The drive from Liberia airport to La Fortuna (Arenal)
| Covers | La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area |
|---|---|
| Distance | 140–180 km |
| Drive time | 2 hours 30 – 3 hours 30 |
| Road | Via Bijagua (2 h 30 – 3 h) or around Lake Arenal via Tilarán (3 – 3 h 30); curvy and unlit, so we plan it in daylight. |
| Private van | From $250 per vehicle |
| Last checked |
Per vehicle for 1–6 travelers, taxes included. Pickups 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; a few resorts add a small access fee.
Allow 30 to 90 minutes from landing to walking out of the terminal (longer on busy high-season weekends). It gets dark around 6 p.m. all year, so on the longer routes we plan the drive in daylight where we can. For how this route compares with the rest of Guanacaste, see Guanacaste drive times.
Other routes from Liberia airport
- Liberia airport to Playas del Coco (from $130)
- Liberia airport to Papagayo Peninsula
- Liberia airport to Flamingo & Conchal (from $160)
- Liberia airport to Tamarindo (from $180)
- Liberia airport to Nosara
- Liberia airport to Sámara
- Liberia airport to Santa Teresa (from $570)
- Liberia airport to Rincón de la Vieja (from $165)
- Liberia airport to Monteverde (from $305)
See all routes and prices on the private transfers page.
Your driver to La Fortuna (Arenal) is waiting at arrivals
- Your driver meets you as you walk out of Liberia arrivals, 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 far is La Fortuna (Arenal) from Liberia airport?
140–180 km by road, 2 hours 30 – 3 hours 30. Via Bijagua (2 h 30 – 3 h) or around Lake Arenal via Tilarán (3 – 3 h 30); curvy and unlit, so we plan it in daylight.
How much is a private transfer from Liberia airport to La Fortuna (Arenal)?
From $250 per vehicle for 1 to 6 travelers, taxes included. Enter your landing date and group size above to see the exact price for your trip.
Where will the driver meet us?
Just outside the terminal exit doors at Liberia airport, holding a sign with your name. See the Liberia airport guide for the arrival steps.
Can we stop for groceries on the way?
Yes. Up to an hour of stops is included, for groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch.