How many international airports in Costa Rica? Which one is the most convenient?
When traveling to the Tamarindo Beach area it's more convenient to use the international airport at Liberia, Costa Rica airport. It is only a one-hour drive! The traveling time between the San Jose airport and Tamarindo is a little over 4-hours (without stops). What is the drive from San Jose to Tamarindo like? It's a 4-hour drive on mostly very good highways with two-lanes going both ways. If you have taken this road in previous years, forget what you saw! It´s beautiful now!
Most everyone these days is extra concerned about the price of flying, and the Costa Rican government doesn't make your decision any easier. Here are your choices: The airport in Liberia is smaller, easier to get in-and-out, but usually cost more. To make your airport decision more difficult. The roads to the Tamarindo area are excellent condition with not much traffic and the fare is much less.
A very common travel "Loop" Liberia Airport - Arenal - Tamarindo
A route that reduces travel time to an absolute minimum would be to land in the international airport in Liberia, visit either Arenal (4-hours) or Rincon de la Vieja (1 hour), return to the Tamarindo area (either 5 or 2 hours respectively), spend the night in your comfortable hotel or vacation rental, and take a shuttle back to the airport in the morning (1-hour drive).
When calculating your cost for flying into each airport, figure in the vacation time lost while traveling, gas, car rental, etc. Depending on your destination, flying into San Jose to save money, may not be the great deal it appears. This is an especially good idea when traveling to the beaches on the Gold Coast.
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Flying into the international airport in San Jose
What many do is split up the trip (either coming or going) with a visit to the rainforest and nature tours of the Arenal Volcano area, then drive to the Tamarindo area. If you want to visit the volcanoes and rainforest in Arenal (next to La Fortuna), this is a good plan to breaks up the trip and reduces overall travel time.
Another great option is to base your trip in Tamarindo, and travel to Arenal for a night or two. Or, take a day-trip to the Rincon del la Vieja volcano, then you don't have to move around at all!
Tamarindo is closer to Arenal than Manuel Antonio, both in distance and driving time.
Local Travel Options - Once you get here
A Rental Car is a good way to get around. If your going to be checking out a lot of remote surf spots during the rainy season, then get a four-wheel drive vehicle. Shuttle buses and private drivers are other very popular options. Another very popular option is too take a Shuttle Buses. They may be the only transportation you need. There is something very relaxing about not driving for a week or more.
If you are on the cheap, then the bus is king. With lots of bus companies keep in mind that weekends, Friday and Monday buses are usually packed with people standing and holding hand rails. So keep this in mind if you have a lot of luggage. To be guaranteed a seat you must reserve and pay for your ticket in advance.
Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Make sure you ask about extra charges if you are going out of town. For more adventurous types who like mountain bikes and motorcycles are also available for rent at cheap prices, although you generally have to pay a hefty deposit. Also, be careful, you'll be expected to pay for any damage you make to the rental! Still, it is a wonderful way to spend a couple days exploring on your own.