called "bombas" and are generally well-distributed on main routes
Private Transportation Services
Private transportation services offer personalized, door-to-door transfers with professional drivers who know the area well.
- Private Van/Shuttle: Ideal for families or groups, with vehicle sizes from 1-15 passengers
- Private Car with Driver: Professional English-speaking drivers available for airport transfers or daily excursions
- Cost: From $40 USD for private transportation to La Fortuna, depending on the vehicle size and destination
Private transportation can be booked in advance through our website or at the transportation desk in the arrivals area.
Transportation Contact Information
Phone: +506 2479 9050
Email: transport@arenal-airport.com
Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Phone: +506 2479 9051
Online: Book Shuttle Service
Phone: +506 2479 9052
Available 24 hours