Private Air Transfer to Arenal Volcano
La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano: Adventure, Wellness & Natural Beauty
Flying from
Travel Time by Air
35 minutes
90 km / 56 miles
Travel Time by Ground
3.5–4.5 hours (depending on traffic and route)
~130 km / 81 miles
Arenal Volcano Highlights
World-Famous Hot Springs
Soak in natural geothermal pools fed by volcanic heat at top resorts like Tabacón, EcoTermales, and Baldi—perfect for unwinding post-flight.
Rainforest Adventure & Wildlife
Explore Arenal Volcano National Park, Mistico Hanging Bridges, or take guided hikes through the rainforest—ideal for spotting toucans, monkeys, and sloths.
Outdoor Activities
From waterfall rappelling and canyoning to paddleboarding and ziplining, the area offers endless adrenaline-fueled excursions.
Arenal Volcano Quick Snapshots
Ideal Destinations to Combine On Your Trip
Transfer Details
| Destination | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tamarindo | 30 minutes | Fly west over Lake Arenal and tropical lowlands to the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste |
| Monteverde | 25 minutes | Scenic flight across cloud forest ridges and rural pastures |
| Papagayo Peninsula | 35 minutes | Northbound route with views of lakes, forests, and beaches |
Quick Facts
Landing Type: Airstrip
Arenal is served by La Fortuna Airstrip (FON), a small regional airport located about 10 minutes from La Fortuna town and nearby hotels. The airstrip is suitable for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Most accommodations offer pickup service directly from the airstrip.
Recommended Arrival Times
Morning: 7 to 10 am
Ideal for early excursions and hot springs entry before peak heat
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Arrive in time for breakfast or early access to resort amenities
Layover Recommendations
Smoothest flying conditions and clear volcano views usually occur in the morning
Mid Day: 11 am to 2 pm
Best for travelers arriving in SJO on early international flights
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Perfect timing for check-in at most properties
Layover Recommendations
Allow buffer time if connecting from international arrival
Afternoon: 3 to 5 pm
Still workable, but keep in mind early sunsets in this region
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Check-in with enough time to enjoy hot springs or a nature walk before dinner
Layover Recommendations
Last charter flights must depart San José in time to land before sunset at Arenal
Treat Yourself with Something Special
Practical Information
What You Need to Know
✔ Bring valid passport!
✔ Children of all ages welcome
Luggage allowances are customized for each flight based on:
✔ Aircraft type
✔ Number of passengers
✔Total weight distribution
✔Flight conditions
Please contact our team for specific luggage allowances for your itinerary. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.
Accessibility Information
Our air transfers can accommodate passengers with mobility considerations with advance notice.
Is Arenal Volcano Worth The Visit?
Rising dramatically from the lush rainforest floor, Arenal Volcano stands as a testament to Costa Rica’s wild, untamed beauty. This perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone, which was Costa Rica’s most active volcano until 2010, offers an unparalleled experience for luxury travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Arenal creates its own microclimate, nurturing an extraordinary biodiversity where rare tropical birds soar against the backdrop of occasional wisps of volcanic steam. The surrounding region boasts thermal hot springs naturally heated by the volcano’s geothermal activity, creating the ultimate relaxation experience after a day of exploration.
From the air, witness the dramatic contrast between the dark volcanic rock, emerald forests, and the brilliant blue waters of Lake Arenal. By helicopter, you’ll gain exclusive perspectives impossible to experience by land, including rare views of the perfect conical shape and steam vents usually hidden from ground-based tourists.
The Arenal region epitomizes Costa Rica’s “pura vida” spirit, blending natural wonder, adventure, and luxury in one unforgettable destination.
Available From International Airports
Arenal Volcano Transfer Details
| Airport Name | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | by Plane: 35 minutes by Helicopter: 40 minutes | Fast and direct transfer over volcanic highlands |
| by Plane: 20 minutes by Helicopter: 15 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the airport in La Fortuna, Costa Rica?
The official name is Arenal Airport, also known as La Fortuna Airport or El Tanque Airport.
IATA code: FON
ICAO code: MRANHow far is La Fortuna Airport from major hotels and attractions?
The airport is approximately 7 km east of La Fortuna town along Route 141, about a 10-minute drive to downtown.
Many lodges and eco-resorts are within 20 to 30 minutes by car, while top attractions like Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges are typically 30 to 45 minutes away, depending on your exact destination.Are there rental car offices at La Fortuna Airport (FON)?
There are no rental car offices located directly at the airport, but all major car rental companies—such as Adobe, Alamo, Enterprise, and Economy—have offices in downtown La Fortuna, just 10 minutes away.
You can arrange in advance to have your rental car delivered to the airport upon landing, or request pickup at the airport before your return flight.Why fly to La Fortuna instead of driving?
Flying to La Fortuna saves you 3 to 4 hours of driving through winding mountain roads.
A direct flight to Arenal offers not only a faster and more comfortable experience but also breathtaking aerial views of volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and lush rainforests—turning your transfer into part of the adventure.How long is the flight to La Fortuna from Costa Rica’s main international airports?
Flights to La Fortuna are fast and efficient:
- From Liberia International Airport (LIR): around 40 minutes
- From San José International Airport (SJO): around 30 minutes
Flying is the quickest way to reach the Arenal Volcano area—saving you hours compared to ground transportation.
Can you fly from La Fortuna to other destinations in Costa Rica?
Yes!
Costa Rica has airstrips in nearly all major destinations, allowing you to easily fly from La Fortuna to the beach, the jungle, or even back to San José—and vice versa.Some of the most popular domestic flight routes from or to La Fortuna include:
- Flights from La Fortuna to Tamarindo
- Flights from La Fortuna to Quepos / Manuel Antonio
- Flights from La Fortuna to Santa Teresa
- Flights from La Fortuna to Nosara
- Flights from La Fortuna to Drake Bay
- Flights from La Fortuna to Puerto Jiménez
Whether you’re flying to La Fortuna or continuing your journey from Arenal to the coast, air travel is the fastest and most scenic way to explore Costa Rica.
Is there transportation or taxis available at La Fortuna Airport (FON)?
Yes—while there’s no official taxi counter at the terminal, you have several reliable options right after landing:
- Private transportation/shuttle (recommended): Arrange shared or private shuttle transfers in advance with Adventure Air, local providers, or your hotel. These can meet you directly at the airport curb with prior booking.
- Hotel transfers: Many hotels in the Arenal area offer airport pick-up services if arranged ahead of time.
- Uber / Taxi: Both Uber and local taxis are available in the Arenal area. However, availability can vary, especially during peak hours or in remote locations. We recommend checking the Uber app in advance or calling a registered taxi through your hotel or a trusted provider.
- Rent-a-car: No airport desk, but major car rental companies (like Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Economy) have offices in downtown La Fortuna. You can pre-book a rental in advance and request airport delivery or pickup before departure .
Can you see Arenal Volcano from the aircraft?
Yes—weather permitting, you can enjoy incredible views of Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chato, and the surrounding rainforest right from your window seat.
For a more scenic experience, ask one of our agents to include a 10-minute aerial tour over the volcano as part of your flight route. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Arenal adventure with unforgettable views.Do any hotels in La Fortuna have a helipad?
Yes. Some upscale properties in the Arenal Volcano area offer helipad access for guests arriving by helicopter. These include:
- Hotel Arenal Kioro
- The Springs Resort & Spa
- Montaña de Fuego (also the nearest landing point for Nayara Springs and Amor Arenal, located just a 5-minute drive away)
Helicopter transfers to La Fortuna tend to be more exclusive and higher priced, but they allow you to land directly at your hotel or at La Fortuna (Arenal) Airport (FON), offering unmatched comfort, speed, and panoramic views along the way.
Top Fly Adventure Air Destinations
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
Safety Information
Flexible Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We operate under strict aviation regulations and our pilots are highly trained professionals. Our helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards.
✔ Free cancelation: Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours in advance.
✔ 100% refund for weather-related reschedules.