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

Are you looking for the best ways to travel from Liberia to Samara, Costa Rica?

Liberia is known for its convenient international airport. It is a great starting point for heading to all the beautiful beaches in the area including Samara. Samara is a laid-back beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It is known for its calm waters, variety of things to do nearby, and relaxed atmosphere.

There are several ways to make the journey 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 this route multiple times. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best transportation option based on your particular needs.

You’ll find detailed information on each transportation method, what to expect, and our recommendations for a smooth trip.

So, let’s get to everything you need to know about getting from Liberia to Samara!

The Liberia International Airport

The Liberia International Airport (LIR) is located just south of the city of Liberia in the Guanacaste Province.

It is the second busiest international airport in Costa Rica after the San Jose International Airport.

The airport is modern and easy to navigate. Plus, traffic around the airport is usually light. It is definitely a convenient entry point if you are heading to Samara.

Because the drive between Liberia and Samara is relatively straightforward, you don’t need to spend the night at an airport hotel after arriving. However, keep in mind that the sun sets around 6PM. I wouldn’t suggest doing this trip in the dark because some of the roads can be very dark and hard to navigate.

If you need to spend the night near the airport we have a few suggestions.

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 Samara?

Samara is a charming beach town located on the Pacific coast in the Nicoya Peninsula. It is approximately 68 miles (110 kilometers) southwest of Liberia.

The drive typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Samara is known for its serene beaches, safe swimming conditions, and vibrant local scene.

Check Out:

• Complete Guide to Samara (Best Hotels, Restaurants, Activities, and More)
• The 12 Best Restaurants in Samara
• 19 Fun Things to Do in Samara for All Budgets and Interests

Option #1: Rental Car to Samara

Renting a car gives you the most freedom to get to Samara and explore at your own pace. Typically, this is our preferred and recommended transportation method.

However, if you’re staying in downtown Samara, you won’t need a car to visit the beach and restaurants.

Who Should Rent a Car?

• Independent Travelers: If you love the idea of exploring on your own terms and making spontaneous stops along the way, renting a car is ideal.
• Families: For families with children or those carrying a lot of luggage, a rental car provides convenience and comfort. It’s also often more cost-effective compared to other transportation options for groups.
• Adventure Seekers: If you’re looking to explore remote areas and enjoy outdoor activities, a rental car can help you access less touristy locations.
• Groups: Whether you’re traveling with friends or extended family, sharing a rental car can be a more economical option. It allows everyone to travel together without relying on multiple modes of transportation.
• Multi-Destination Travelers: If Samara is just one stop on your Costa Rican adventure, having a car makes it easier to visit multiple destinations without the hassle of coordinating different transportation methods.

Who Might Not Need a Car?

• Budget Travelers: If you’re looking to minimize expenses, renting a car may not be the most cost-effective option.
• Short-Term Visitors: If your stay in Costa Rica is brief, you might be better off using airport shuttles or taxis to get around, especially if you plan to stay within Samara.
• Solo Travelers: Renting a car can be more expensive for solo travelers compared to shared transportation options, such as shuttle services or public buses.
• Nervous Drivers: If you’re not confident driving in a foreign country, especially in areas where the roads might be unfamiliar or less maintained, renting a car might not be the best choice.
• Resort Guests: If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort with all amenities on-site, you may not need a car for your stay.

Recommended Car Rental Agencies

We highly recommend renting your car through Adobe Rent-a-Car, our trusted local partner in Costa Rica.

We, unfortunately, had some very negative rental car experiences when we first moved to the country. Luckily, a friend recommended Adobe, a local Costa Rican company, for their trustworthy service and upfront prices. We’ve had great rental experiences ever since we started to rent through them.

Because we appreciate Adobe so much, we asked if they would be willing to work with us. They have generously provided Costa Rica Vibes readers with an exclusive 10% discount, along with other valuable perks!

#1 Car Rental Pick

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

Check Prices and Availability!

Picking Up Your Rental Car

The Liberia Airport does not have space for all of the rental car companies on-site, so most are located within a 5-minute drive of the 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 from Liberia to Samara, most vehicles will be completely fine.

However, we always suggest renting an SUV to have better clearance and a more comfortable driving experience.

If you plan to explore more remote areas around Samara, such as secluded beaches or rugged trails, you might need a 4×4. This especially applies in the rainy season when unpaved roads can be more difficult to navigate.

In the past year, they have been paving a lot of the previously unpaved roads and building bridges over many of the rivers that you used to have to drive through. However, there are still some unpaved areas and river crossings.

Travel Tip: Ask at your hotel if you will need a 4×4. If you are staying in the downtown area of Samara, you likely won’t. However, some roads leading to more remote hotels may require it.

The Drive to Samara

The drive from Liberia to Samara is pretty easy and straightforward.

1. Upon exiting Liberia Airport, turn right onto Route 21, heading southwest. This road is well-maintained and frequently driven. You will pass through some small towns, but the traffic is usually manageable.
2. Follow Route 21 for about 50 miles (80 kilometers) until you reach the town of Nicoya. Nicoya is a large town and the traffic can be a bit intense. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of one-way streets in this town.
3. In Nicoya, you will turn only Route 150. But first, you will need to make a few turns on your way through the downtown area. This is due to the one-way streets. It is best to have Waze or Google Maps on for this.
4. You will then continue on Route 150 for approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) until you reach Samara’s main entrance. This road is well maintained and typically peaceful with not too much traffic.

Advice for the Drive:

• The roads from Liberia to Samara are generally well-paved and maintained. However, watch out for occasional potholes, especially on the smaller roads.
• We suggest depending on the free app Waze to get around in Costa Rica. It is typically better than Google Maps.
• You will find plenty of gas stations along the route. These are perfect for using the bathroom, getting snacks, and of course, getting gas.

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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.

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 about 30 minutes before you get to Samara. It is somewhat remote so be careful about leaving your car unattended. I marked it on Google Maps here.

Driving in Samara

Once in Samara, you’ll find that driving is generally easy. The downtown area can get somewhat congested, especially during the dry season, but the roads are decent.

As I mentioned above, there are some unpaved roads in the areas surrounding Samara. Most of these are still frequently driven and packed down enough that you won’t need a 4×4 rental car.

Parking is available in most areas, though it can be limited during peak tourist seasons.

Keep in mind that in some areas you might need to pay for parking. This is typically just a few dollars.

Also, never leave anything of value in your rental car, even if there is a guard watching vehicles. Petty theft is by far the most common crime in this area.

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Things to Do with a Rental Car in Samara

• Go Beach Hopping: All beaches in Costa Rica need to have public access by law. A few nice ones in the area are; Playa Carrillo, Playa Buena Vista, and Playa Barrigona.
• See Sea Turtles Nesting: Did you know there are a few beaches north of Samara that are common nesting spots for Olive Ridley turtles? Sometimes you can even see thousands of turtles at once. The best spot is Playa Ostional.
• Visit Barra Honda National Park: If you don’t visit on your drive to Samara, it is definitely worth making a day trip here.

Check out our guide of things to do in Samara for more ideas.

Option #2: Taxi to Samara

If you are traveling as a couple or small family, a taxi is an economical and convenient way to get to Samara.

Just make sure it is a legally registered taxi so that you don’t get overcharged. You can recognize legal taxis because they are red with a green license plate and yellow triangles on the driver and passenger side doors.

We suggest booking with our favorite family of registered Costa Rican taxi drivers. They will take great care of you and you can trust them.

They can pick you up directly from the Liberia Airport or from any other location in the Guanacaste area.

🚖 Get a Taxi Price Quote from Our Favorite Drivers 🚕

Option #3: Private Shuttle to Samara

If you don’t feel comfortable driving, a private transfer is always a good option. Adobe Car Rental now provides an excellent transfer service.

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 Samara. 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.

🚌 Get a Private Transfer Price Quote to Samara 🚐

Option #4: Shared Shuttle to Samara

Shared shuttles are a cost-effective and comfortable way to travel to Samara. They operate from the Liberia Airport and nearby hotels. They will then drop you off directly at your hotel in Samara.

Our favorite shuttle for this is from the company Liberia Airport Shuttle. They offer comfortable vans and pickup from the airport every hour on the hour throughout the day. Their drivers are experienced and reliable.

Check Availability and Book Your Shuttle

Option #5: Public Bus

There is a public bus that runs from downtown Liberia to Nicoya. From Nicoya you can switch buses and go directly to Samara.

This is by far the most budget-friendly transportation option, but it can be a bit stressful. If you miss your connection in Nicoya you could be left waiting several hours until the next bus comes.

Travel Tip: We have heard of people falling asleep on the public buses and waking up to find their belongings from the racks above their seat have been stolen. Keep all valuables like your passport directly on you.

Also, you will need to get from the Liberia Airport to downtown Liberia to access the bus terminal.

Check the Bus Schedule Here

Our Opinion on Getting from Liberia to Samara

Typically, we suggest renting a car when traveling from Liberia to Samara. This gives you the most flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace.

However, Samara is one of those towns in which there are tons of day tour options with transportation included. Also, the beach is located in the downtown area, so if you stay directly downtown you will not need a car to access that.

In other words, having a rental car is always our preferred method of transportation mostly because it is great to have once you get to a destination. But, in Samara, you can definitely get away with not renting a car and depending on day tours instead.

Check out all the best Samara day tours here

If you’re on a tight budget or prefer not to drive, a taxi or shared shuttle is a convenient option.

For those on a very tight budget, the public bus is the cheapest option, but it lacks comfort.

Conclusion: Transportation from Liberia to Samara

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to get to Samara depending on your needs and preferences.

Renting a car offers the most flexibility and allows you to explore at your own pace. Taxis are a convenient and comfortable option for couples or small families. Private shuttles provide a stress-free experience for larger groups. Shared shuttles and public buses are budget-friendly options, with the latter being the most economical.

Each option has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best suits your travel style and budget.

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

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