ICT-certified tourist transport (#3205-2022), fully insured.
5.0 star rating
200+ reviews on Google & TripAdvisor.
24/7 flight tracking
We watch your flight and adjust the pickup — even at 2 AM.
Free child seats
Infant and booster seats on request, at no extra charge.
Modern private fleet
A/C, free WiFi and bottled water in every vehicle.
Local family business
Costa Rican owner-operated since 2022 — not a faceless agency.
What travelers say about La Fortuna (Arenal) → Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
Rated 5.0 stars across 200+ Google and TripAdvisor reviews.
Exceptional, Professional, and Reliable Private Transfers Across Costa Rica!
Our experience with Private Travel Costa Rica was exceptional from start to finish. We used their service for multiple transfers, including from San Juan airport to La Fortuna, between locations in La Fortuna, and from Tamarindo to Liberia International Airport. Every driver was amazing—on time, flexible, and extremely professional. The responsiveness of the entire team made coordinating our travel seamless and stress-free. We highly recommend them for any transportation needs in Costa Rica.
Katherine J
TripAdvisor Reviewer · TripAdvisor · Dec 2025
Professional and Reliable
We used this company for transfers from La Fortuna to San Manuel Antonio and then from San Manuel Antonio to San Jose. I cannot say enough about the professionalism of the company and both the drivers, as well as the cleanliness of the vans. Communication was almost immediate. Our drivers Oscar and Carlos arrived a few minutes early, were highly professional, and super friendly and warm. There was wifi in the van which was much appreciated. All in all, both experiences were excellent. I cannot recommend this company enough. I will definitely use them again for transfers when we are back in CR.
RIDI0406
Madison, Wisconsin · TripAdvisor · Dec 2025
Excellent care and drive with Diego
I was so glad I booked our transfer from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio with Diego. He was communicative and professional from the time of booking, confirming everything and checking on our needs. He was friendly, kind, spoke great English, and made the long drive as pleasant as possible. I'd absolutely book again.
Orli B
Oakland, California · TripAdvisor · Jun 2024
How is the drive from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)?
A cross-country route from the volcanic north through the Central Valley, over the Braulio Carrillo mountain pass, and down to the Caribbean coast. Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours. The landscape shifts dramatically — from Arenal's tropical forest to the cloud-covered mountains of the central cordillera to the palm-lined Caribbean lowlands.
What can you see between La Fortuna (Arenal) and Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)?
Arenal Volcano
San Carlos plains
Braulio Carrillo area
Caribbean lowlands
Cahuita
How are the road conditions from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)?
Paved highways throughout. A full-day scenic journey.
Traveler Tip
The Caribbean coast has a completely different vibe - reggae, rice and beans, and laid-back beach culture.
Is the shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) family-friendly?
At approximately 5.5 to 6 hours, this is one of the longest routes. The drive crosses three distinct climate zones — volcanic highlands, cloud forest, and Caribbean lowlands. Two stops are included. Child seats provided at no charge.
Budget breakdown
This cross-country transfer is usually part of the Caribbean & Volcano circuit: SJO → La Fortuna → Puerto Viejo → SJO, around $800-$1100 for up to 6 passengers. Or do it one-way and fly home from SJO after Puerto Viejo.
About travel times
Google says 5-5.5 hours and that's about right, maybe even 6. This is a cross-country drive: mountains, Central Valley, Braulio Carrillo pass, then down to the Caribbean. It's long but it's one of the most scenic routes in the country. Plan for a full day of travel.
Is the shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) available 24/7?
Our service operates around the clock with no night surcharges. Drivers are positioned for pickups at all hours, and the rate remains the same regardless of departure time.
Local insider tip
Start early — 6 or 7am. This is a big drive but honestly one of the most beautiful in the country. You go from volcano views to cloud forest to Caribbean lowlands. Ask your driver to stop near Siquirres for a fresh coconut water at one of the roadside stands. When you see the palm trees appear, you know you're close.
Frequently asked about La Fortuna (Arenal) → Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
How much does a private shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) cost?+
Private shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) starts at $390 USD per vehicle (1-5 passengers). The price is per vehicle, not per person — everyone in your group travels together for the same flat rate. Larger vehicles for 6-18 passengers are available at higher tiers.
How long does the drive from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) take?+
The drive from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) takes approximately 6 H. Travel times can vary slightly depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions. Our drivers monitor conditions in real time to choose the fastest safe route.
Is the shuttle from La Fortuna (Arenal) to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) private?+
Yes. Every Private Travel CR shuttle is fully private — you ride only with your group, no shared seats with strangers. The price covers the entire vehicle door-to-door, including a professional bilingual driver, free WiFi, bottled water, free child seats on request, and full insurance.
Do you pick up at any address in La Fortuna (Arenal)?+
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in La Fortuna (Arenal) — hotels, Airbnbs, private villas, or any specific address you give us at booking. We confirm the exact pickup location 24 hours before your trip.
Top hotels in Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
We pick up at any of these properties. Click for shuttle pricing from Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) to anywhere in Costa Rica.
