About the ride from La Fortuna to Liberia
Alongside being the main landing point for the Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna gives you a glimpse into small-town life in Costa Rica. With lush green surroundings, hot springs, and majestic waterfalls, this town is the perfect place to relax and reset before traveling onwards to Liberia.
In the north of Costa Rica, Liberia is an old city with colonial-style buildings, plenty of museums, and access to the Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles Volcanos. It's truly a geographer's heaven.
But geography enthusiasts aren't the only ones who visit Liberia. This city has plenty of sights and activities for all tastes. It's also home to one of the busiest airports in the country.
The journey covers a distance of 134 km (83 miles) northwest of central Costa Rica and can be completed in two to three hours. You have the option of taking a bus, car, or minivan, making it a flexible and convenient trip.
Strap in, and let's go!
Traveling from La Fortuna to Liberia is a breeze.
Five marvelous things to do and see in Liberia
As you journey through Liberia, what should you stop and see? To save you time, we've prepared a list of the top five must-dos in Liberia, Costa Rica.
Visit the Church of La Ermita de la Agonía. Catholic churches may not be your go-to holiday idea. But this is a beautiful colonial church in the heart of the city.
Explore the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. It's one of the main reasons tourists stop in Liberia. The park is home to an iconic volcano, hot springs, fumaroles (vents in the ground), and lots of eco-tourism and outdoor activity tours.
Indulge in local street food. While in the city, visit the Liberia Street Market. You can indulge in empanadas, tamales, and plenty of fresh seafood here.
Check out the Museo de Sabanero. Did you know that Costa Rica has a strong cowboy culture? Museo de Sabanero focuses on the wild culture of the country's northwest, traditionally known for livestock production.
Visit the Guanacaste Museum. It presents local art, historical artifacts, and anything related to the province's history.
Is Liberia worth visiting in Costa Rica?
Yes! Choosing your Costa Rica destination is hard, but Liberia is worth a visit. This city is close to lush rainforests, volcanoes, and the Pacific coastline, and it shows you life in a traditional town. Whether you want history, street eats, or hikes, you can find everything if you base yourself in this area.
How to get from La Fortuna to Liberia
Will it be a bus, car, or minivan? Here's what you need to know about each option.
By bus
Standard Buses from La Fortuna to Liberia take approximately three hours. These come with A/C, individual seats, and a large bag and hand baggage allowance per customer.
Unlike other buses in Costa Rica, these are a bit more expensive. Tickets start at $100 per person. It will pick you up at your hotel in La Fortuna and drop you at the airport in Liberia.
By car
Cars are a comfortable way to get from La Fortuna to Liberia, but they are more expensive than buses and minivans.
Your main option for this journey is an SUV Car. These cars are private transfers with hotel pick-ups, meet and greets, space for big luggage, A/C, snacks and drinks, and WiFi (subject to availability).
Some SUV cars take two hours and 40 minutes, while others take three and 30 minutes. Check the individual car time before booking to find a time that suits your schedule.
The cheapest SUV Cars cost $136 per person, but the cost decreases with more people.
By minivan
Minivans are the cheapest and most popular way from La Fortuna to Liberia.
The starting price for this ride is $49. Depending on the vendor, you can get picked up from your hotel in La Fortuna and then dropped off at the airport or your hotel.
If you are traveling with a group, you can hire a private minivan. Starting prices are around $200 for the vehicle.
Not all minivans are private transfers. Look for the "Private Transfer" filter if you want to hire the whole minivan for your group.
Minivans take three to four hours to arrive. The overall journey time can depend on whether you're traveling with other guests who need to be picked up and dropped off.
Amenities on minivans include A/C, a large baggage allowance, toilet stops, and individual seats. Some (but not all) include airport meet-and-greets, hotel pick-ups, drinks, and WiFi.
About the journey from La Fortuna to Liberia
The ride from La Fortuna to Liberia covers 134 km (83 miles). Depending on your chosen transport, this will take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours.
Most rides on this route follow the highway, limiting your views. However, you might spot green landscapes, distant volcanoes, and lots of farmland. Your driver will take Route 142 along Lake Arenal if you're lucky. This road provides undisturbed views of the lake and nearby villages.
Traveling from La Fortuna to Liberia is safe for all. It's a popular route, with travelers making the journey every day.
If you're in a big group, booking a minivan is best, so you don't have to split up between cars.
The best time to travel from La Fortuna to Liberia
November to April are the best months to travel from La Fortuna to Liberia. This is because the temperature sits around 30 to 34°C (86 to 93°F), and the weather is completely dry.
From May to August, the weather remains around 31°C/87°F, but the rainy season starts. There is an average of 300 to 350 mm of rain per month in these months.
September and August see the peak of the rainfall, with around 500 mm per month falling. Not great for outside activities! Book in the dry period if you want to explore the area's wildlife.
Where to visit after Liberia?
If you're lucky enough to have extra time after Liberia, consider traveling to Tamarindo.
Tamarindo is another town in Guanacaste Province, but this time, you're on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Prepare for mangrove tours, surfing, and days spent lazing on golden sands. Liberia to Tamarindo takes one to two hours, making it an easy next stop.
