It reads like a story about walking to school in the snow, uphill, both ways, with no shoes… But, really, the pathway to Tamarindo even a decade years ago was a five-hour-long roughshod path of winding roads, often unpaved, and marked with hazards.
That was back when visitors flew mostly into San Jose (SJO). Nowadays, there’s a cushy airport (LIR) about an hour or so outside of town. The road in is practically paved in gold, and the hazards are few.
This would seem a blessing, but it doesn’t answer the question: What’s the best way to get from the airport to Tamarindo. For our purposes, for this blog, we’re going to assume you’re flying into Liberia.
Hire a cab to Tamarindo
If you decide to hire a cab outright to Tamarindo from Liberia, expect to drop a small fortune. If you’re a high roller, this might not bother you.
Also, if you’re traveling with a group of people and splitting the costs, this may not be too bad. But, and this is super important, get the quote before you load bags into the trunk. Commit to nothing until that price matches your expectations.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a better price. This is the business for taxis. They know how it works. Keep smiling. Don’t get offended. Definitely, don’t be condescending, but ask it straight out: Can you give me a better price?
If they reply, “no,” there are more taxis.
To give you an idea of the range, it shouldn’t be $100 unless prices have skyrocketed or this blog has aged poorly. It also won’t be $50 unless you’re offering the cabbie a round of drinks in Tamarindo.
Expect to pay a little more per head, but not the same as if you each booked your own car.
Take a shuttle to Playa Tamarindo
The cheapest, most comfortable, and no-nonsense way to get to Tamarindo is via shuttle.
There are several companies which have established reputations, but sometimes starter companies rent shuttles with the intentions of building a business by renting buses to start.
If you’re squeamish and unsure, look for a branded shuttle with a company that is familiar like Tamarindo Transfers and Tours.
They’ve built a reliable reputation in Tamarindo for their growing variety of shuttle services. As of this writing, it’s $25 per person from Liberia to Tamarindo. The shuttles are air-conditioned and have WiFi so you can stay on Instagram all the way to town.
Alternatively, Tamarindo Shuttles does it for a little less, $20 as of this writing, but there are more companies than we have time to mention here.
Bus it to Tamarindo
For the adventurers, there is nothing more Pura Vida than riding a Costa Rican bus. It will cost you fewer than $5.00 USD.
The bus that runs to Tamarindo orientates in Liberia proper, which is the other direction from Tamarindo when you’re standing outside the terminal.
Like most airports, the Liberia airport is not in the center of it’s nearest town and namesake. It’s west of Liberia, on the Tamarindo for the bus so they’ll stop en route.
They’ll start in the Liberia’s Municipal Station (Liberia Terminal de buses Municipal), and they tend to run every hour or so. You can buy your ticket from the bus driver, but don’t expect to get a seat.
If you buy your ticket from a proper terminal you can reserve a seat, but after that seats are available first come, first serve. If someone boards the bus with the seat number of your seat, you’ll have to give it up.
Don’t worry. This is the way Costa Ricans have been getting around for decades.
Side note, it’s culturally normal for someone to give up even a reserved seat for an older adult or pregnant woman.
Car Rentals from Liberia are simple
If you’re the footloose and fancy-free sort or if you like to stay in control of your travel options, you can rent a car in Costa Rica the same as anywhere. You will need a valid driver’s license and a passport.
Also, you’ll need to be the correct age. This varies from vendor to vendor. There are A LOT of options for car rentals. Experiences vary and no two are alike.
Book before you fly. Unless you are going on a trusted recommendation, book with a brand you recognize.
You’ll need to get basic insurance with most companies, even if you have coverage from your credit card. This too varies from company to company. Some will let you rent with a letter from your credit card company asserting them that you have coverage, but arrange that before you board your plane.
Get the terms in writing from the car rental company in case there is someone inexperienced operating their desk when you arrive.
Plan on the roads being paved, but also plan on potholes, especially in the rainy season.
Drive defensively, as if everyone else is on a learner’s permit. Costa Ricans do not stop before stop signs, but they do stop short of t-boning you, and they will take chances you should not try to take. Example: passing three semi-trucks on a curved road with oncoming traffic across a double-yellow line. Just… don’t.
Yes, you could hail an Uber to Tamarindo, but…
In short, you shouldn’t try.
In the northern provinces of Costa Rica, Uber is not common. There may be a few cars, but as of this writing, the country is still battling the legality of these services.
With all the options above, it’s wise to forget about the Uber while in Costa Rica.
If you need more help on this, contact us. We’ll make getting to Tamarindo so simple, you’ll feel spoiled for life. We’ve been doing this a long time so we know all the best ways to get it done, and by “it,” I mean everything.
We’ll be your happy concierge in Costa Rica.
Horizon Pacific Management & Rentals is located in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Offering vacation rentals, property management, long-term rentals, as well as a complete concierge service. Providing you with a local contact during your stay, Horizon Pacific is a company you can trust, with the experience you need.