If you require an airport or beach transfer service in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, please contact BeachTransfer.com. They have a team of English speaking drivers ready to handle your shuttle requests.

Ever since the new terminal at the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia (LIR) inaugurated in January 2012, the province of Guanacaste has seen increased tourism activity and an uptick in real estate development. With more than 15 daily flights and about half of all Canadian visitors to Costa Rica landing at LIR, it is important to consider ground transportation options.

During the first six months of 2013, about 44,000 Canadians and 143,000 visitors from the United States preferred LIR over the Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela (SJO). Many of these visitors paid more to land at LIR, and they did so gladly. Seasoned visitors to Costa Rica know that landing at SJO will often entail a visit to San Jose, which is a lovable city but not so much the second time around. Guanacaste, on the other hand, is the new crown jewel of tourism and real estate development in this country thanks to thriving beach communities such as Playas del Coco.

Tourists from Canada and the U.S. would really enjoy landing at airports located within walking distance of their favorite beaches; alas, they still have to deal with ground transportation upon landing at LIR. There are two major options in this regard: Taxis and shuttles. Other alternatives include waiting for the public bus, renting a car, or arranging a private car or van service, but taxis and shuttles are pretty much inescapable as they compete for tourists to take to their sandy beach destinations.

The choice between taking a taxi or a shuttle when landing at LIR will depend on each traveler’s timetable and specific needs. Those who want to reach their destinations immediately and have plenty of cash to spend will probably zero-in on the taxis. These are usually travelers who did not really come to Costa Rica on vacation; they may be real estate investors, developers or even private detectives.

If you have extra time to spare and want to get to your destination in comfort while doing some sightseeing and saving cash, shuttles are the way to go. A typical shuttle at LIR would be an air-conditioned Hyundai H1, which comfortably seats nine passengers. The savings are considerable, especially when the shuttle service is booked for a round-trip transfer, and the drivers are more likely to speak English than their taxicab counterparts. Another advantage is that shuttle service providers usually arrange tours as well, which you can inquire about and do a little comparison shopping.