Answers to Common Airport Transfer Questions
Planning your transportation before arriving in Costa Rica can make your trip much easier. Our Costa Rica Airport Transfer FAQs answer common questions about private airport transportation, reservations, flight delays, luggage, child seats, and travel between hotels and destinations.
Guanacaste Viajes & Tours provides private transportation from Guanacaste Airport (LIR), Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), hotels, resorts, villas, and vacation rentals throughout Costa Rica.
For routes, destinations, and additional transportation options, explore our private transportation in Costa Rica services.
Airport Transfer and Arrival Questions
Do you provide private airport transfers from LIR and SJO?
Yes. Private airport transportation is available from both Guanacaste Airport (LIR), commonly known as Liberia Airport, and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Your vehicle is reserved for your travel party, and transportation is arranged directly to the destination confirmed with your reservation.
Is your Costa Rica airport transportation private or shared?
Our transportation service is private. Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group rather than combining you with unrelated passengers. This provides greater flexibility for couples, families, and groups traveling with luggage, child seats, or special equipment.
Learn more about our private transportation in Costa Rica.
Where will I meet my driver after arriving at the airport?
After completing immigration, baggage claim, and customs, proceed to the public arrivals area and follow the meeting instructions provided with your reservation.
Pickup procedures are slightly different at LIR and SJO, so we recommend reviewing our complete Costa Rica Airport Pickup Instructions before traveling.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We follow the flight information provided with your reservation and adjust airport pickup whenever possible. If your airline changes your flight number, arrival airport, travel date, or itinerary, send the updated information to our transportation team as soon as possible.
Travelers arriving at LIR can also check our Liberia Guanacaste Airport Arrivals page for current flight information.
What should I do if I cannot find my driver?
Remain in the official airport meeting area, check your email and WhatsApp messages, and contact our transportation team. Do not leave the agreed pickup area before speaking with us.
For detailed arrival instructions, see our Costa Rica airport pickup guide.
Booking Your Private Transportation
How do I book a Costa Rica airport transfer?
Provide your travel date, pickup location, destination, flight information, passenger count, and luggage requirements. Our team will review your request, confirm the appropriate transportation option, and provide the reservation and payment information.
You can also request a transportation quote with your complete travel details.
What information do you need for my reservation?
Please provide your travel date, pickup location, destination, airline and flight number when applicable, number of adults and children, luggage information, and contact details.
Let us know in advance if you are traveling with child seats, surfboards, golf bags, wheelchairs, strollers, or other oversized equipment.
How much does private transportation in Costa Rica cost?
Transportation rates depend on the route, destination, passenger count, luggage requirements, and vehicle needed for your group. Because every itinerary can be different, the best way to receive an accurate price is to request a private transportation quote with your travel details.
Can I pay by credit card or PayPal?
Yes. Confirmed reservations are paid in advance by credit card or PayPal. Payment instructions are provided after your transportation request has been reviewed and confirmed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Private transportation can generally be canceled or modified without cancellation fees when the request is received at least 24 hours before the confirmed pickup time. Different conditions may apply to late cancellations, no-shows, reservation changes, and third-party services.
Please review our complete Cancellation and Refund Policy for current terms.
Transportation for Your Travel Party
Can you take us directly from the airport to our hotel?
Yes. Private transportation can be arranged from LIR or SJO directly to hotels, resorts, villas, condominiums, and vacation rentals throughout Costa Rica.
If you already know where you are staying, browse our Costa Rica Hotel Transfers directory to find transportation information for your property or destination.
Can you pick us up from an Airbnb or vacation rental?
Yes. Private transportation is also available to vacation rentals, villas, condominiums, and private residences. When booking, provide the exact property name, location, or map information so the correct pickup or drop-off point can be confirmed.
What vehicles do you use?
Our fleet includes private minivans, larger passenger vans, SUVs and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles for different group sizes and luggage requirements. The vehicle is selected according to your passenger count, baggage, and special equipment.
Explore our Costa Rica transportation fleet to see the available vehicle categories.
How much luggage can we bring?
Luggage capacity depends on the number of passengers and the vehicle assigned to your reservation. Tell us how many checked suitcases, carry-on bags, and oversized items you will have so we can select an appropriate vehicle before confirming your transportation.
Can you transport surfboards, golf bags or oversized luggage?
Yes. Many types of oversized luggage and travel equipment can be accommodated when reported in advance. Please tell us about surfboards, golf bags, strollers, wheelchairs, or other large items when requesting your transportation so the appropriate vehicle can be selected.
Do you provide infant seats, child seats or booster seats?
Infant seats, toddler seats, and booster seats are available by advance request. Include the number of seats required and each child’s age when making your reservation so the appropriate equipment can be arranged.
Can you accommodate large groups?
Yes. Private transportation is available for couples, families, and larger groups. Our fleet includes larger vans and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles for passengers who need additional seating and luggage capacity.
For larger parties, provide the total passenger count and luggage details when requesting your quote.
Transportation During Your Costa Rica Vacation
Do you provide hotel-to-hotel transportation?
Yes. Private transportation can be arranged between hotels and destinations throughout Costa Rica. This option is useful for travelers visiting more than one region who prefer private door-to-door transportation rather than renting a vehicle or following a shared shuttle schedule.
Explore additional options on our Private Transportation in Costa Rica page.
Can we request a grocery or restroom stop during our transfer?
A practical stop may be requested in advance when the route and schedule allow it. Tell us about the requested stop before your transportation is confirmed so our team can consider it when planning the itinerary and quotation.
Is Uber available at Liberia Guanacaste Airport?
Ride-hailing availability and airport pickup procedures can change, so travelers choosing this option should check the provider’s current app instructions before arrival.
A prearranged private transfer works differently because the passenger information, destination, luggage requirements, vehicle, and airport meeting instructions are confirmed before the trip.
Travelers can also review the official Guanacaste Airport website for current airport information.
Should I take a taxi or book a private airport transfer in Costa Rica?
The best choice depends on how you prefer to travel. A prearranged private transfer allows the destination, passenger count, luggage requirements, and vehicle to be confirmed before arrival.
This can be especially convenient for families, groups, travelers with child seats, or passengers traveling directly to resorts and vacation rentals.
How much should I tip a private driver in Costa Rica?
Tipping a private transportation driver is optional. If you are satisfied with the service and would like to recognize your driver, you may leave a gratuity based on your experience. There is no need to include a tip when requesting your transportation quote.
How early should I leave my hotel for the airport?
Your pickup time should allow enough time for the road journey, airline check-in, and airport security.
Because travel time can vary significantly depending on your hotel, route, traffic, and departure airport, follow the pickup time confirmed with your transportation reservation rather than relying on one general departure time.
Which Costa Rica airport should I fly into: LIR or SJO?
The best airport depends on your itinerary and first destination. Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is particularly convenient for many destinations in Guanacaste and northwestern Costa Rica, while Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) serves San José and provides access to many central and southern destinations.
Before purchasing flights, compare the airport with the location of your first hotel and the rest of your itinerary.
For a more detailed comparison, read our Costa Rica Airport Transportation Guide.
Need More Help?
Still Have Questions About Your Costa Rica Airport Transfer?
Every Costa Rica itinerary is different. If your hotel, vacation rental, or destination is not listed on our website, send us your pickup location, destination, travel date, passenger count, luggage information, and flight details.
Our team can help arrange private airport transportation, hotel-to-hotel transfers, and customized transportation throughout Costa Rica.