La Fortuna to Monteverde by public transport | Costa Rica - A Backpacker’s Guide

This journey is a straightforward one only requiring one change. However, the buses are not very regular so it is best to leave early to ensure you make it to Monteverde. 

Step 1: La Fortuna to Tilarán

This journey starts at “Terminal de autobuses La Fortuna” and I would recommend getting the 8am bus. There is also a 9:30am bus, however, I recommend taking the 8am. This bus will take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours and assuming it costs the same as Tilarán to La Fortuna it will be ₡3300.

Step 2: Tilarán to Monteverde

You will be will drop you off out the back of the church Catedral San Antonio de Padua. This is a temporary bus stop while they are doing some repairs on the proper one. The bus to Monteverde will depart from here. When the regular bus stop is in operation it is called "Parada de buses Tilarán".

You will likely not make the 9:30am bus so you will need to wait for the 12:30pm bus. If you go for a walk or to get coffee during the wait I would recommend being back at the stop with time to spare before your next bus departs. This journey should take about 2 hours and cost roughly ₡930. 

All going well you will arrive between 2:30-3pm.

This route does take longer than the shuttle option so if you are short on time there is a tourist shuttle option which takes 3-4 hours using a boat to cross Lake Arenal. It costs $30 and runs at 8am and 2pm.

This route is current as of April 2024 and should also work in reverse. 

For the bus timetable in the opposite direction see:

Yo Viajo Costa Rica| Horarios de Buses y Transporte Público

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