Costa Rica Airport Shuttle Transportation
- Esteban Acedo
- Jul 30, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Feb 19
Costa Rica, renowned for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife, is a top travel destination. As visitors flock to experience its natural wonders, understanding transportation options from major airports becomes essential. Juan Santa Maria International Airport (SJO) near San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) near Liberia are the main gateways into this tropical paradise. Here’s a guide to shuttle services from these airports, with insights and recommendations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Before booking anything, it's helpful to know that Juan Santa Maria International Airport is actually located in Alajuela which is located about 20 minutes from downtown San Jose while Liberia Airport (LIR) is located about 15 minutes from downtown Liberia. If. you want more information about group and private shuttle in Costa Rica, read this blog article.
Airport shuttles from San josé, SJO Airport, Costa Rica.
San Jose Airport, also known as Juan Santamaría International Airport or SJO, is the busiest airport in Costa Rica, located in Alajuela, 20 minutes west of the capital city, San Jose. Private and shared airport shuttles are easy to book and readily available. There are a variety of private and shared shuttle companies to choose from, each with its own pricing and policies.
Its always good to book these shuttles in advance, as they can sell out their seats. If you're traveling solo and prefer a shared shuttle, we recommend booking just a few days in advance. By that time, most routes will be available. Shuttle companies generally require at least two passengers to confirm a route. Solo travelers can only book shared shuttles on routes that are already confirmed and scheduled to run.
When do SJO Airport Shuttles pick-up?
Private Airport Shuttles:
Private airport shuttles will pick up guests at any hour and will monitor your arriving flight status for delays or cancelations.
Shared Airport Shuttles:
Shared shuttles depart from Juan Santa Maria International airport (SJO) a various times a day with various shuttle companies. If you are arriving at the airport any later than 4:30 PM, you will only have private shuttle options available, as the latest group shuttles are scheduled to leave at 5:30 PM. It is best to arrive at the airport in the morning or mid-day to catch shared shuttles departing for tourist destinations.
Where do San José SJO airport shuttles pick up passengers?
Private Airport Shuttles from San José, SJO:
If you book a private shuttle, you will have a driver who will be monitoring your flights arrival. This driver will wait for you outside the arrivals gate with a sign that has your name. This private driver will wait for you if your flight is delayed or if customs takes longer than expected.
Shared Airport Shuttles from San José, SJO::
If you book a shared shuttle from Juan Santa Maria International Airport (SJO), you will meet your driver at El Maliche restaurant located outside the arrivals gate. El Maliche restaurant is the only accessible restaurant outside the arrivals gate and is very easy to locate. You can wait for your driver inside the restaurant or in front of the restaurant. It is your drivers job to find you and they are good about checking with everyone in the area to see if you are one of their passengers. Keep in mind that these shared shuttles can sometimes be a little late because they first pick up passengers from nearby hotels before picking up airport passengers.
San José Airport SJO customs and immigration in Costa Rica
Navigating customs and immigration at SJO Airport in Costa Rica is a straightforward yet crucial part of your travel experience. Upon arrival, passengers will first go through immigration, where you need to present your passport and completed customs declaration form. It is important to have all necessary documents ready, including proof of onward travel and accommodation details. Once cleared by immigration, you'll proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage before heading to customs. Here, you may be asked to declare any items of interest or concern. After completing these steps, you can easily find airport shuttle services waiting outside the terminal. When reserving a group shuttle, make sure to give yourself enough time to clear both customs and immigration, a process that can be as quick as 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours on very busy days.
San Jose Airport SJO shuttles costs
Here are general prices for San Jose airport shuttles to popular tourist destinations:
From | To | Private Shuttle (+13% tax) : families or large Groups: | Shared Shuttle (+13% tax) : solo travelers, couples, or small groups |
San José or SJO Airport | La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano | $197 | $60 |
San José or SJO Airport | Monteverde | $221 | $59 |
San José or SJO Airport | Manuel Antonio & Quepos | $257 | $59 |
San José or SJO Airport | Tamarindo | $377 | $69 |
San José or SJO Airport | Jaco | $207 | $56 |
San José or SJO Airport | Puerto Viejo | $327 | $59 |
San José or SJO Airport | Nosara | $427 | $90 |
San José or SJO Airport | Dominical | $341 | $65 |
San José or SJO Airport | Uvita | $393 | $65 |
San José or SJO Airport | Liberia | $280 | $60 |
San José or SJO Airport | Santa Teresa | $314 | $55 |
San José or SJO Airport | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | $379 | $60 |
San José or SJO Airport | San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua | - | $99 |
San José or SJO Airport | Bocas del Toro, Panama | - | $85 |
Airport shuttles from Liberia, LIR Airport, Costa Rica.
Liberia Airport, officially known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, is a major airport in Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. Located just outside the city of Liberia, this airport is a gateway to the Nicoya peninsula and the country's Pacific beaches and national parks. Private and shared airport shuttles are easy to book and readily available, with a variety of companies offering different pricing and policies.
Its always good to book these shuttles in advance, as they can sell out their seats. If you're traveling solo and prefer a shared shuttle, we recommend booking just a few days in advance. By that time, most routes will be available. Shuttle companies generally require at least two passengers to confirm a route. Solo travelers can only book shared shuttles on routes that are already confirmed and scheduled to run.
When do Liberia Airport LIR shuttles pick-up?
Private Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR:
Private airport shuttles will pick up guests at any hour and will monitor your arriving flight status for delays or cancelations.
Shared Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR:
Shared shuttles depart from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport at various times a day with various shuttle companies. If you are arriving at the airport any later than 4:30 PM, you will only have private shuttle options available, as the latest group shuttles are scheduled to leave at 5:30 PM. It is best to arrive at the airport in the morning or mid-day to catch shared shuttles departing for tourist destinations.
Where do Liberia Airport LIR shuttles pick up passengers?
Private Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR:
If you book a private shuttle, you will have a driver who will be monitoring your flights arrival. This driver will wait for you outside the arrivals gate with a sign that has your name. This private driver will wait for you if your flight is delayed or if customs takes longer than expected.
Shared Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR:
If you are traveling from the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) your pick-up spot will be the Britt Cafe right outside the airport on the right side of the arrivals area. You will need to pass both immigration and customs (30-120 minutes) to get to the meeting point so if you are requesting a pick-up, make sure to book a shuttle that picks you up 60-120 minutes after your plane is scheduled to land and always provide your flight information so that we can be aware of any delays or cancelations.
LIR Airport customs and immigration in Costa Rica
Navigating customs and immigration at Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica is a straightforward yet crucial part of your travel experience. Upon arrival, passengers will first go through immigration, where you need to present your passport and completed customs declaration form. It is important to have all necessary documents ready, including proof of onward travel and accommodation details. Once cleared by immigration, you'll proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage before heading to customs. Here, you may be asked to declare any items of interest or concern. After completing these steps, you can easily find airport shuttle services waiting outside the terminal. When reserving a group shuttle, make sure to give yourself enough time to clear both customs and immigration, a process that can be as quick as 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours on very busy days.
Liberia SJO shuttles costs
Here are general prices for Liberia airport shuttles to popular tourist destinations:
From | To | Private Shuttle (+13% tax) : families or large Groups: | Shared Shuttle(+13% tax) : solo travelers, couples, or small groups |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Monteverde | $221 | $61 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | La Fortuna | $249 | $61 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Montezuma | $427 | $59 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Golfo de Papagayo | $89 | $50 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Nosara | $291 | $90 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Playas Del Coco | $93 | $49 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Rincon de la Vieja | $120 | $49 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Samara | $239 | $59 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | San Jose (SJO) | $309 | $89 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua) | - | $70 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Tamarindo | $137 | $52 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Santa Teresa | $427 | $60 |
Which Costa Rica Airport should I fly into?
We recommend flying into the airport that is closest to your first destination. Here’s a list of which airport travelers should use depending on their destination in Costa Rica, prioritizing the closest airport:
San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
San José and Central Valley
- San José
- Escazú
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Cartago
Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna
- La Fortuna
- Arenal Volcano
Central Pacific Coast
- Jaco
- Manuel Antonio / Quepos
- Dominical
- Uvita
Caribbean Coast
- Puerto Viejo
- Cahuita
- Tortuguero (Note: requires additional travel by boat or domestic flight)
Southern Zone
- San Isidro del General
- Pérez Zeledón
- Osa Peninsula (Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay; Note: often requires a domestic flight from SJO to Golfito or Puerto Jiménez)
Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Guanacaste Region
- Liberia
- Papagayo Peninsula
- Playas del Coco
- Playa Hermosa
- Tamarindo
- Playa Flamingo
- Playa Conchal
- Nosara
- Samara
Nicoya Peninsula
- Santa Teresa
- Mal Pais
- Montezuma
- Tambor (Note: might require a ferry from Puntarenas or additional travel by land)
Northern Zone
- Rincon de la Vieja
- Santa Rosa National Park
Costa Rica airport shuttle: a way to travel with peace of mind.
In conclusion, choosing a reliable shuttle service in Costa Rica is essential for ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Whether you’re arriving at or departing from one of Costa Rica’s major airports, having a dependable shuttle service can make all the difference in your journey. We work with numerous reputable companies like Interbus, Caribe Shuttle, Ride CR, Easy Ride, and Tropical Tours Shuttle, you can rest assured that your transportation needs will be met with professionalism and convenience. Contact us for any questions about our shuttle service Costa Rica, and enjoy the beautiful adventures that await you in this stunning country. Safe travels!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to clear customs and Immigration in Costa Rica?
The amount of time that it will take you to clear customs and immigration in Costa Rica depends on the time of arrival and the amount of traffic entering the airport at that time. If you're lucky, you can clear both customs and immigration in around 30 minutes. If you arrive at the same time as many other airplanes, you could see a wait time of 1-2 hours. A average passenger will take 45-75 minutes to exit the airport.
How to book transfers in Costa Rica?
You can book directly with transport providers by contacting them directly or through their websites. Alternatively, you can use a company like Pura Vida Traveling that will organize your travel using availability from many transport providers to find the ride that work best for your schedule.
How do I get to and from the airport in Costa Rica?
While Uber is not fully legal in Costa Rica, it still stands as an easy way to get to and from the airport. Ubers in the San Jose area will pick up at any time of day or night. Taxi's and public buses are also valid options depending on when you need to travel. You can typically schedule a taxi that will also pick-up at any time.
How much do you tip airport shuttle driver in Costa Rica?
The amount you tip should depend on the length of ride you purchase. While tipping a taxi drive is not necessary, it is greatly appreciated and helps drivers a lot. Tipping a driver $20-$40 for a long journey is a generous way to say thank you. Tipping a driver $5-$10 for a short ride would be considered very generous. Always give with your heart, as these drivers are typically underpaid for their hard work in this industry.
Does Uber work in Costa Rica?
Yes, Uber does work in Costa Rica, however it is considered illegal to use and both drivers and passengers can get in trouble for using the app. "Traffico police" can and will pull over Ubers and can give fines to drivers and passengers for validating the local laws. Airport Uber pickups can be risky. Often the drivers will only pick -up in front of the airport where public buses pick up. Use caution.
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
Yes, Please tip in Costa Rica. Most locals working in tourism are underpaid and tipping helps them make a living. Be aware that most restaurants include a 10% service fee, but if you receive excellent service, consider giving an additional 10-20% to let them know you care!
Can Uber go to SJO airport?
Yes, Ubers can pick up and drop off at SJO or LIR. Just use caution because Uber is not legal to use in Costa Rica.
Can foreigners use Uber?
Yes, Ubers can use Uber, just not legally yet. Use caution as using Uber in Costa Rica could come with a fine from police.
Are taxis expensive in Costa Rica?
Yes, taxis are relatively expensive to use in Costa Rica. Always make sure to negotiate a ride cost before getting into the cab. Airport taxis can be a bit more expensive.
What is the transportation in Costa Rica ?
Private or shared shuttles, Rental cars, regional flights, taxis, public buses, boats or ferry, there are many ways to get around Costa Rica. The best option for you depends on several things: your budget, the number of people, the time spent on site... Do not hesitate to contact us via our chat, we will be happy to guide you in your choices.
What is the best form of transportation in Costa Rica?
Private and shared shuttles are the best form of transportation in Costa Rica for visitors who do not want to drive or rent a car. You can schedule private or shared shuttles to transport you from destination to destination and use taxis, bikes, or public buses to get around locally.
Is public transportation safe in Costa Rica?
Public transportation is very safe to use in Costa Rica.
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