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 Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) → La Fortuna (Arenal)
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 Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal)?
Travel from the tranquil Sámara beach to the Arenal Volcano region. Cross through the Nicoya Peninsula and northern lowlands to reach the rainforest.
What can you see between Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) and La Fortuna (Arenal)?
Sámara Bay
Nicoya
Tilarán
Lake Arenal
Arenal Volcano
How are the road conditions from Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal)?
Mix of paved and gravel roads through the peninsula, then paved highway.
Traveler Tip
This journey takes you from beach to volcano - pack layers for the cooler Arenal evenings.
Is the shuttle from Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal) family-friendly?
About 5 hours from beach to volcano. The start is bumpy, then it smooths out. Once you hit the mountains the scenery is beautiful. We stop twice, carry water and snacks, and the van has WiFi. Free child seats. Kids will be excited to see the volcano at the end.
Budget breakdown
A lesser-known but beautiful circuit: SJO → La Fortuna → Samara → SJO, about $800-$1100 for up to 6 passengers. Volcano + quiet beach without the tourist crowds. Or continue from La Fortuna to SJO or LIR.
About travel times
Google says 4 hours. Plan for 5-5.5. Unpaved road out of Samara, then through Nicoya, up the Interamericana, and into the mountains toward La Fortuna via Tilarán. The mountain section after Cañas is slow with curves. Long but doable.
Is the shuttle from Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal) 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
Leave early from Samara. The drive through the Nicoya Peninsula is beautiful — cattle country, Tico towns, big guanacaste trees. Once you start climbing into the mountains after Cañas, look for the Lake Arenal viewpoint. Ask your driver to stop there — one of the best views in the country.
Frequently asked about Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) → La Fortuna (Arenal)
How much does a private shuttle from Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal) cost?+
Private shuttle from Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal) starts at $370 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 Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal) take?+
The drive from Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal) takes approximately 4,5 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 Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) to La Fortuna (Arenal) 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 Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste)?+
Yes, we offer door-to-door pickup anywhere in Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste) — 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 La Fortuna (Arenal)
We pick up at any of these properties. Click for shuttle pricing from La Fortuna (Arenal) to anywhere in Costa Rica.
