Most guests flying in for a stay at Ocean Vista Tamarindo land at Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR) — the closest international airport to Tamarindo. The drive to town is straightforward: expect roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic and the season. Here is how to choose between the main options.
Option 1: Rental car — best if you want to explore
All the major agencies have desks at or near LIR. The route to Tamarindo is well signposted and mostly good road, and having a car makes day trips (Playa Conchal, Playa Grande, Rincón de la Vieja) easy. At Ocean Vista you get secure parking inside our gated complex, so the car is safe overnight. If you plan to mostly stay around Tamarindo, though, you may not need one — the beach and town are a short trip downhill from us.
Option 2: Private transfer — best for arriving relaxed
A private driver meets you at arrivals and takes you straight to the apartment door — the easiest option after a long flight, especially if you land in the afternoon and want to make our 3–6 PM check-in window comfortably. Message us on WhatsApp before your trip and we will help you plan the smoothest option for your arrival time.
Option 3: Shared shuttle — best on a budget
Shared shuttles run between LIR and Tamarindo and cost significantly less than a private transfer. The trade-off: fixed departure times and stops along the way, so the trip takes longer. Book ahead in high season (December–April).
Option 4: Taxi
Official airport taxis are available at arrivals without booking ahead. Convenient, but usually the most expensive choice for the Tamarindo run — if you know your flight time, a pre-booked private transfer tends to be better value.
Arriving at Ocean Vista
We are on the La Colina hillside just above Tamarindo — inside a gated complex with a pool and 180° ocean views, 5 minutes from the beach. Check-in is 3:00–6:00 PM with a self-check-in lockbox: we send your code on WhatsApp about 24 hours before arrival, so there is no waiting around for keys. If your flight lands late, tell us in advance and we will sort out the details together.
Planning your trip? Browse our 8 hillside apartments or ask us anything on WhatsApp — we usually reply within the hour.