Guanacaste Airport (LIR)
Liberia, CR 🇨🇷 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
MRLB
IATA
LIR
Elevation
270 ft
Region
CR-G
Local Time
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GPS Code: MRLB
Local Code: Not available
Location: 10.5933° N, -85.544403° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Daniel Oduber Quiros International Liberia International
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Traveler sentiment at Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, CR, is generally mixed but leans positive, particularly for arrivals. Many appreciate its convenience as a gateway to the Pacific coast beaches. However, departure experiences can be challenging due to congestion and wait times.
What Travelers Love
- Convenient Location: LIR is strategically located near popular Guanacaste beaches, making it a convenient entry point for the region.
- Efficient Arrivals: Immigration and baggage claim upon arrival are often described as fast and efficient compared to other airports.
- Modern and Clean Terminal (Post-Security): The terminal is relatively new, bright, and clean, with air conditioning available in the post-security areas. Recent expansions (March 2025) have added boarding lounge space and improved passenger flow.
- Reliable Transportation: Pre-booked private and shared shuttle services receive high praise for punctuality, professionalism, and friendly drivers.
- Free Wi-Fi and Basic Amenities: The airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, ATMs, currency exchange, and basic shops for souvenirs and necessities.
Common Complaints
- Long Departure Security and Immigration Lines: Security wait times for departures can be highly variable and notoriously long, especially during peak hours (e.g., midday and afternoon flights), with reports of 30-90 minutes or more. There is often only one security line.
- Overpriced Food and Beverages: Food and retail options within the airport are frequently criticized for being extremely expensive.
- Crowding and Limited Seating (Pre-Security): The pre-security check-in areas can be crowded and hot, as air conditioning may not be effective there. There can also be a lack of adequate seating in some departure and arrival areas.
- Parking Concerns: While on-site parking is currently free, it is uncovered, and travelers are advised to exercise discretion regarding valuables due to it being a public access area, despite surveillance cameras.
Overall, Guanacaste Airport serves as an effective gateway to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, known for its generally smooth arrivals and access to reliable pre-arranged transportation. However, travelers should be prepared for potential lengthy queues and high prices for amenities during departure, especially during busy travel periods.
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Airport Routes
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) offers 69 flight routes operated by 9 airlines. Major carriers include SANSA Airlines, CARGOMASTER, American Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Liberia include Opa-locka Executive, Miami Intl, Los Angeles Intl, San Francisco Int'l and Juan Santamaria Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Nosara (NOB) new
- Juan Santamaria Int'l (SJO) new
- Los Angeles Intl (LAX) new
- Vancouver Int'l (YVR) new
- Cobano Airport (ACO) new
- Houston Bush Int'ctl (IAH) new
- Calgary Int'l (YYC) new
- Charlotte/Douglas Intl (CLT) new
- Miami Intl (MIA) new
- La Managua (XQP) new
- Denver Intl (DEN) new
- Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Guanacaste AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SANSA Airlines
LRS
/ RZ
|
5 | 445 | 5 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
CARGOMASTER
CRG
/ GW
|
1 | 127 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
4 | 78 | 4 | Jan 14, 2026 |
United
UAL
/ UA
|
6 | 72 | 6 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Alaska Airlines
ASA
/ AS
|
1 | 53 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
WestJet
WJA
/ WS
|
3 | 30 | 3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
1 | 18 | 1 | Sep 27, 2025 |
Air Transat
TSC
/ TS
|
1 | 12 | 1 | Sep 21, 2025 |
JetBlue
JBU
/ B6
|
2 | 10 | 2 | Nov 26, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
07/25 |
9022 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | LIBERIA APP | 119.8 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.7 MHz |
| RDO | COCO RDO | 126.8 MHz |
| TWR | LIBERIA TWR | 118.8 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official, licensed airport taxis (typically red or orange) are readily available directly outside the arrivals terminal. Fares to major destinations are often based on a regulated rate, but it is always best to confirm the price with the driver before starting your trip. Ride-sharing services like Uber may also operate in the area, with designated pickup points.
Rental Cars
Numerous international and local car rental agencies serve the airport. Companies like Alamo, National, Hertz, Enterprise, Adobe, and Vamos have counters in the arrivals hall or provide free, frequent shuttle services to their nearby off-site offices. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Note that mandatory Costa Rican liability insurance is required and is typically an additional cost to the quoted rental rate.
Public Transportation
Public buses are the most economical option. To catch a bus, you must walk from the terminal to the main road (Route 21), a distance of about 300 meters. From there, you can catch buses to Liberia's main terminal or to coastal towns like Playas del Coco and Tamarindo. Additionally, pre-booked shared shuttle services offer a convenient, door-to-door alternative, transporting passengers to major hotels and destinations throughout the region.