Liberia Airport

Welcome to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), better known as Liberia Airport! This is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the Guanacaste province — the sunniest and most exotic region of Costa Rica. It is here that the introduction to the "Pura Vida" concept begins for thousands of travellers seeking the famous beaches of the Pacific Ocean, volcanoes, and tropical rainforests. The airport, named after a former president of the country, is the second most significant in Costa Rica and a key point for eco-tourism.

Liberia Airport features a modern and spacious terminal, opened in 2012, which was designed with passenger comfort in mind. Here you will find everything necessary to start your adventure: numerous car rental desks, tour operator offices, souvenir shops, cafes, and VIP lounges. One of the airport's main advantages is its strategic location. It is situated in close proximity to popular resorts and beaches, such as Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, and the exclusive Papagayo Peninsula, which allows for significantly reduced travel time to your hotel after a long flight.

Below you will find contact information for Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), serving Liberia and the Guanacaste province in Costa Rica.

• Official Website: www.guanacasteairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: (+506) 2666-9600
• Address: Provincia de Guanacaste, Liberia, Costa Rica. The airport is located approximately 12 km west of the city centre.
• Email: info@guanacasteairport.com
• Social Media: Current information and news can be found on the airport's official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For luggage lost on board the aircraft, please contact your airline directly. For items left within the terminal building, you should fill out a form on the official airport website in the "Lost and Found" section.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries and support, please contact the main phone number or email address listed above.

There are several ways to get to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), the main air hub of the Guanacaste province, from the city of Liberia and its surroundings. The choice depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further travel around Costa Rica.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Public buses run regularly between the centre of Liberia and the airport. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes and costs just a few dollars. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those wishing to save money, though it may not be very convenient if you have a large number of suitcases.

Taxis and Shuttles offer greater comfort and speed. Official red taxis (with a yellow triangle on the door) will take you from the city centre to the airport in 15-20 minutes. Always agree on the price in advance or ensure the driver has switched on the meter. Private and collective transfers (shuttles), which can be booked online, are also widely available. This is a wonderful option for families or groups, as the price is fixed and known beforehand.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to actively explore the region. Most major rental companies have desks directly at the airport or offices nearby. The route from the city centre is simple and takes about 15 minutes via Highway No. 21. For those arriving in their own vehicle, the airport provides paid parking with zones for short-term and long-term stays.

When planning your trip, consider that while the airport in Liberia serves many international flights and is the region's main transport hub, local airfields might be more convenient for certain domestic destinations. Among them are Nosara Beach and Tambor for travel around the Nicoya Peninsula, or Fortuna Airport for visiting the Arenal Volcano.

Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport in Liberia, known by the code LIR, represents a modern and compact aviation hub, ideally suited for tourists arriving in the Guanacaste province. The airport structure is simplified to the maximum for passenger convenience: there is one main passenger terminal operating here, which serves all international and domestic flights.

The terminal layout is very simple and intuitive. The building has two main levels. The Ground Floor is entirely dedicated to the arrivals area. After disembarking, passengers enter the immigration control hall, followed by the baggage claim area and customs inspection. Located here are tour company desks, car rental offices, and exits to taxis and shuttles.

The Upper Floor is the departures area. Here you will find airline check-in counters, after which passengers pass through security control. Beyond the inspection zone lies a spacious waiting hall with boarding gates. In this sterile area, Duty-Free shops, souvenir stalls, cafes, and restaurants are available where you can comfortably spend time before your flight. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between zones are not required, eliminating any confusion.

Check-in and security procedures at Liberia Airport generally proceed faster than in major global hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before an international flight. During the high tourist season (from December to April), passenger flow increases significantly, which may lead to queues. Thanks to its compact size and clear navigation, orienting yourself in LIR airport is very easy, making the journey through the gates of Costa Rica as comfortable and carefree as possible.

The history of Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), located near the city of Liberia, is closely linked to the development of tourism in the Guanacaste province. The airport was opened in 1975, but initially, it was a small airfield serving mainly domestic flights and private aviation. Its primary task was improving transport accessibility for this agricultural region.

A key turning point in the airport's history occurred in 1995. The runway was expanded and modernised to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 757. That same year, the airport was named after the former President of Costa Rica, Daniel Oduber Quirós, who was the chief ideologue behind transforming Guanacaste into a tourism centre. This event opened the doors for the first international charter flights from the USA and Canada.

The rapid growth in the popularity of local resorts in the 2000s led to the old terminal being unable to cope with the passenger flow. This served as the catalyst for the largest modernisation in LIR's history. In January 2012, a completely new, spacious, and modern passenger terminal was ceremoniously opened. Its design, inspired by the nature of Costa Rica, and thoughtful infrastructure allowed for a significant increase in service quality and capacity.

The success of the new terminal was so great that by 2017-2018, further expansion was required. New boarding gates were added, and the waiting area was increased to meet the constantly growing demand. Today, Liberia Airport is the second busiest in the country and serves as the main gateway for tourists wishing to explore the magnificent beaches and national parks of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia (LIR) is a modern and convenient terminal offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is well-equipped to meet the needs of travellers.

Dining and Shopping. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack with sandwiches and drink famous Costa Rican coffee, or have a full meal. Duty Free shops offer a standard range of perfumes and other goods, as well as local products: rum, chocolate, coffee, and artisanal souvenirs, which make excellent gifts.

Lounges and Wi-Fi. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are available. Here you can relax in comfortable armchairs, enjoy snacks and beverages, and utilise high-speed internet in a quiet atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in waiting areas.

Financial and Medical Services. The airport houses ATMs and currency exchange points where you can exchange dollars for local colones or withdraw cash. A medical centre operates to provide emergency assistance.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped toilets. Families with small children can use baby changing rooms. If a wheelchair or other assistance is required, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels directly within the airport building, but large hotel complexes, such as the Hilton Garden Inn, are located just a few minutes' drive away and often offer free transfers for their guests. There are no specialised conference halls in the airport, but VIP lounge services can be used for business meetings or work.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia (LIR), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers a decent selection of establishments where one can have a snack before departure or a full lunch. Most cafes and restaurants are located in the "airside" zone, immediately after passing passport control and security screening.

For those wishing to enjoy their final moments in Costa Rica, the best choice would be Players Restaurant & Bar. Here you can order local cuisine, for example, the famous "casado" (a traditional dish with rice, beans, salad, and a choice of meat or fish) or simply drink a cup of excellent Costa Rican coffee. This establishment is well-suited for a leisurely lunch while waiting for a flight.

If you are short on time, fast food outlets are at your service. Generally, cafes offering sandwiches, salads, and pastries operate at the airport. This is an ideal option for a quick refreshment. You can also find well-known coffee shops here that will prepare a familiar latte or cappuccino. For those wishing to relax with a beverage, the Imperial venue, named after a popular local brand, is available.

Regarding special dietary needs, most establishments offer vegetarian options, such as salads, vegetable sandwiches, or fruit platters. Finding strictly Halal meals may be challenging, so vegetarian or seafood dishes are recommended choices; it is advisable to check ingredients with staff. Prices at Liberia airport are higher than the country's average, which is standard practice for air hubs. Opening hours are usually aligned with flight schedules, so you will always be able to find an open cafe regardless of your departure time.

Travelling through Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, the gateway to the sunny Guanacaste province in Costa Rica, can be simple and pleasant if you prepare in advance. Here are a few useful tips that will make your trip more comfortable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours. The airport is popular with tourists, so queues can occur during the high season. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this facility. This will allow you to proceed straight to the baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, head directly to security.

Passing Control and Hand Luggage. At the security checkpoint, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, as well as your plastic bag with liquids. Remember the standard restrictions: the volume of each liquid container must not exceed 100 ml, and all must be packed in one transparent bag. It is prohibited to take sharp objects and flammable substances in hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours.

Customs Control and Transfers. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, you will have to pass immigration control, then collect luggage and go through customs. Be prepared to fill out a customs declaration. Declare all plant and animal products to avoid fines. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage in Liberia. Usually, for international transit flights, luggage is transferred automatically, but rules may vary.

Saving Time and Money. Besides online check-in, pre-booking an airport transfer can help save money. To avoid overpaying for water, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. Although US dollars are accepted at the airport, having some local currency (colones) can be useful for small purchases.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for current information. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and boarding passes — they may be needed to claim compensation from the airline or through your travel insurance.