Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn Costa Rica Vibes a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
4 Best Transportation Options from Liberia to Monteverde
Are you planning a trip from Liberia to Monteverde, Costa Rica?
The city of Liberia is located in the northwest of Costa Rica and is home to the Liberia International Airport. Monteverde is renowned for its lush cloud forests, abundant biodiversity, thrilling adventure activities, and eco-tourism experiences.
There are several convenient ways to travel between these two locations, including rental cars, private transfers, shared shuttles, and public buses.
As a couple who has lived in Costa Rica for several years, we have traveled from Liberia to Monteverde multiple times. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best transportation option based on cost, flexibility, and the number of people in your group.
We’ve also included details on what to expect along the way and our top recommendations for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Liberia to Monteverde at a Glance
There are several options to get from Liberia to Monteverde. These include:
- 🚗 Rent a car and drive yourself. This will take about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on road conditions. Book Your Rental Car
- 🚕 Take a private transfer. Ideal for those who want a hassle-free trip.
- 🚐 Take a shared shuttle. A good balance of cost and convenience for solo travelers or small groups.
- 🚌 Take a public bus from Liberia to Monteverde.
| Option | Cost (on average) | Time | Convenience | Flexibility | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | $40 – $70/day + fuel | 3 hrs | High (flexible, door-to-door) | High (explore freely) | High (private, controlled) | Exploring, families, groups |
| Private Shuttle | $150 – $200 | 3 hrs | High (door-to-door, stress-free) | Moderate (set schedule) | High (private, driver) | Stress-free, groups, families |
| Shared Shuttle | $50 – $60/person | 3-4 hrs | Moderate (set schedule, shared) | Low (fixed schedule) | Moderate (shared, comfortable) | Budget, solo, small groups |
| Public Bus | $5 – $10/person | 6 hrs | Low (fixed schedule, stops) | Low (fixed schedule) | Moderate (shared, basic) | Budget, backpackers, solo |
The Liberia International Airport
The Liberia International Airport (LIR) is situated just south of the city of Liberia in the Guanacaste Province.
This is one of Costa Rica’s two international airports and a great place to fly in and out of for exploring the Guanacaste Province, Monteverde, or La Fortuna.
Travel Tip: The sun sets by 6 PM every day. We suggest spending the night near the Liberia Airport if your flight gets in after 2 PM so you will not be driving in the dark. The drive involves some unpaved and unlit roads which might be a little overwhelming if it is your first time driving in the country.
Additionally, you should probably spend the night near the airport on your last night, especially if you have a somewhat early flight.
Hotels Near LIR Airport:
Related Guides:
- The City of Liberia: Complete Guide to Hotels, Restaurants, Weather and More
- Liberia International Airport Arrivals and Departures Guide
- The Best Hotels Near the Liberia International Airport
- Renting a Car at the Liberia International Airport: What to Expect
Where is Monteverde?
Monteverde is a cloud forest town that is perfect for nature lovers. Some popular things to do here are zip lining, nature hikes, and wildlife night tours.
The town is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of Liberia.
The drive typically takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Note: Monteverde is also sometimes referred to as Santa Elena. Technically, Monteverde is the area and Santa Elena is the downtown area that is filled with restaurants and many hotels.
Option #1: Rental Car to Monteverde
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore at your own pace.
🚗 Who Should Rent a Car?
- Travelers who enjoy flexibility and spontaneous stops
- Families who need space and convenience
- Adventure seekers who want to explore the Monteverde area
⚠️ Who Might Not Need a Car?
- Nervous drivers uncomfortable with winding mountain roads
- Solo travelers looking for the cheapest option
Recommended Car Rental Agencies
We highly recommend Adobe Rent-a-Car for all your car rental needs in Costa Rica. They are our preferred local rental company in Costa Rica.
Because we like them so much, we’ve partnered with Adobe to offer you an exclusive 10% discount, plus other great perks.
Get Your 10% Car Rental Discount Plus Other Perks
Picking Up Your Rental Car
Most rental car agencies, including Adobe, are located a short 5-minute drive from Liberia Airport.
If you rent with Adobe, you will enter your flight info in your reservation. This allows an Adobe employee to be ready and waiting for you upon arrival. It is also great because they can easily keep track if your flight is delayed.
When you exit the airport, just look for an employee holding an Adobe sign. They will then take you in a comfortable air-conditioned shuttle to the Adobe office located a 5-minute drive away.
Here you can get the keys to your rental and be on your way to begin your vacation in paradise!
Which Car to Rent
We suggest renting an SUV for better handling on rough roads. In the past, I always suggested renting a 4×4 when visiting Monteverde because there were so many unpaved roads. In recent years it has gotten better.
In general, you will be fine with a regular SUV, but if you are traveling late in the rainy season (August to November), plan to visit very remote places, or are staying at a hotel that is on a very remote side road you might want to consider a 4×4.
Adobe Rent-a-Car
- 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
- Free second driver
- 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
- Excellent customer service
- New fleet of well-maintained vehicles
The Driving Route to Monteverde
Your drive from Liberia will start on Route 21 towards Liberia.
Once you get to Liberia, turn right on Route 1. You will stay on Route 1 for about 50 miles until you turn left on Route 145. Route 1 is one of the nicest roads in the country but just use caution. It is one of the weirdest highways ever. It looks like the kind of road you could cruise along at a high speed, but then there are random crosswalks and traffic lights.
Before your turn on Route 145, you will go through a large roundabout at the town of Limonal.
If you need gas or a bathroom, there is a gas station on the right side of the road that has decent bathrooms which are usually unlocked. If you need a quick meal, there is a KFC and Subway on the left side of the road. This is going to be your best option for a fast food type of meal. I marked this roundabout on Google Maps for you here.
You will continue a bit further before turning left on Route 145. Once on this road, you will stay on Route 145 all the way to Monteverde. Although you will stay on Route 145 the whole way, you will need a GPS as the road goes through several towns and can be confusing.
Travel Tip: The free app Waze is excellent for navigation in Costa Rica.
The last half of the drive is mostly paved, but some roads can be challenging.
We do not suggest driving at night. We once ended up driving to Monteverde in the dark and realized our car didn’t have fog lights. It was so foggy that we couldn’t drive at all. We had to wait for a truck and follow them to town.
As you can see from this map, Google Maps or Waze might suggest a few different route options that all take about the same amount of time.
Both the route I have marked and the route to the south are fine.
I do not suggest the more northern route because it involves more time spent driving on some rough roads.
Option #2: Private Shuttle to Monteverde
A private shuttle is a comfortable van designated solely for your travel companions and driven by an experienced driver.
This is a great way to get from Liberia to Monteverde without worrying about driving on your own.
If you are traveling as a large group or family, this can be a lot more cost-effective than a shared shuttle because you are paying for the entire experience rather than for a ticket per person.
Plus, with a shared shuttle you can be picked up and dropped off at any location at any time. You are not constricted to any sort of daily shuttle schedule.
- Book Your Private Shuttle for up to 6 Passengers
- Book Your Private Shuttle for up to 10 Passengers
- Book Your Private Shuttle for up to 18 Passengers
Option #3: Shared Shuttle to Monteverde
Shared shuttles are a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel to Monteverde.
They operate from the Liberia Airport and from nearby hotels.
We suggest this option if you are a solo traveler or a couple who wants a comfortable and convenient way to get from Liberia to Monteverde.
These shuttle drivers will gladly pick you up from your Liberia area hotel and drop you off at your Monteverde area hotel.
Shared Shuttles from Liberia Airport
Shared Shuttles with Pickup from Liberia Hotels
Option #4: Public Bus
Traveling by public bus from Liberia to Monteverde is the most cost-effective option. However, there aren’t any direct routes between these two destinations. Instead, you will have to make multiple changes. This can be very difficult to time out because the buses aren’t always on time.
Also, keep in mind that the bus terminal is in downtown Liberia. Buses do not leave from the airport.
We aren’t experts on the public bus to Monteverde, so I suggest checking out The Bus Schedule website and CentroCasting for more updated info.
Additional Tips:
- Keep an eye on your belongings and do not put any valuables in a bag above your bus seat. I have heard of people falling asleep and waking up to find their backpacks have been stolen.
- Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for the long journey.
- Get there early before the departure time because once all the seats are taken, you may be out of luck.
Transportation in Monteverde
We like to have a rental car in Monteverde so we can explore things at our own pace. However, Monteverde is one of the places in this country in which it is possible to do almost all activities as a day tour with transportation included (you’ll just be paying a bit more).
The downtown area is called Santa Elena. If you will not have a rental car we suggest staying in this area so you can easily walk to restaurants and shops.
There are several great places to eat in this downtown area.
Fun Things to Do with Rental Car
Great Activities with Transportation Included
For more ideas check out our guide to the 25 very best things to do in Monteverde
Hotels in Downtown Santa Elena
- High End: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
- Mid Range: Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast Monteverde | La Guayaba Monteverde
For more options check out our guide to the best hotels in Monteverde
Restaurants in Downtown Santa Elena
- Taco Taco Monteverde
- Soda La Amistad
- Dolce Aroma
- Restaurante Mar & Tierra
- Monteverde Gastroclub
- The Green Restaurant
For more options, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Monteverde
Our Opinion on Getting from Liberia to Monteverde
Typically, we suggest renting a car when traveling from Liberia to Monteverde. This gives you the most flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer not to drive, a shared or private shuttle is a convenient option.
For those on a very tight budget, the public bus is the cheapest option, but it requires making several connections.
If you have any questions on this route, don’t hesitate to ask! We are always happy to help you plan!
You Might Also Enjoy:
Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
- Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?
Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
📞 What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.
Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
Want the whole crazy story?
Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.
Want the whole crazy story?
