Guanacaste Airport (LIR)

Liberia, CR 🇨🇷 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

MRLB

IATA

LIR

Elevation

270 ft

Region

CR-G

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: MRLB

Local Code: Not available

Location: 10.5933° N, -85.544403° E

Continent: NA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Daniel Oduber Quiros International Liberia International

Arrivals

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Departures

View outgoing flights

External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

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Hotels View
Restaurants View

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

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.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)

Newly Discovered

Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 66 routes are indexed for Guanacaste Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

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Top Airlines

Operating at Guanacaste Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network

Airline	Routes	Flights	Destinations	Last Activity
SANSA Airlines `LRS` / `RZ`	4	417	4	Oct 20, 2025
CARGOMASTER `CRG` / `GW`	1	123	1	Oct 20, 2025
American Airlines `AAL` / `AA`	4	75	4	Oct 20, 2025
United `UAL` / `UA`	6	68	6	Oct 20, 2025
Alaska Airlines `ASA` / `AS`	1	51	1	Sep 26, 2025
WestJet `WJA` / `WS`	2	28	2	Oct 20, 2025
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

Showing top 9 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

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`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency
`LIB`	Liberia	VOR-DME	`112800 kHz`

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

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.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.