Traveling from San Jose Airport to the picturesque La Fortuna/Arenal region can be a breeze with the round trip transfer service offered by Costa Rica Nature Guides-Tours and Transfers. This convenient option whisks groups of up to six passengers in a modern van, making the journey in around three hours with strategically placed meal and photo stops along the way. While the service seems reliable, some customers have reported mixed experiences regarding communication and operator dependability. Nonetheless, with flexible scheduling and a free cancellation policy, this transfer could be an enticing choice for those seeking a hassle-free start to their Costa Rican adventure.
About Your Stay

- This roundtrip transfer service operates daily from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna/Arenal, with a duration of approximately 3 hours including meal/photo stops.
- The service is provided by Costa Rica Nature Guides-Tours and Transfers and utilizes modern vans for transportation.
- Pricing starts at $465 per group (up to 6 people), with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the service.
- The service has received mixed reviews, with concerns about the operator’s reliability and communication, as well as the suitability for travelers with mobility issues.
- Advance confirmation of pickup time is required, and the booking process is straightforward with the local provider.
Overview and Service Details

This round trip transfer service from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna/Arenal is provided by Costa Rica Nature Guides-Tours and Transfers.
It’s a private transportation service that takes approximately 3 hours with stops along the way for meals and photos. Travelers will ride in a modern van during the trip.
The service is available from August 6, 2019 to November 5, 2025, with pickups in San Jose and drop-offs in La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, San Carlos, Costa Rica.
Passengers should confirm their pickup point and time with the local provider in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Jose
Pickup and Drop-off Information

Travelers can select a pickup point in San José and have the transfer service drop them off in La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, San Carlos, Costa Rica.
The local provider should be contacted in advance to confirm the pickup time.
The approximate travel time from San José Airport to La Fortuna is 3 hours, with stops for meals and photos along the way.
The service is provided in a modern van by Costa Rica Nature Guides-Tours and Transfers.
Availability and Pricing

Available from 8/6/2019 to 11/5/2025, the round trip transfer service operates daily during specified hours.
The service runs Mondays from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesdays from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Sundays operate from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Priced from $465.00 per group (up to 6 people), the private transfer service offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience.
However, reviews note communication issues with the operator, with one customer reporting the operator never showed up, requiring them to find alternate transportation.
Customer Reviews
While the service appears convenient, customer reviews for the round trip transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna/Arenal highlight some concerning issues. The service has received an overall rating of only 3.0 out of 5.0 from a total of 2 reviews, with no 5-star or 4-star ratings. Notably, one reviewer described the experience as a "total disaster," stating that the operator never showed up, forcing them to find alternative transportation.
| Overall Rating | 5-Star | 4-Star | 3-Star | 2-Star | 1-Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
This raises concerns about the reliability and quality of the transportation service, potentially impacting customers’ confidence and satisfaction with the round trip transfer.
Operator Reliability and Communication

According to the customer reviews, there appear to be significant concerns with the reliability and communication of the transfer service operator.
One review described the experience as a "total disaster," with the operator never showing up. This suggests the service provider may not be consistently reliable in meeting pickup commitments.
Plus, some reviews noted communication issues, particularly around flight information and delays. Customers seem to have experienced difficulties in keeping the operator informed of any changes to their travel plans.
These reliability and communication problems could lead to major inconveniences for travelers, undermining the overall quality of the transfer service.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Jose
- Private Transfer Juan Santamaria Airport to La Fortuna From 7 to 10 Passengers
- Private VIP Transfer From San Jose Airport to La Fortuna
- Private San José Airport Transfer to San José Hotels
- 3-Hour Shuttle Service From San Jose Airport to La Fortuna
- Private Arrival Transfer: San Jose Airport to Arenal Volcano or La Fortuna Town
- Private Arrival Transfer: San Jose Airport to Arenal Volcano or La Fortuna Town
Transportation Accessibility and Suitability
The transfer service may pose challenges for certain travelers. The private van service isn’t wheelchair accessible, limiting its suitability for those with mobility issues.
Plus, the long 3-hour drive with stops may be tiring or uncomfortable for some passengers. Travelers with young children or those prone to motion sickness should consider the logistics carefully.
On the positive side, the modern van provides a comfortable and private transportation option for groups of up to 6 people.
Booking and Confirmation Process
Booking the round-trip transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna/Arenal is a straightforward process. Travelers can confirm their pickup location and time in advance with the local provider, Costa Rica Nature Guides-Tours and Transfers. This service is available from 8/6/2019 to 11/5/2025, with flexible operating hours throughout the week.
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:00 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Thursday – Friday | 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Customers receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the service is priced at $465 per group (up to 6 people). Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Make Stops Along the Way?
The service allows for stops along the way, as the approximate 3-hour drive includes time for meals and photos. However, travelers should coordinate any additional stops with the provider in advance to ensure the schedule is accommodated.
Is the Van Equipped With Child Seats?
The service doesn’t mention child seats being provided, so travelers with children would need to bring their own car seats or boosters. It’s best to confirm availability and requirements with the service provider prior to booking.
Do You Provide Water/Snacks During the Journey?
The service doesn’t provide water or snacks during the journey. Passengers are encouraged to bring their own refreshments for the approximately 3-hour transfer to La Fortuna/Arenal. The operator focuses on providing reliable transportation rather than in-vehicle amenities.
Can I Adjust the Pickup/Drop-Off Time if Needed?
Yes, the pickup and drop-off times can be adjusted if needed. The local provider should be contacted in advance to confirm any changes to the scheduled times.
Is There Any Additional Luggage Allowance?
The service does not appear to provide any additional luggage allowance beyond standard passenger capacity. Travelers should confirm the vehicle size and any luggage restrictions with the provider prior to booking to ensure their needs can be accommodated.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The round trip transfer from San Jose Airport to La Fortuna/Arenal offers a convenient option for groups up to six. However, potential travelers should consider mixed customer reviews regarding operator reliability and communication. The service runs daily with flexible hours and free cancellation, but accessibility and suitability may vary. Customers should carefully review all details and booking process before committing to this transfer.
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