If you're planning a Tamarindo vacation, chances are you'll be flying into the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, a.k.a. the Liberia International Airport. And that means you're in need of a primer – a Liberia airport guide, so to speak.
Happy to help.
The Liberia International Airport – few refer to it as the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, although that is the official name! – is located just west of the city of Liberia, the capital city of Guanacaste province. And, at just a 75-90 minute drive, it's the closest international airport to Tamarindo.
Official Name: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
Nickname: Liberia International Airport
Airport Code: LIR (IATA) or MRLB (ICAO)
Location: Liberia, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Liberia (LIR) is the second-busiest international airport in Costa Rica (and the sixth-busiest in Central America), welcoming 1.1+ million visitors every year. It is named after former president Daniel Oduber Quirós, whose government (1974-1978) originally conceived of its construction. As of 2017, at least 19 airlines currently operate flights to/from Liberia: Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Avianca, Copa, Delta, JetBlue, NatureAir (local), Sansa (local), Southwest, Sun Country, Sunwing, TUI, United, WestJet, and Xtra Airways. Of these, several offer direct (nonstop) flights to Liberia. Here are a few travel times from major cities in North America:
There are at least five ways to get to Tamarindo from LIR, but our hands-down favorite is our Tamarindo airport shuttle. It's the lowest-stress, easiest, and most convenient transportation option – step out of your airport and straight into your private, air-conditioned shuttle, which has been waiting for you – and ensures ensures the smoothest arrival possible, with flexible schedules, door-to-door pick-up/drop-off, and all the special attention (stop for photos, whenever you please!) you deserve, en route to Tamarindo. Have questions about our Liberia airport guide? Get in touch with Cris (or call her at 754-222-1884), our knowledgeable in-house concierge! She has all the info on up-to-date schedules, costs, logistics, and more – absolutely free of charge.
Airlines that Fly to Costa Rica's LIR Airport
Liberia (LIR) is the second-busiest international airport in Costa Rica (and the sixth-busiest in Central America), welcoming 1.1+ million visitors every year. It is named after former president Daniel Oduber Quirós, whose government (1974-1978) originally conceived of its construction. As of 2017, at least 19 airlines currently operate flights to/from Liberia: Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Avianca, Copa, Delta, JetBlue, NatureAir (local), Sansa (local), Southwest, Sun Country, Sunwing, TUI, United, WestJet, and Xtra Airways. Of these, several offer direct (nonstop) flights to Liberia. Here are a few travel times from major cities in North America:
- Atlanta, GA (Delta) – 4 hours
- Charlotte, NC (American) – 4 hours
- Chicago (United) – 5 hours
- Dallas, TX (American) – 4 hours
- Denver, CO (United) – 5 hours
- Houston, TX (United, Southwest) – 3.5 hours
- Los Angelas (Alaska Air, Delta) – 5.5 hours
- Miami, FL (American) – 3 hours 10 minutes
- New York, NY (United, JetBlue) – 5.5 hours
- Toronto, Canada (Air Canada, Sunwing, Westjet, Air Transat) – 5.5 hours
Liberia Airport Guide: The Basics
Wondering what to expect at LIR? The answer: a small, albeit well-equipped airport with modern facilities and a friendly staff. There's fee-available WiFi, as well as a VIP lounge with free WiFi, and several (pricey) restaurants and fast-food joints. Costa Rica Entry Requirements Citizens of the following countries need only a valid passport to visit for up to a consecutive 90 days (without a visa): Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France and uermany Dependencies, Greece, Holland and Dependencies, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States of America and Uruguay.id Citizens of the following countries need only a valid passport to visit for up to a consecutive 30 days (without a visa): Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts/Nevis, San Marino, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, The Vatican and Venezuela. (Citizens of countries not listed are advised to contact a Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate to apply for a visa.) Upon entry, you will pass first through Immigration, where you'll receive an entry stamp good for up to 90 (or 30) days in the country. After collecting check bags at baggage claim, you'll pass through Customs and out into Costa Rica. Welcome!Liberia Airport Hotels
Costa Rica is a small country, so unless you have a midnight+ arrival or early-morning departure, it's relatively easy to avoid an overnight at the airport. That said, if you need to overnight, several local options and international chains are available nearby. The most convenient choice is the Hilton Garden Inn at Liberia Costa Rica Airport, which is located just across the street.Liberia Airport Ground Transportation
There are at least five ways to get to Tamarindo from LIR, but our hands-down favorite is our Tamarindo airport shuttle. It's the lowest-stress, easiest, and most convenient transportation option – step out of your airport and straight into your private, air-conditioned shuttle, which has been waiting for you – and ensures ensures the smoothest arrival possible, with flexible schedules, door-to-door pick-up/drop-off, and all the special attention (stop for photos, whenever you please!) you deserve, en route to Tamarindo. Have questions about our Liberia airport guide? Get in touch with Cris (or call her at 754-222-1884), our knowledgeable in-house concierge! She has all the info on up-to-date schedules, costs, logistics, and more – absolutely free of charge.