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 Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) → Jacó
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 Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó?
A cross-country route from the Arenal volcano region to the Pacific surf town of Jacó. Approximately 4 hours through the Central Valley and down to the central Pacific coast.
What can you see between Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) and Jacó?
San Carlos plains
Central Valley views
Atenas (best climate in the world)
Río Tárcoles crocodile bridge
Pacific coast approach
How are the road conditions from Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó?
Fully paved highway throughout. Mountain driving in the first half, then highway down to the coast.
Traveler Tip
Jacó is Costa Rica's closest beach to San José — busy, with bars and surf schools. If you want quieter, ask about Playa Hermosa de Jacó (10 min south) or Playa Herradura (10 min north).
Is the shuttle from Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó family-friendly?
Approximately 3.5 hours. Mountain roads through San Ramon, then highway to the Pacific coast. One stop is included. Child seats are available at no charge.
Budget breakdown
Standard direct transfer makes sense. Discovery upgrade ($80 extra) is worth it if you stop at the Tárcoles crocodile bridge — one of the most popular roadside attractions in the country, and free to view.
About travel times
Realistic 4 hours. Crosses from the rainforest to the Pacific coast in one trip — one of the more scenic transfers.
Is the shuttle from Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó 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
Stop at the Tárcoles bridge — usually 20+ wild crocodiles below, free viewing, 5 minutes. Best photo op of the route.
Frequently asked about Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) → Jacó
How much does a private shuttle from Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó cost?+
Private shuttle from Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó starts at $280 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 Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó take?+
The drive from Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó takes approximately 3,5 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 Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) to Jacó 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 Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna)?+
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in Arenal Observatory Lodge (La Fortuna) — 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 Jacó
We pick up at any of these properties. Click for shuttle pricing from Jacó to anywhere in Costa Rica.