How long is the trip from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal)?
| Distance | About 106 miles (171 km) by road plus the ferry: 27 mi (43 km) to Paquera, then 80 mi (128 km) from Puntarenas. About 174 miles (280 km) around by road. |
|---|---|
| Drive time | 6 to 7 hours |
| Road surface | Paved apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa. |
| Ferry | Paquera to Puntarenas, about 70 minutes. The road route over the La Amistad bridge skips it. |
| Private van | From $555 per vehicle via the ferry; from $545 around by road |
| Last checked |
Prices are per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Groups of 7 or more ride in a larger vehicle. The route also runs the other way, La Fortuna (Arenal) to Santa Teresa.
The drive, stop by stop
- Santa Teresa to Cóbano (about 8 miles / 13 km, 25 to 30 minutes): the dirt road out of town, then pavement from Cóbano. Cóbano has the last gas station for the trip, plus supermarkets and banks.
- Cóbano to Paquera (about 40 to 45 minutes): the paved, curvy road east past Tambor and the Curú refuge entrance. Paquera has larger grocery stores, an ATM and a gas station.
- The ferry to Puntarenas (about 70 minutes): sailings at 4:00, 6:30 and 9:00 a.m., noon, 3:00, 6:00, 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. See our Puntarenas ferry page.
- Puntarenas to La Fortuna (about 80 miles / 128 km, around 3 hours): inland and north to the Arenal Volcano area.
What to expect on the road
Around by road instead, over the La Amistad bridge, it's about 280 km and just over 6 hours of driving, with no ferry timing to plan around. Either way it's a full travel day, so leave after breakfast. Route 1 at Cambronero, between San Ramón and Esparza, has been closed since September 9, 2026 for up to two months, which can add time until it reopens.
Most Anywhere travelers do this trip the other way round: Arenal first, then the beach.
Insider tip: Leave Santa Teresa after an early breakfast. The dirt stretch out of town is slow, and you want the long part of the drive done in daylight: the sun sets between about 5:15 and 6:05 p.m. all year.
Other private transfer routes
- San José airport (SJO) to Santa Teresa (from $385)
- San José airport (SJO) to Nosara (from $405)
- San José airport (SJO) to Sámara (from $390)
- Santa Teresa to Sámara (from $385)
- Santa Teresa to Tamarindo (from $440)
- Santa Teresa to Monteverde (from $465)
- Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio (from $385)
- Santa Teresa to Nosara (quote on request)
- Santa Teresa to Jacó (quote on request)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Santa Teresa (from $65)
- Cóbano airport (ACO) to Montezuma (from $40)
Compare every way in, including the ferry, flights to Cóbano airport (ACO) and the water taxi, on getting to Santa Teresa, or see all private transfers.
A private driver from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal)
- Your driver meets you at arrivals, or at your hotel, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal)?
6 to 7 hours. About 106 miles (171 km) by road plus the ferry: 27 mi (43 km) to Paquera, then 80 mi (128 km) from Puntarenas. About 174 miles (280 km) around by road. Paved apart from the dirt stretch out of Santa Teresa.
How much is a private transfer from Santa Teresa to La Fortuna (Arenal)?
From $555 per vehicle via the ferry; from $545 around by road, for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Enter your date and group size in the box at the top of this page to see the price for your trip.
Do we take the ferry or drive around?
Both take about the same time. The ferry route adds a boat ride and a break from the road; the road route avoids ferry lines on busy weekends. The price box shows the lower of the two; the other is priced separately.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries in Cóbano or Paquera, cold drinks, photos or lunch. Just tell your driver.
We're traveling with kids. What about car seats?
Costa Rica's law requires a car seat for children 12 and under who are shorter than 145 cm (57 in) or lighter than 36 kg: rear-facing under 1, forward-facing from 1 to 4, a high-back booster from 4 to 6 and a booster from 6 to 12. Ask about seats when you book, or bring your own if you'd rather use what your kids know.
Where does the driver pick us up?
At your hotel or rental in Santa Teresa, at the time you set when you book. Our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp if your plans change.