Car Rental
How long does it take to drive from Liberia Airport to the city center?
It usually takes 15–20 minutes to reach central Liberia from the airport, depending on traffic and time of day.
Car Rental at Liberia Airport (LIR), Costa Rica
Discover unparalleled convenience and exceptional value with U-Save Car Rental in Liberia, Costa Rica. Our esteemed services and expansive fleet of meticulously maintained vehicles ensure a seamless exploration of this breathtaking country. Whether you seek thrilling adventures through lush rainforests or a leisurely drive along pristine beaches, U-Save Car Rental provides the ideal vehicle to suit your precise needs.
With highly competitive rates and flexible rental options, we offer an unrivaled level of affordability without compromising on quality. Our courteous and knowledgeable team is committed to delivering the utmost satisfaction by offering personalized recommendations and dedicated assistance throughout your rental experience. Experience the liberating joy of discovering Costa Rica at your own pace with U-Save Car Rental in Liberia.
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Luxury Car
Indulge in opulence and cutting-edge technology with luxury vehicles that redefine elegance and deliver an unparalleled driving experience
Compact
Nimble, fuel-efficient, and perfect for urban life, offering practicality without compromising on style and modern features
Mini Van
Spacious, versatile, and family-friendly, minivans offer comfort and convenience for on-the-go adventures and seamless daily commutes
Standard SUV
Explore the comfort and versatility of standard SUV rentals. Perfect for family trips or any adventure, our reliable SUVs are ready to hit the road
Pickup Truck
Unlock the power of pickup trucks for your hauling tasks. Rent a sturdy pickup truck for versatile cargo transportation. Efficient and dependable
Sprinter
Marrying style with practicality. Great for road trips or business ventures. Spacious, efficient, and highly adaptable. Start your adventure now!
Tips for renting a car at Liberia Airport
Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road
Colon is the local currency
Average temperatures are 69°F (21°C) - 96°F (36°C)
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is the main airport in northwestern Costa Rica, located just 13 km (8 miles) from the center of Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste province. LIR is the gateway to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, national parks, and world-famous beaches like Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, and Santa Teresa.
While Liberia itself is a small and manageable city, the best experiences lie beyond the city limits — and the most practical way to explore the region is by renting a car at the airport. Many hotels, surf breaks, and eco-lodges are not easily accessible by public transport, making car rental a top choice for independent and adventurous travelers.
Juliana Zapata , Costa Rica
We had a great experience with this rental agency that started already when we arrived. They were waiting for us with a name sign perfectly on time with a very nice shuttle car and already gave us some tips how to drive and where to eat and so on on the way to the rental agency. Also the support in WhatsApp while we rented was very fast and very helpful. Especially giving back the car was super easy. Special thanks to Tiziana on the counter and Warren in the transfer shuttle for a great service!
B , Costa Rica
We rented a 12 passenger van for 8 days to drive a family through CR. We were assisted in check in and return by Walter. The entire experience was great. The van did great throughout our drives and we returned it with no issues. We made sure all our trash was removed and we received 100% of our deposit back. We were very happy with U-Save, and will absolutely rent with them again.
Paul Harach , Costa Rica
We had a fantastic rental through U Save during our time in Costa Rica. This place is a couple miles from the airport, but there is a shuttle that brought us back and forth. Francisco, Frederico and Warren did an awesome job of explaining our rental car features and mapping the easiest way to get out of town and on our way. I will definitely rent from U Save in San Jose again, these guys were awesome and treated us well. I would also definitely recommend a 4x4 here, even on the paved roads. There are some giant potholes that you would not want to hit with a car or a small vehicle.
James Rumas , Costa Rica
The man at the airport holding a U-SAVE sign was our first point of contact, spoke fluent english and was very polite and got us our shuttle van after only a few minutes of waiting. The car I received was in perfect condition. Overall I was pleasantly surprised doing business here.
Aamer Hasham , Costa Rica
We had an amazing experience at the U Save car rental company at their San Jose location (close to the airport). We needed the car seat for our toddler and upon arriving at the location not only were they able to find me the right car seat but Warren also helped me fit the car seat securely for our son. Overall we found them to be reliable, honest and the cars to be in good shape for the local roads. Highly recommended! Warren, Aron and Tiziana: thanks so much for all your help!!
Driving in Liberia – Good to know about car hire
Driving in Guanacaste and the Liberia region is generally easier than in Costa Rica’s more mountainous or urban areas. The roads surrounding Liberia Airport are flat, paved, and well-signposted, especially toward the beaches and major tourist hubs. Most international travelers adapt quickly to local conditions, especially since vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and rental cars are usually automatic.
Once you leave the airport, you’ll find wide two-lane roads leading to beach towns, eco-lodges, and resorts. Main roads like Route 21, Route 1 (Interamericana Norte), and Route 254 are well-maintained, but conditions change quickly on secondary roads. Once you turn toward remote beaches or national parks, the asphalt may give way to gravel, potholes, narrow bridges, or even river crossings — especially in the rainy season (May to November). This is why renting a 4x4 or SUV is highly recommended if you’re heading anywhere outside major towns or resorts.
Speed limits follow national norms and are posted in kilometers per hour: 40–60 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on highways. Local drivers don’t always obey speed limits, but police do enforce them — especially near intersections and park entrances. Always drive cautiously, especially where pedestrians, animals, or cyclists might appear.
Be on the lookout for topes (speed bumps), which are common near schools or small towns and are not always marked. On more remote roads, potholes and loose gravel can appear without warning. Drive slowly and remain focused, especially at night or in poor weather.
Toll roads are uncommon in the Liberia area — most highways are free — but some tourist areas charge small entrance or parking fees. Fuel stations are common along main routes and are always full-service. Attendants will pump your gas, and it’s customary to tip a few hundred colones for good service. Most vehicles run on regular unleaded gasoline (super or regular), and cash or cards are usually accepted. Still, it’s smart to keep small bills and coins on hand for fuel, snacks, or parking.
Night driving is possible around Liberia and resort zones, but be cautious when leaving paved roads. In rural areas, lighting is minimal, and animals may wander into the road. Use high beams when safe, reduce speed, and never assume road conditions at night match those you saw in daylight.
Parking is straightforward at the airport and in beach towns. Hotels and vacation rentals usually provide parking, and restaurants often have informal lots. When visiting waterfalls, parks, or small beaches, you may encounter local attendants or guards who offer to watch your vehicle for a small tip (₡500–₡1000). Always take valuables with you and avoid leaving bags in plain sight.
With beautiful scenery, fewer traffic hassles than San José, and direct access to the coast, jungle, and volcanoes, driving from Liberia Airport is one of the best ways to explore Costa Rica — especially if you're seeking freedom, flexibility, and adventure.
FAQs About Driving & Renting a Car at Liberia Airport
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to explore Liberia and the surrounding areas?
For paved resort routes, a sedan is fine. But if you're heading to national parks, remote beaches, or traveling during the rainy season, a 4x4 is strongly recommended.
Is it easy to drive from Liberia to the beach towns?
Yes. Roads to Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, and Flamingo are paved and easy to navigate. Just be cautious of occasional roadworks and unmarked speed bumps.
Are there tolls near Liberia?
No, toll roads are generally limited to the San José region. Most roads in Guanacaste are free to use.
Are police checkpoints common in Guanacaste?
Yes, especially near national parks and major highway junctions. Always carry your passport copy, driver’s license, and rental agreement.
Van rental at Liberia Airport – Choose the best option
We have a great collections of high-quality cars and vans. Whether you're looking for mini van, a large sprinter, pickup truck, SUV or even e luxury car – we got you!
Choosing the right rental vehicle depends on your travel needs, whether it’s comfort, space, or terrain capability. SUVs are great for long road trips, offering a mix of comfort and versatility, especially if you're traveling through mixed terrains or unpredictable weather.
Vans are ideal for larger groups or cargo transport, perfect for family trips or business needs. MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are a practical choice for urban driving with extra passenger space, making them a great middle ground between sedans and vans.
Pickup trucks excel in handling heavy loads and rugged environments, ideal for work or outdoor adventures. If you're tackling off-road trails or harsh conditions, a 4x4 provides the traction and durability needed for a safe and reliable drive. Choosing wisely ensures a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Check our booking system to see which car types are currently available!
