Private Drivers in Arenal & La Fortuna
Your private, English-speaking driver meets you at arrivals with a sign bearing your name and takes you straight to La Fortuna. No shared shuttle, no waiting on other passengers.
See best routesHow your private driver works
- Book your transfer, or plan your whole trip with us and we handle it for you.
- Flight tracking. Your driver watches your flight and adjusts the pickup time automatically.
- Airport meet & greet. Your driver waits in the arrivals hall at SJO or Liberia with a sign bearing your name, helps with your luggage and gets you to the vehicle.
- The drive, your way. One hour of free stops is included: a coffee farm, a waterfall, a roadside soda for a casado.
Why a private driver instead of renting a car
- San José to Arenal takes 3 to 4½ hours, most of it on two-lane mountain roads.
- Costa Rica's rule of thumb is about 30 mph (50 km/h) average, even where the map looks fast.
- We advise against driving after dark: unlit roads, single-lane "Ceda el Paso" bridges and gravel stretches near La Fortuna.
- June to November rain brings potholes and landslides on the routes into Arenal.
- Speed cameras carry $300–600 tickets, on top of the hassle of navigating an unfamiliar country.
Renting a car is usually not recommended for first-time visitors to Costa Rica: the hassle and potential for confusion is usually not worth the effort. Many of our travelers use a private driver for the long transfers and add a rental car only once they've reached a home base.
Popular private routes from Arenal
| Route | Door to door | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| San José Airport (SJO) | 3 hours | The most-booked route to Arenal |
| Liberia Airport (LIR) | 3 hours | Best for a Guanacaste-first itinerary |
| Manuel Antonio | 4 hours 45 minutes | Volcano to rainforest coast |
| Monteverde | 3 hours 30 minutes | Or the taxi-boat-taxi shortcut across Lake Arenal |
| Tamarindo | 4 hours 30 minutes | Surf town on the Guanacaste coast |
| Playa Conchal | 4 hours 30 minutes | W, Westin and Nekajui resort corridor |
| Liberia (city) | 4 hours | Guanacaste's capital, on the way to the beaches |
| San José (city) | 3 hours 30 minutes | Central Valley hotels and the airport area |
| Jacó, Hermosa & Herradura | 4 hours | Closest central Pacific beach towns |
| Tortuguero | 5 hours 30 minutes | A short domestic flight is also available |
Message us for a quote to your exact route: priced per vehicle, never per person.
Vehicles by party size
Our fleet covers solo travelers up to large groups: a sedan or SUV for 1 to 4 with standard luggage, a premium van for 5 to 8, and a Sprinter for bigger groups, surfboards or extra bags. Child seats are available on request: let us know ages when you book.
Reviews for our drivers
Anywhere Costa Rica's Arenal drivers are English-speaking, licensed tourism-transport professionals who know every stop along the way. Here's what travelers say:
“On our way from La Fortuna to the airport, our driver was amazing… He even pulled over and helped us rescue a sloth that was trying to cross the road… we would have happily driven with him anywhere.”
Hayley, La Fortuna → airport
“We had a fabulous driver (Herman) who took us via private transfer to Arenal. Herman was very informative and spent his time showing us the sites, plants, fruits, and animals along the way.”
Pamela G., SJO → Arenal
“Christopher the driver waited for us as we exited the airport. He was friendly and he agreed to stop for us to eat at a restaurant… Christopher's driving made us feel safe and enjoy the ride.”
Ariel C., SJO → Arenal
“Our driver, Eduardo, was fantastic! He spoke English well and told us a lot about Costa Rica, La Fortuna, and places to see in Arenal. He was very considerate and stopped for photos, and candies along the way.”
Kaysi H., Escazú → Arenal
Plan everything with one team
A transfer is one piece of the trip. Anywhere Costa Rica's Standard, Premium and Exclusive tiers plan private transfers, hotels and tours together, with a local insider on WhatsApp 24/7 from the moment you land to the moment you fly home. Message us to start planning.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private driver from Arenal cost?
It depends on the route, vehicle and party size: message us or your Anywhere Costa Rica insider for a quote to your exact hotel or itinerary. Rates are always per vehicle, never per person.
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica, or should I hire a driver?
The road from San José to La Fortuna climbs through fog and mountains with unlit stretches and, in the rainy season (June to November), potholes and landslides. Most first-time visitors are better off with a private driver, especially after a long international flight.
Should I rent a car or hire a private driver for my first trip?
Renting a car is usually not recommended for first-time visitors to Costa Rica: the hassle and potential for confusion is usually not worth the effort. Many of our travelers use a private driver for the long transfers and add a rental car only for a beach base.
Do your drivers speak English?
Yes. Anywhere Costa Rica's drivers are English-speaking, licensed tourism-transport professionals, and our in-country team is on call 24/7 by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Where will my driver meet me at the airport?
At SJO or Liberia (LIR), your driver waits in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, tracks your flight and waits if it's delayed.
Can we stop along the way for lunch, photos or a sloth?
Yes. One hour of free wait time is included for photo stops, a bathroom break or a meal: a coffee plantation, a waterfall or a roadside soda are popular choices. Longer stops can be arranged for an additional fee, priced when you book.
What's the difference between a private driver and a shared shuttle?
A private transfer carries only your party, door to door, at the time you choose. A shared shuttle runs on a fixed timetable, can run 10 to 15 minutes either side of the stated time, and may not reach every lodge or match every flight time. Our insiders default to private transfers for airport arrivals, families and remote lodges.
Can you also book our hotels and tours?
Yes, that's the point. Anywhere Costa Rica plans the whole trip: private drivers, hotels and tours in one plan, with a local insider on WhatsApp the entire time you're traveling.