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How to Get to Tamarindo

Airport Shuttles and Taxis

Once you leave the airport, you will see many transportation vans for hire. You can also hire one of the many private shuttle services to pick you up at the airport. Also, your hotel, hostel, or private home personnel should be able to provide this service for you. These vans are very comfortable, air-conditioned car or van, and will drop you off at the doorstep of your vacation hotel, hostel or private home.

It is recommend that you booking your airport transportation before your arrival due to possible delays or after-dark arrival. The van drivers speak English and can help you along the way with information that you may need.

Average Cost: $100+ from Liberia Airport to Tamarindo, or $300 – $350 from San Jose to Tamarindo (depending on the size of your party).

Rental Cars

There are many rental car options to choose from. When you book your rental car, they can meet you at the airport upon your arrival. Our suggestion would be to get the full insurance as the roads in Costa Rica can sometimes be an adventure in themselves.
 
Average Cost: $30 – $75 per day + mandatory insurance ($30 – $40/day)

Local Airlines

Local airlines Nature Air and Sansa offer daily flights to/from Tamarindo, both from San Jose and Liberia. These flights are especially helpful when traveling to San Jose.

Average Cost: $90 – $200+, one way, depending on season.

Shuttle Buses

Shared shuttles are a great option, offering fixed schedules, set pickup/drop-off points, and a more comfortable ride than the public bus. InterBus is a well known service that offers an air conditioned van with comfortable seats. The will drop you off at the nearest hotel to your destination.

Average Cost: $55 – 65 per person (San Jose to Tamarindo, 5.5 hours), and $50 (Liberia to Tamarindo, 1.5 hours)

Public Buses

Two bus companies run routes to Tamarindo: Alfaro from San José (via Liberia), and La Pampa from Liberia.

Alfaro runs two buses per day from San José: 11:30 a.m. (stopping in Liberia) and 3:30 p.m. (via Caldera). The cost is around $10 per person and the trip takes around 5.5 hours. Bags must be stowed under the bus. Reservations currently cannot be made online and seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
 
If you’re flying into LIR, you have a bit more wiggle room with your timetable. La Pampa runs more than a dozen daily buses from Liberia to Tamarindo. The last bus leaves Liberia around 6 p.m. and the route takes about 2 hours. Reservations cannot be made in advance.

Average Cost: $10 from San José, under $3 from Liberia