Tamarindo is one of the most popular and vibrant beaches in Costa Rica. Every year, millions head there for great surf, a fine selection of shops and restaurants, and a taste of the pura vida lifestyle.
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There’s so much to do and love in this party town, and the cherry on top is how accessible it is from Liberia Airport in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Our travel tip: if you’re planning a trip to Tamarindo Beach, it’s faster to travel from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo than from San Jose Airport. The driving distance from Liberia to Tamarindo is only 67.3km (41.82mi), taking a little over an hour.
Travelling from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo is easy, and there are tons of options that suit different budgets and preferences. Let’s get to it–here’s how to get from Liberia to Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
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Transportation Options from Liberia to Tamarindo
Travel By Air
Travel Time: 20 minutes to 1-1.5 hours
You can fly from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo Airport, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes, but given the distance, this route isn’t always available. If you’re able to catch this flight, the airport in Tamarindo is a quick 5-minute drive, so you can technically get from Liberia to Tamarindo in just 20 minutes. Check the SANSA website, which is Costa Rica’s domestic airline, for flight schedules and to book flights.
Rent a Car and Drive from Liberia to Tamarindo
Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours
A private car is a great choice since it’s convenient, fast, and reliable. There’s no need to wait for other passengers to arrive, and you can decide on your own departure time. You can rent a car from one of the many car rental companies available in Liberia Airport, but we always recommend Vamos Car Rent-a-Car. The drive from Liberia to Tamarindo passes through well-paved roads, so you can expect a smooth ride even in a sedan.
Driving Route
- From Liberia Airport, head east onto the main road (Route 21).
- Continue down Route 21 for about 30 minutes.
- When you reach the major intersection in the town of Belen, turn right.
- Follow the signs leading to Tamarindo or Conchal.
- Stay on the road until you reach Huacas. Then, turn left and continue for around 15 minutes until you reach Villareal, here you turn right to Tamarindo.
READ NEXT: Renting a car in Costa Rica
Take a Private Shuttle from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo
Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours
There are a number of private transportation options from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo. One that offers both privacy and convenience is a private shuttle or a private transfer. You can choose between one-way private shuttles (this option starts at USD $93 per person), or roundtrip transfers (starts at USD $230 for 4pax) that take you from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo and back.
Another trusted shuttle service in Costa Rica is run by Tamarindo Tours. You can inquire about their services here.
Take a Taxi from Liberia to Tamarindo
Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours
There are taxis readily available at Liberia Airport, and these can be just as convenient as private shuttles. Taxi duration from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo takes around 1-1.5 hours, and costs around USD $70-100. It’s a relatively short trip with a driver who knows how to navigate the route.
The only time we wouldn’t recommend booking a taxi from Liberia to Tamarindo is if you’re arriving from a red-eye flight, or visiting during Costa Rica holidays like Christmas, New Year, or Semana Santa (Holy Week). Prices might surge drastically, or there might not be any taxis in sight because of the influx of tourists and passengers—it’s not worth the risk.
Book a Shared Shuttle Service from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo
Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours
There’s a cheaper shuttle option if you don’t mind sharing a ride: a shared shuttle bus from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo. The shared shuttles are comfortable and relatively hassle-free, and prices range from USD $20-39 per person, depending on the bus company and the season.
You can request a quote here. These shared shuttles operate on a fixed schedule, but note that they only leave once all booked passengers are on board. This means if other passengers are delayed, the bus will have to adjust its departure time accordingly.
Tamarindo Tours also offers shared shuttle services to get from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo, which you can check here.
Hop on a Public Bus from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo
Travel Time: 2.5-3 hours
The cheapest way to get from Liberia to Tamarindo is by public bus, but it also takes the longest. The Tamarindo bus fare costs approximately USD $4. You can ride the bus from two points: the bus stop at Liberia Airport, or the bus stop at Liberia Municipal Station in the town centre. A direct bus to Tamarindo leaves at these hours:
3:50AM, 4:30AM, 5:15AM, 6:10AM, 7:10AM, 8:10AM, 10:10AM (Sat and Sun only), 11:10AM, 1:10PM, 2:10PM, 4:10PM, 5:10PM, 6:10PM
Just remember that public buses in Costa Rica follow a first-come, first-served seating arrangement. Make sure to get to the bus station early so you can secure a seat, otherwise, you might find yourself standing on the Tamarindo bus the whole time.
Conclusion
If you’re headed from Liberia to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, there are many ways to get there. Do you prioritize comfort over everything, or are you following a strict travel budget? Whatever the case is, there’s a right mode of transportation for you–and Tamarindo Beach is just over the horizon!
Travelling from Liberia to Tamarindo soon? Leave your questions below so we can give you some travel tips!
READ NEXT: Best things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
