If you are planning a vacation to Costa Rica and dreaming of visiting the lush rainforests, hot springs, and iconic volcano views of La Fortuna and Arenal, one of the first logistical questions you may ask is:
Can I fly from San José to La Fortuna, Arenal instead of driving?
The answer is yes—you absolutely can fly, and for many travelers, it is one of the easiest, fastest, and most enjoyable ways to reach the Arenal region.
Costa Rica may look small on a map, but its mountainous terrain, winding roads, and frequent weather changes mean that overland travel often takes much longer than expected. For visitors who want to maximize their vacation time and avoid long drives, domestic flights are an excellent option.
This article will explain how to fly from the San José area to La Fortuna, Arenal, what airports are involved, which airline operates the route, what to expect from the experience, and whether flying is the right choice for your travel style.
Why Consider Flying Instead of Driving?
Before diving into the logistics, it’s important to understand why flying from San José to La Fortuna is so appealing.
The drive from San José to La Fortuna typically takes:
- 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and weather
- Longer during the rainy (green) season
- Even longer if there are accidents, construction, or fog in mountain passes
Although the drive is scenic, it can be tiring—especially after an international flight. Flying reduces that travel time to about 30–45 minutes, giving you more time to relax, explore, and enjoy Costa Rica.
Yes, You Can Fly from San José to La Fortuna, Arenal
If you do not want to drive, you can fly from the Central Valley area near San José to La Fortuna, Arenal using Nature Air, Costa Rica’s well-known domestic airline.
🌐 Nature Air website: www.natureair.com
However, there is one important detail that many travelers don’t realize at first:
👉 You do NOT fly from San José International Airport (SJO).
Instead, you must depart from a different airport.
Which Airport Do You Fly From?
Tobías Bolaños Airport (Pavas Airport)
Nature Air operates its flights from Tobías Bolaños International Airport, commonly called Pavas Airport.
- Location: Pavas, a suburb of San José
- Distance from downtown San José: About 5 miles
- Distance from San José International Airport (SJO): About 30 minutes by taxi
This airport is Nature Air’s main terminal and headquarters.
Getting from San José International Airport to Pavas Airport
Most international travelers arrive in Costa Rica at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in Alajuela, just outside San José. From there, you need to transfer to Pavas Airport to catch your domestic flight.
Taxi Transfer
- Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Cost: Around $20 USD
- Taxis are readily available at the airport
Nature Air also offers transfers, but they typically cost around $40 USD, which is roughly double the price of a taxi. Many travelers prefer taking a taxi for convenience and savings.
Flying with Nature Air to La Fortuna
The Airline
Nature Air is one of Costa Rica’s two primary domestic air carriers and specializes in flights to popular tourist destinations throughout the country.
They fly to:
- La Fortuna / Arenal
- Tamarindo
- Nosara
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos
- Tortuguero
- Drake Bay
- Puerto Jiménez
- Liberia
- Limón
- And many other destinations
The Flight Experience
Flight Duration
- Approximately 30–45 minutes
- Much faster than driving
Aircraft
Nature Air operates small aircraft designed for short regional flights. These planes usually seat 9 to 19 passengers.
What to Expect
- Assigned seating
- Large windows for spectacular views
- Experienced pilots familiar with Costa Rica’s terrain
- Strict luggage weight limits
The views alone make the flight worthwhile. On clear days, you may see:
- Coffee plantations
- Dense rainforest
- Rivers and lakes
- Arenal Volcano itself as you approach La Fortuna
For many travelers, this is their first unforgettable aerial view of Costa Rica.
Arrival in La Fortuna
The La Fortuna airstrip is small and located just a few miles outside the town of La Fortuna.
Ground Transportation
- Taxis are readily available
- The ride into town takes only a few minutes
- Hotels, resorts, and tour operators are easily accessible
From the airstrip, you can quickly reach:
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Hot springs
- Zip-line tours
- Hanging bridges
- Waterfalls
- Wildlife reserves
Luggage Considerations
Because Nature Air operates small aircraft, luggage restrictions are strictly enforced.
Important Tips
- Pack light
- Check baggage limits on www.natureair.com before booking
- Excess luggage may incur additional fees or require shipping by ground
If you’re traveling with large suitcases, surfboards, or photography equipment, it’s essential to plan ahead.
When Is the Best Time to Fly?
Nature Air operates year-round, but schedules may vary by season.
Dry Season (Mid-December to April)
- Best weather conditions
- Clear views
- Higher demand—book early
Green Season (May to October)
- Lush landscapes
- Afternoon rain common
- Often airline specials available
- Morning flights are usually smoother
Always check Nature Air’s website for current schedules and fares.
Who Should Fly Instead of Drive?
Flying from San José to La Fortuna is especially recommended for:
- Travelers with limited vacation time
- Families with children
- Honeymooners
- Older travelers
- Visitors arriving after a long international flight
- Anyone uncomfortable driving narrow or mountainous roads
Those traveling on a tight budget or who want to explore small towns along the way may prefer driving or shared shuttles.
Cost vs. Convenience
While flying is more expensive than driving or taking a shuttle, many travelers find the convenience well worth the cost.
When you factor in:
- Rental car costs
- Gas
- Navigation stress
- Travel time
…the value of flying becomes clear—especially if your vacation time is limited.
Booking Your Flight
To check:
- Destinations
- Schedules
- Fares
- Seasonal specials
Visit:
🌐 www.natureair.com
Always confirm:
- Airport location (Pavas)
- Luggage limits
- Check-in time requirements
Final Thoughts
So, can you fly from San José to La Fortuna, Arenal?
✔ Yes, you can.
By flying with Nature Air from Tobías Bolaños Airport in Pavas, you can reach La Fortuna quickly, comfortably, and with stunning views along the way. While it requires a short transfer from San José International Airport, the time saved and the ease of travel make flying a popular and practical option for many visitors.
Whether you’re headed to soak in hot springs, hike around Arenal Volcano, or simply relax in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful regions, flying allows you to start your adventure sooner—and with far less stress.
For travelers who value comfort, efficiency, and unforgettable scenery, flying from San José to La Fortuna, Arenal is an excellent choice.