Guanacaste Airport (LIR)

Arriving travellers pass through immigration, claim checked baggage, and complete customs clearance within a single ground-level flow.

• Disembark via jet bridge or passenger walk directly into the international arrivals area.
• Proceed to passport control for entry verification by immigration officers.
• Collect checked luggage from the carousels located immediately beyond passport control.
• Pass through baggage customs screening before entering the public arrivals hall.

• Taxi

  Official Taxi

  Licensed red airport taxis operate directly outside the terminal exit with fixed standard rates to local zones.

  Time:

  Roughly 15–20 minutes to Liberia city centre

  Typical cost:

  Typically USD 25–35

• Bus

  Shared or Private Shuttle

  Pre-booked door-to-door transfer minibuses serving major coastal hotels and regional destinations.

  Time:

  Roughly 30–90 minutes depending on destination resort

  Typical cost:

  Typically USD 15–50 per person

• Bus

  Public Bus

  Local public buses stop on the main highway outside the airport entry road, running into central Liberia.

  Time:

  Roughly 25–35 minutes to central Liberia station

  Typical cost:

  Typically under USD 2 (approx. CRC 700–1,000)

• Car rental

  Car Rental

  Car rental desks are situated inside the arrivals area, with shuttles taking drivers to nearby vehicle rental depots.

  Time:

  Roughly 15–20 minutes driving to central Liberia

  Typical cost:

  Varies by season and vehicle type

Transfers require clearing entry formalities, collecting baggage, and checked luggage re-submission landside.

• All international arriving passengers must clear immigration and customs regardless of onward journey.
• Collect checked baggage before exiting into the main landside concourse.
• Proceed to the main check-in desks to register for onward domestic or regional flights.

Public Wi-Fi access is available throughout the main passenger terminal building.

• Select the airport public network name from your device settings.
• Accept the terms of service on the pop-up browser page to establish a connection.
• Cellular voice and data coverage from national mobile networks is available in public areas.

Automated teller machines and foreign currency exchange counters operate inside the terminal.

• ATMs dispensing both US Dollars and Costa Rican Colón are available in arrivals and departures.
• Currency exchange counters operate in the arrivals hall for standard international currencies.
• US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, though change is frequently provided in Costa Rican Colón.

A modest range of food and beverage options is available both landside and post-security.

• Landside options include small cafes offering coffee, pastries, and quick snacks.
• Airside facilities feature fast-casual dining, coffee shops, and grab-and-go food items.
• Costa Rican coffee and snacks are available alongside standard international items.

A departure lounge service is available post-security in the main departures concourse.

• Offers quiet seating, Wi-Fi access, light snacks, and beverages.
• Access is granted through participating airline programmes, lounge membership cards, or day-pass purchases.

No hotels are located inside the terminal building, but several properties are situated a short drive away.

• Airport hotels along Highway 21 are reachable within a 5-to-10-minute drive.
• Beach resort hotels are typically located 30 to 75 minutes away by road.
• Many area hotels can arrange dedicated shuttle collection upon request.

Luggage retrieval carousels and handling services are located in the international arrivals section.

• Baggage carousels are positioned directly past the immigration control counters.
• Luggage trolleys are available for passenger use in the reclaim hall.
• Report damaged or delayed baggage to your airline representative before passing customs.

Basic family facilities are accessible throughout the terminal areas.

• Baby-changing facilities are integrated into main terminal rest rooms.
• Step-free layout and elevators ensure accessible navigation with pushchairs.

• ATMs
• Currency exchange
• Car rental counters
• Duty-free shop
• VIP Lounge
• Public Wi-Fi
• Information desk
• First aid station

Local emergency number: 911 (National Emergency Number for Police, Ambulance, Fire).

• Dial 911 for all immediate police, medical, or fire emergencies in Costa Rica.
• Contact airport security or staff at the central information desk for urgent assistance in the terminal.
• Report lost passports to your home country embassy or consulate located in San José.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• https://www.guanacasteairport.com/Official airport source
• https://www.migracion.go.cr/Government source
• https://www.hacienda.go.cr/Government source
• https://www.mopt.go.cr/Official transit source
• https://www.911.go.cr/Government source
• https://www.visitcostarica.com/Government source