Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around Arenal. There are several car rental companies in town, with prices comparable to those in San Jose or Liberia. Many car rental services will now drop off a car at your hotel if you suddenly get the urge to rent one mid-vacation. A rental car will cost approximately $50 per day including insurance.

Taxis are plentiful in La Fortuna and are an easy (but not inexpensive) way to get around. All taxis are equipped with meters. For long distance rides, it is better to negotiate a price with the driver beforehand, as the meter can really add up fast. You can hail a taxi by calling Central de Taxis en La Fortuna (tel. 2479-9605 or 2479-8522). Approximate taxi fares from the center of La Fortuna to nearby destinations:

Arenal Lake: $25
Arenal Volcano National Park: $25
Tabacon Hot Springs: $16
Nuevo Arenal: $45
Ciudad Quesada: $56
San Ramon: $120 San Jose: $170

Though there is good public bus service for getting to and from La Fortuna, local bus service is sporadic and inconvenient for sightseeing. However, buses leave twice a day (8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) from the La Fortuna bus station (one block south of the central park) heading on the highway around Lake Arenal for about $5. These buses can drop you off at many of the area`s attractions, hot springs, and also Arenal Volcano National Park.

Bicycles are a great way to take in the scenic beauty of the area, but risky to ride on the main roads outside of La Fortuna due to a lack of sidewalks or bike lanes. You can rent a bicycle from one of La Fortuna`s hotels, or head to a bike store located in La Fortuna. You can rent a well-maintained mountain or street bike for about $25/day or $165/week.

La Fortuna is a great place to get around by foot. Located 11 miles east of Arenal Volcano, the town of La Fortuna is approximately seven blocks long and three blocks wide. Restaurants, shops and internet cafes line the main street. There is a catholic church and a central park (Fortuna Park) in the center of town with shaded benches and views of the volcano.