The 5 Best Ways to Get from Liberia to Nosara, Costa Rica

Are you planning a trip from Liberia to Nosara, Costa Rica?

The city of Liberia is located in the northwest corner of the country and is home to the Liberia International Airport. This well-connected international airport serves as an excellent gateway to some of Costa Rica’s most stunning destinations, including the beach town of Nosara.

Nosara is famous for its unspoiled coastline, world-class surfing, yoga retreats, and the peaceful vibe that draws travelers seeking relaxation and adventure alike.

There are several convenient options for traveling between these two locations, including rental cars, private transfers, shared shuttles, public buses, and taxis.

As a couple who lives in Costa Rica, we have traveled between Liberia and Nosara many times. We have put together this guide to help you choose the best transportation option that suits your needs based on cost, flexibility, and number of people traveling. We have also included what to expect along the way, and our top recommendations for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

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. It is a lot easier to get to Nosara from here versus from the San Jose International Airport.

Travel Tip: The sun sets by 6PM every day. We suggest spending the night near the Liberia Airport if your flight gets in after 3PM 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:

• Hampton by Hilton Guanacaste
• Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport

Related Guides:

• 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
• The City of Liberia: Complete Guide to Hotels, Restaurants, Weather and More

Where is Nosara?

Nosara is a remote beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste Province. It is approximately 72 miles (116 kilometers) southwest of Liberia.

The drive typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The route includes some unpaved roads, especially in the final stretch approaching Nosara.

Option #1: Rental Car to Nosara

Renting a car is the best way to explore Nosara and the surrounding areas at your own pace. This method of travel gives you the flexibility to stop along the way and experience the beauty of Costa Rica’s landscapes.

Who Should Rent a Car?

• Independent Travelers: Perfect for those who like to explore at their own pace and make spontaneous stops.
• Families: Provides convenience and comfort, especially if you are traveling with children or large amounts of luggage.
• Adventure Seekers: Ideal for those wanting to explore off-the-beaten-path locations that are less accessible by other means.
• Groups: More economical for groups of friends or families traveling together.
• Multi-Destination Travelers: If Nosara is just one stop on your journey, having a car makes it easy to visit other destinations without relying on multiple transportation methods.

Who Might Not Need a Car?

• Budget Travelers: Renting a car may be more expensive compared to other options, particularly for short stays.
• Solo Travelers: Renting a car can be more expensive for solo travelers compared to shared shuttles or buses.
• Nervous Drivers: If you’re not comfortable driving on unpaved roads or in remote areas, renting a car may not be the best choice.
• Resort Guests: If you’re staying at a resort that offers all amenities on-site, you might not need a 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?

For the drive to Nosara, we recommend at least renting an SUV for decent clearance and a comfortable experience on hilly and curvy roads.

In recent years, a lot of the main roads to Nosara have been paved, but if you plan to do some off-the-beaten-path exploring you may encounter some unpaved roads. There are also some side roads in the area around Nosara that include river crossings.

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Typically, these unpaved roads are heavily driven and should be no problem without a 4×4 vehicle. However, in the later part of the rainy season, they can become more difficult to access.

Travel Tip: Ask your hotel in Nosara if you’ll need a 4×4 for access. Some hotels are on steep side roads and can be difficult to access without a 4×4, especially during the rainy season.

The Drive to Nosara

The drive from Liberia to Nosara is scenic and should only take about 2.5 hours (depending on traffic), but it does involve some challenging roads, especially near the end of the journey.

I saved the route I suggest on Google Maps for you here. As you can see, there are a two different routes you can take. I suggest the inland route because it is the fastest and involves well-maintained roads.

The route along the coast is nice for stopping at beaches, but there are a lot of spots that are unpaved on this route.

Travel Tip: If you take the coastal route and opt to stop at beaches, please keep a close eye on your car. This area is very remote and petty theft is known to happen. I don’t want all of your luggage to get stolen. If possible, I suggest exploring these beaches as a day trip while staying in Nosara. That way you can visit with minimal belongings.

1. Exit Liberia Airport and turn right onto Route 21, heading southwest.
2. Continue on Route 21 for about 50 miles (80 kilometers) until you reach Nicoya.
3. In Nicoya, take a right onto Route 150 towards Nosara/ Samara.
4. After about 10 miles (16 kilometers), you’ll stay to the right towards Nosara instead of going straight into the beach town of Samara.
5. Continue on these roads for approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) until you arrive in Nosara.

Travel Tip: We suggest the free app Waze for driving directions in Costa Rica

Sights Along the Way

There are a few things you can see along the way.

However, it is best to never leave your luggage unattended in your car here. Petty theft is by far the most common crime in this country and a car with nobody around is often a prime target.

• Barra Honda National Park: This national park is located in Nicoya, but it is about a 30 minute detour to get to. This is one of the coolest national parks in the country (in my opinion). There are caves here that you can climb down into with a park ranger. Check out our complete guide to visiting the park.
• Belen Waterfall: This waterfall is on a side street just after you turn on to Route 150. It is somewhat remote so be careful about leaving your car unattended. I marked it on Google Maps here.

Restaurants Along the Way

If you need a quick fast food break, there is a KFC, Burger King, and Pops (a Costa Rican ice cream place) at the intersection just as you turn into the town of Nicoya. This is in a plaza called Plaza Amara Nicoya. I marked it on Google Maps for you here.

If you would like a longer food break, we highly recommend Bernina Artisan Foods. This is located on a side road just after you pass through the town of Nicoya. It is one of the best culinary experiences you can have in Costa Rica.

Just note you will likely end up spending at least an hour here enjoying your meal, walking through the gardens, and talking to the owner.

Additionally, if you just need some snacks, gas stations are always a great place to stop. You will also find plenty of grocery stores along the route.

Things to Do with a Rental Car in Nosara

There are plenty of fun day trips to do from Nosara with a rental car. A few of our favorites are:

• Go Beach Hopping: Just drive along the coastal roads and you will see plenty of small side roads leading to remote beautiful beaches. We think the best beaches in this area are; Playa Nosara, Playa Pelada, Playa San Juanillo, Playa Garza, and Playa Azul.
• See Sea Turtles Nesting: Playa Ostional is a beachfront national park just north of Nosara that is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. The mother turtles arrive once a month to lay their eggs here, but the best time to experience this is typically in the autumn. Sometimes you can see thousands of turtles at one time.Check out our guide to Playa Ostional for more info on how to visit. 
• Check Out a Wildlife Sanctuary: We suggest Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary and International Animal Rescue. Both places allow day visitors, but you will need to reserve your spot ahead of time. Additionally, both places are always looking for long-term volunteers. 

Check out Our Guide to 22 Amazing Things to Do in Nosara for More Ideas

Option #2: Domestic Flight to Nosara

Did you know that there is a domestic airport in Nosara? That means you can get from Liberia to Nosara in about 30 minutes if you opt to take a domestic flight.

The biggest downside to a domestic flight is the price. Typically you can expect to spend between $150 to $200 per person for a one-way flight.

However, you’ll get to enjoy amazing coastal views and can get to your destination in almost bo time at all. It’s the perfect way to start your vacation without the stress of ground transportation.

Option #3: Private Shuttle to Nosara

If you prefer not to drive but want a hassle-free trip, a private shuttle is a great option.

A trusted driver will take you from the Liberia Airport (or anywhere else in the country) directly to your place of choice in Samara.

Travel Tip: If you are considering a private shuttle, you can also check with your hotel in Nosara. Some of the more high-end hotels offer shuttle services. In our experience, they are often overpriced, but you can always ask!

This is a good transportation option if you are traveling with a large group of friends or family.

You pay one set price for the whole shuttle, so with a big group, it can be more cost-effective than a taxi or shared transfer.

We also like shared shuttles because they offer door-to-door service and you don’t need to conform to the schedule of a shared shuttle. You can book the private transfer for any time you need!

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Option #4: Shared Shuttle to Nosara

Shared shuttles offer a balance between cost and convenience. They are available from Liberia Airport, nearby hotels, and downtown Liberia.

BookAway offers a good selection of shared shuttles to Nosara. This option is best suited for solo travelers or small groups who are budget-conscious.

🚐 Check Availability and Book Your Shared Shuttle 🚙

Option #5: Public Bus

The public bus is the most economical way to travel from Liberia to Nosara, but it’s also the slowest and least comfortable.

The journey takes about 4-5 hours and involves switching buses in the city of Nicoya.

For this route, you will first need to make your way to the bus terminal in downtown Liberia.

From there, you will board a bus to Nicoya. This drive will take about 1.5 hours.

In Nicoya, board a bus to Nosara. This drive will take about 1.5 hours.

The problem is timing it all out correctly. It is easy to arrive in Nicoya and then miss your connecting bus. You could then potentially get stuck waiting in Nicoya for a few hours.

I suggest checking out the website The Bus Schedule for the best info. We have only done this route once and there are several different bus services that run these routes. In other words, I don’t feel completely confident giving you the best info on the buses.

Travel Tip: Keep your valuables close, as theft can occur on public buses. We have particularly heard of people putting their backpacks in the racks above their seats, falling asleep, and waking up to their bags gone.

Our Opinion on Getting from Liberia to Nosara

We generally recommend renting a car when traveling from Liberia to Nosara. It offers the most flexibility and allows you to explore the area at your own pace.

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However, if you’re not comfortable driving or prefer to relax, a private shuttle or domestic flight is a good alternative.

For budget travelers, the public bus or a shared shuttle is a viable option, though less convenient.

If you have any questions about planning your trip to Nosara, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We’re here to help!

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