CocoGuanacaste.comGetting to Playas del Coco is simple once you know which airport you're using. You can fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR) near Liberia, which is close to the coast, or into Juan Santamaría (SJO) near San José, which means a much longer trip. It suits first-time visitors, families and anyone deciding between a shuttle, a taxi, a bus or a rental car.
Before you book any ride, choose your area before you book transport. Coco, Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Playa Panamá and the Papagayo Peninsula each have different drop-off points. That Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste is the beach north of Coco, not the beach of the same name near Jacó, so give drivers the full name.
From Liberia airport (LIR)
LIR is inland, northeast of Coco. You have four main ways to make the trip.
Private shuttle. Shuttle companies list about 25 minutes to an hour for a private transfer from LIR to Coco, depending on traffic and where you're staying. A private transfer takes your group straight to your stay.
Authorized taxi. Guanacaste Airport asks travelers to use only authorized transport. Official drivers carry airport credentials and wear uniforms. Skip anyone who approaches you without them.
Private Transfer Liberia Airport
Airport transfer: a private transfer between LIR and hotels in Coco, Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste and Papagayo, one way or round trip.
View on Viator Partner linkShared shuttle. Shared rides stop at several hotels along the way, so they take longer than a private transfer. Availability on this route varies by company and season, so confirm it before you fly.
Rental car. Rental agencies have counters inside the airport. A car makes sense if you plan day trips to the national parks or other beaches.
From San José airport (SJO)
SJO is in the Central Valley, far from the North Pacific coast. You have three options.
Domestic flight. SANSA, a domestic airline, lists daily flights between San José and Liberia, with an approximate flight time of 50 minutes. From LIR, use one of the options above.
Shuttle. Shuttle companies list about four and a half to seven hours from San José to Coco, depending on traffic, stops and road work.
Drive. The road trip is long, so plan to leave early and take breaks.
If you land late in the day, consider a night near San José and an early start.
Driving routes
From San José: take Route 27 west toward the Pacific, then Route 1 north to Liberia. In Liberia, turn onto Route 21 toward the coast, then follow Route 151 into Playas del Coco.
From LIR: the airport sits along Route 21 west of Liberia. Follow Route 21 toward the coast, then turn onto Route 151 to reach Coco.
Main roads into Coco are paved. Traffic often backs up near the beach, so plan to park once and walk around town.
Buses
Public buses link Liberia and Coco, but schedules change and can be hard to confirm in advance. There is no direct public bus from LIR to Coco, according to a shuttle company that serves the route, so bus travelers usually go through Liberia first.
If you plan to use buses, ask at the Liberia terminal or your hotel for current times and pack light.
Road tips
- Licences: foreign driver's licences are valid in Costa Rica only for a set period after you enter the country. Confirm the current rule with your rental agency before you drive.
- Fuel and breaks: plan a stop in Liberia for fuel and snacks, and carry water.
- Arrivals after dark: a pre-booked transfer saves you from finding your way on unfamiliar roads.
- Rainy season: heavy rain can slow traffic and make side roads muddy.
Read about road and weather conditions by season before you pick dates.
Arrival day tips
- Save your stay's exact map pin and phone number before you fly.
- Share your flight number with your shuttle company so the driver can track delays.
- Download offline maps in case your phone loses signal on the road.
- Keep water and a snack handy for the ride.
- If you're driving, plan to arrive in daylight on your first day.
Picking the right base saves time later. If you'll join early boat trips, staying in Coco town keeps the morning ride short.
Getting around once you arrive
Coco's center is pedestrian friendly, so you can walk to the beach, restaurants and tour desks from a stay in town. For nearby beaches and day trips, you'll need a taxi, a tour pickup or a car. Read more about getting around Playas del Coco.
If you're staying for weeks, it can pay to rent a car for a longer stay rather than book taxis each day.
Transport options and road work change, so check current conditions with your shuttle company or rental agency before you travel.