Liberia Costa Rica Airport

Liberia Costa Rica Airport tarmac view

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (IATA: LIR, ICAO: MRLB), known as Liberia Costa Rica Airport or Guanacaste Airport, is the second-largest airport in Costa Rica, serving as a pivotal hub for visitors to the Guanacaste region. This modern facility offers access to some of the most pristine beaches, national parks, and resorts and is a crucial connector for international travelers and Costa Rican residents.

Liberia Airport Arrival Process Guanacaste Costa Rica 2024 / VirtCam Travel

Airport code

The IATA code LIR and the ICAO code MRLB identify the Liberia Costa Rica Airport. These codes are crucial for air traffic control, airlines, and passengers to recognize and navigate easily this airport.

Location

The Liberia Costa Rica Airport is located in Liberia, the capital city of the province of Guanacaste. The address is Blvd. Aeropuerto S/N, Guanacaste Province, Liberia, Costa Rica.

Terminals

LIberia Costa Rica Airport comprises a single terminal building that houses international and domestic flight operations.

Airlines and destinations

  • Air Canada: with flights to/from Montreal (YUL), Toronto (YYZ)
  • Air Transat: with flights to/from Montreal (YUL)
  • American Airlines: with flights to/from Austin (AUS), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas Forth-Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK)
  • Alaska Airlines: with flights to/from Los Angeles (LAX)
  • Delta Airlines: with flights to/from Atlanta (ATL), Minneapolis (MSP)
  • Edelweiss: with flights to/from Zurich (ZRH)
  • Jetblue: with flights to/from Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK)
  • SANSA: with flights to/from Nosara Beach (NOB), San Jose (SJO)
  • Southwest Airlines: with flights to/from Houston (HOU)
  • Sunwing: with flights to/from Calgary (YYC)
  • TUI: with flights to/from London (LGW)
  • United Airlines: with flights to/from Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR)
  • Westjet: with flights to/from Calgary (YYC), Toronto (YYZ)

Arrivals

Costa Rica entry requirements

  • Passport: valid passport or travel document. Only machine-readable passports or travel documents will be accepted following the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with the validity determined by these guidelines.  The minimum validity of the passport will correspond to the group in which the person is located, according to the entry directive to Costa Rica.  Follow the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería guidelines.
  • Visa: when required. Follow the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería guidelines.
  • Proof of economic solvency: with a minimum of USD 100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or a fraction of a month of legal stay in the country.
  • Return ticket: ticket or passage to the country of origin or continuation of the trip or the navigation plan in which the destination port is stated.
  • Vaccinations: Yellow fever, if the passenger has visited certain countries in Africa or South America
  • Impediments: do not have an impediment to entering the national territory.
  • Entry and Exit for Minor Children:  In Costa Rica, all children born within its borders automatically gain Costa Rican citizenship. Consequently, they are required to obtain an exit permit from immigration authorities when leaving the country. Additionally, non-Costa Rican minor children residing in Costa Rica as regular residents may need to adhere to this regulation. The authorities rigorously enforce this rule.

Departures

Check-in

It’s recommended to arrive at the airport in plenty of time before the flight, as there may be long lines and security checks to complete. For international flights, check-in time is often 2-3 hours before departure, while for domestic flights, it’s usually 1-2 hours before departure. Remember that check-in times may differ for different airlines, so it’s essential to check with your carrier to confirm the check-in time for your flight.

Costa Rica exit requirements

  • Passport: valid passport or travel document.
  • Boarding pass
  • Entry and Exit for Minor Children:  In Costa Rica, all children born within its borders automatically gain Costa Rican citizenship. Consequently, they are required to obtain an exit permit from immigration authorities when leaving the country. Additionally, non-Costa Rican minor children residing in Costa Rica as regular residents may need to adhere to this regulation. The authorities rigorously enforce this rule.

Departure tax

The charge for departure tax from Costa Rican territory by air (US$29 or its equivalent in colones) applies to all passengers.  Here’s a list of airlines whose tax is included in the cost of the air ticket: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Air Panama, Alaskan Airlines, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Edelweiss, Iberia, JetBlue, KLM, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris.
If the airline you are traveling with is not on the above list, the tax must be paid at the International Terminal before check-in.  Payment can be made in colones, dollars, credit, and/or debit cards.

VIP Lounges

There is one lounge available at the airport:

Liberia VIP Lounge

  • Eligibility: Priority Pass cardholders.  More details here.
  • Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Mon), 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Wed), 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Tue, Thu, Fri), 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Sat), 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Sun)
  • Services and facilities: Cold and hot beverages (coffee, tea, sodas, wine, beer), cold and hot snacks, internet access, SatelliteTV, Newspapers/Magazines, Flight information screens

Shopping and duty-free

Liberia Airport offers a variety of shopping options, from last-minute travel essentials to Costa Rican souvenirs and luxury goods. Duty-free shops provide international brands at tax-free prices, ideal for picking up gifts or indulging in a personal treat.

  • Duty-Free: Costa Rica Duty-Free Do-Good-Shopping (departure and arrival areas)
  • Souvenir shops: Bluezone, Casa Tica, Emprende 506,
  • Stores: Travel Market, 24/7 Grab & GO, Britt Shop Costa Rica, Rumbo Pura Vida Costa Rica, Terra Tica, Whoops Toys & Fun, XPlora Adventure
  • Tech accessories: Plugin,

Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops

  • Restaurants: Green
  • Bars: Imperial, Flor de Caña
  • Coffee: Cafe Players, Café Bakery
  • Desserts: Ice Cream Factory

Internet access

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible at Liberia Airport.

Banking

  • Currency exchange: Global Exchange
  • ATM: Main terminal Lobby (BAC Credomatic)

Ground Transportation

Ride Apps

  • Uber: is the only taxi app available in Costa Rica at the moment, and it can be used to go to and from the Liberia Airport. 

Airport Shuttle

  • Liberia Airport Shuttle: since 2005, Liberia Airport Shuttle has been operating ground transportation services to over 40 Costa Rica destinations. Telephone: (506) 8913-1480, WhatsApp: (506) 8913-1480 (main number), (506) 7255-0762, E-mail: [email protected], website: https://liberiaairportshuttle.com.
  • Adobe Transfers: With over 30 years of transportation experience, Adobe offers premium country-wide private shuttle services. Website: https://adobetransfers.com.
  • Maleku Tours: For over 19 years, we have been providing transportation and tour services for tourists from around the world; we are always ready and happy to help you. US & CAN Toll-Free: +1(800) 471-6952, E-mail: [email protected], website: https://www.malekutours.com
  • Tropical Tour Shuttles: website: https://tropicaltourshuttles.com
  • I Love Travel Costa Rica: Reservations are available at https://iltcostarica.com/.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels in the region offer shuttle services directly to and from the airport. Arranging these services in advance is recommended to ensure availability and convenience.

Taxis

Official airport taxis are readily available, offering fixed rates to key destinations. Always confirm the fare and pickup location before starting your journey.

  • Taxi Asociación Curubande: telephone +(506) 8449-9997)

Rental Car

Numerous international and local car rental agencies have desks at the airport, providing a range of vehicles to suit different needs. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Parking

Open daily from 5:00 am to 12:00 am.

  • Parking 3 (P3): hour $1.50, day $30, week $150, month $400
  • Parking 4 (P4): free

Hotels near the airport

The area surrounding the Liberia Airport in Costa Rica presents diverse accommodation options to cater to every traveler’s needs and preferences. Whether you’re seeking the convenience of a hotel near the airport for a quick overnight stay before an early flight, the urban charm of accommodations on the city side that allow you to explore Liberia’s rich cultural landscape or the serene allure of beachside retreats that offer an immediate escape to Costa Rica’s famed golden coastlines, there’s something for everyone. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during the high season.

Airport hotels

  • Hampton by Hilton Guanacaste Airport: 2 miles, 5 minutes
  • Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport: 2 miles, 5 minutes

Liberia City hotels (west)

  • Best Western El Sitio Hotel & Casino: 7.0 miles, 16 minutes
  • Hotel Boyeros And Conference Center: 7.3 miles, 17 minutes

Beachside hotels (east)

  • El Mangroove, Autograph Collection: 12 miles, 24 minutes
  • Casa Conde Beach Front Papagayo: 12.1 miles, 24 minutes
  • Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica: 13 miles, 25 minutes
  • Papagayo Golden Palms Beachfront Hotel: 14 miles, 28 minutes
  • Vista Bahía Beach Resort: 14 miles, 28 minutes
  • Occidental Papagayo – All Inclusive Adults Only: 14 miles, 28 minutes
  • Villas Sol Beach Resort: 14.2 miles, 27 minutes
  • Club & Hotel Condovac La Costa: 14.3 miles, 28 minutes
  • Hotel El Velero: 14.5 miles, 28 minutes
  • Hotel Restaurant Villa del Sueño: 15.1 miles, 29 minutes
  • Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo: 19.7 miles, 36 minutes
  • Hotel Bosque del Mar: 15.2 miles, 30 minutes
  • Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo: 23 miles, 50 minutes
  • JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa: 46.4 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes

Other airports in Costa Rica

  • Tobías Bolaños International Airport / Pavas Airport: 136 miles, 3 hours and 20 minutes driving time.
  • Juan Santamaria International Airport / SJO Airport: 129 miles, 3 hours, 9 minutes driving time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Tamarindo from Liberia Airport?

Tamarindo is approximately 40 to 43 miles from Liberia Airport. The drive typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. This route offers travelers a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of Guanacaste, leading to one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations.

How to get from Liberia Airport to Nosara?

You have several options depending on your budget, time constraints, and preferences for convenience. Nosara is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, surfing, and yoga retreats, located on the Nicoya Peninsula. Here are the main ways to travel between these two locations:

  • Rental Car: Renting a car at Liberia Airport and driving to Nosara is popular. The drive can take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is scenic and allows for flexibility in travel plans. Make sure to rent a car with good clearance since some roads might be rough, especially in the rainy season.
  • Shuttle Services: Several companies offer shared or private shuttle services from Liberia Airport to Nosara. A shared shuttle is more economical but might require waiting for other passengers. Private shuttles offer a direct and more personal service. Booking in advance is recommended.
  • Public Bus: This is the most economical option, time-consuming, and least convenient, especially with luggage. You would need to get from Liberia Airport to the bus station in Liberia City, then catch a bus to Nicoya, and finally, another bus from Nicoya to Nosara. This option requires careful planning as bus schedules can change and travel times can be long.
  • Taxi or Private Transfer: You can also book a taxi or a private transfer. This is more expensive than a shuttle but gives you the flexibility of leaving on your own time and a direct route to your destination without waiting for other passengers.
  • Domestic Flight: Depending on the season, domestic flights from Liberia to Nosara might occur. However, this option requires checking with local airlines for availability, as flights are not always daily and can be subject to weather conditions.

How early to arrive at Liberia Airport?

For international flights departing from Liberia Airport, arriving at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time is generally recommended. This recommendation accounts for the various processes you must go through before boarding your flight, including check-in, security screening, and potential additional procedures for international travel, such as immigration and customs. Remember that the recommended arrival time can vary depending on several factors, such as the time of the year, your airline’s advice, or special travel needs.

How far is Arenal from Liberia Airport?

The distance from Liberia Airport to Arenal, specifically the Arenal Volcano area or La Fortuna (the town commonly associated with Arenal), is approximately 87 miles. The travel time by car can vary depending on the route and current traffic conditions, but it generally takes 3 to 3.5 hours.

How far is Jaco from Liberia Airport?

The distance from Liberia Airport to Jaci, a popular beach town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, is approximately 112 miles when traveling by road. The journey typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

How far is Liberia Airport from San Jose Airport?

The distance between Liberia Airport and San Jose Airport (SJO Airport) in Costa Rica is approximately 130 miles when traveling by road. The journey typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. In addition to the road travel option, domestic flights are available between both airports; these flights provide a quicker alternative to the 3 to 4-hour drive, with the flight time typically being around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Technical information

  • Airport Name: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
  • Other unofficial airport names used: Liberia Airport, Guanacaste Airport
  • Central Standard Time
  • Time zone in Costa Rica (GMT-6)
  • Airport Code: LIR
  • Location: Juan Santamaría Intl, Alajuela, Costa Rica
  • Phone numbers: (506)2666-9600
  • Operating hours: 24/7
  • Operator: Coriport S.A.
  • Official website: https://www.guanacasteairport.com/
  • Coordinates: 103535N 853244W
  • Elevation: 269 feet
  • Landing strip length: 2,747 meters (9,012 feet)
  • Runways: 07/25