Costa Rica Airport Shuttle Transportation
- Esteban Acedo
- Jul 30, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 15
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 shuttles in Costa Rica, read this blog article.
Airport shuttles from San josé, SJO Airport, Costa Rica
San José Airport, officially Juan SantamarÃa International Airport (SJO), is Costa Rica’s busiest hub, located in Alajuela, about 20 minutes west of the capital. Private and shared airport shuttles are easy to arrange, with plenty of companies offering different prices and policies.
It’s best to book your shuttle in advance, since seats can sell out quickly. Solo travelers looking for a shared ride should book just a few days before departure. Keep in mind that shuttle companies usually require at least two passengers to operate a route, so single passengers can only join routes that are already scheduled.
When do SJO Airport Shuttles Pick Up?
Private Airport Shuttles:
Private shuttles operate on your schedule, picking up guests at any hour of the day or night. Most companies also track your flight status, so if your arrival is delayed or canceled, they’ll adjust accordingly.
Shared Airport Shuttles:
Shared shuttles depart from Juan SantamarÃa International Airport (SJO) several times a day, depending on the company and route. Keep in mind that the last departures leave around 5:30 PM, so if your flight lands after 4:30 PM, you’ll need to arrange a private shuttle instead. For the widest range of shared shuttle options, it’s best to arrive in the morning or early afternoon.
Where Do San José Sjo Airport Shuttles Pick Up Passengers?
Private Airport Shuttles from San José, SJO
When you book a private shuttle, your driver will monitor your flight and wait for you outside the arrivals gate, holding a sign with your name. They’ll wait even if your flight is delayed or if customs takes longer than expected, so you won’t need to worry about missing your ride.
Shared Airport Shuttles from San José, SJO
If you’ve booked a shared shuttle from Juan SantamarÃa International Airport (SJO), your meeting point is the El Malinche Restaurant, located just outside the arrivals gate.
It’s the only restaurant in that area, making it easy to find. You can wait inside or in front of the restaurant, and your driver will look for you. Shuttle staff are usually proactive about checking with people in the area.
Note that shared shuttles may arrive later than scheduled since they often pick up passengers from nearby hotels before heading to the airport.
San José Airport SJO Customs and Immigration in Costa Rica
Going through customs and immigration at SJO is a straightforward process, but it’s important to be prepared. After landing, you’ll first pass through immigration, where you’ll need to present your passport and a completed customs declaration form. Be ready to show proof of onward travel and your accommodation details if requested.
Once you’re cleared, head to baggage claim to collect your luggage before proceeding to customs, where officers may ask you to declare certain items. After this, you’ll exit into the arrivals area, where shuttle drivers and transportation services are waiting.
The entire process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how busy the airport is. If you’re booking a shared shuttle, allow yourself plenty of time to get through both immigration and customs before your scheduled departure.
San Jose Airport SJO Shuttles Cost
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 | $166 | $60 |
San José or SJO Airport | Monteverde | $186 | $65 |
San José or SJO Airport | Manuel Antonio & Quepos | $216 | $61 |
San José or SJO Airport |  Tamarindo | $317 | $69 |
San José or SJO Airport | Jaco | $130 | $56 |
San José or SJO Airport | Puerto Viejo | $318 | $61 |
San José or SJO Airport | Nosara | $359 | $90 |
San José or SJO Airport | Dominical | $287 | $65 |
San José or SJO Airport | Uvita | $330 | $65 |
San José or SJO Airport | Liberia | $260 | $61 |
San José or SJO Airport | Santa Teresa | $287 | $71 |
San José or SJO Airport | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | $318 | $61 |
San José or SJO Airport | San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua | $576 | $99 |
San José or SJO Airport | Bocas del Toro, Panama | - | $90 |
Airport shuttles from Liberia, LIR Airport, Costa Rica
Liberia Airport, officially Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), is the main gateway to Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, serving the Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific beaches, and nearby national parks. Located just outside the city of Liberia, the airport offers convenient access to a wide range of destinations, with both private and shared shuttles readily available. Several companies operate these services, each with its own pricing and policies.
Booking ahead is recommended, as shuttle seats often sell out. If you’re traveling solo and prefer a shared ride, it’s usually best to reserve just a few days in advance; by then, most routes are confirmed. Shuttle companies generally require at least two passengers to operate, so single travelers can only join routes that are already scheduled.
When do Liberia Airport LIR shuttles Pick Up?
Private Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR
Private shuttles operate around the clock, picking up passengers at any hour. Drivers track your flight for delays or cancellations, ensuring someone is waiting when you land.
Shared Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR
Shared shuttles leave Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport several times daily, depending on the company and route. The last departures are scheduled for around 5:30 PM, so travelers landing after 4:30 PM will need to arrange a private transfer instead. For the best chance of catching a shared shuttle to popular tourist destinations, plan to arrive in the morning or early afternoon.
Where do Liberia Airport LIR shuttles Pick up Passengers?
Private Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR
When you reserve a private shuttle, your driver will monitor your flight and wait for you just outside the arrivals gate, holding a sign with your name. Even if your flight is delayed or customs takes longer than expected, your driver will remain on standby.
Shared Airport Shuttles from Liberia, LIR
For shared shuttles from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), the meeting point is the Britt Café, located just outside the arrivals area on the right-hand side. Since you must clear both immigration and customs first, a process that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, it’s best to schedule your shuttle for 60–120 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time. Be sure to provide your flight details when booking so the shuttle company can track any delays or cancellations.
LIR Airport Customs and Immigration in Costa Rica
Arriving at Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is usually a straightforward process, but being prepared will make it even easier. After landing, passengers first pass through immigration, where they’ll present their passport along with a completed customs declaration form. You may also be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation details.
Once cleared, head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage before proceeding to customs, where officers may request that you declare certain items. After finishing these steps, you’ll exit into the arrivals area, where shuttle drivers and transportation services are waiting.
The entire process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the airport is. If you’re booking a shared shuttle, schedule your pickup with plenty of buffer time to ensure you don’t miss your ride.
Liberia SJO shuttles cost
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 | $60 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Golfo de Papagayo | $93 | $50 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Nosara | $291 | $50 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Playas Del Coco | $93 | $50 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Rincon de la Vieja | $120 | $50 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Samara | $239 | $60 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | San Jose (SJO) | $309 | $90 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua) | $288 | $70 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Tamarindo | $137 | $52 |
Liberia or LIR Airport | Santa Teresa | $300 | $62 |
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 SantamarÃa 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 in 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. An 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 an 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.