Private Air Transfer to Tamarindo
Tamarindo: Costa Rica's Premier Surf & Party Paradise
Flying from
Travel Time by Air
45 minutes
183 km / 114 miles
Travel Time by Ground
4.5 hours
250 km / 155 miles
Tamarindo Highlights
World-Class Surfing
Experience some of Costa Rica's best surf breaks suitable for all levels, from beginners learning to catch their first wave to experienced surfers seeking challenging reef breaks at nearby Playa Grande and legendary Witch's Rock
Spectacular Golden-Sand Beaches
Enjoy pristine stretches of golden sand with excellent swimming conditions, spectacular sunset views, and a variety of beachfront dining and entertainment options
Adventure Activities
Choose from an array of thrilling experiences including canopy zip-line tours, ATV adventures, horseback riding, sailing, sport fishing, and snorkeling excursions
Tamarindo Quick Snapshots
Ideal Destinations to Combine On Your Trip
Transfer Details
| Destination | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Antonio | 35 minutes | Coastal flight along the Pacific shoreline with views of beaches, estuaries, and national parks |
| Nosara | 20 minutes | Short hop along the Guanacaste coastline with views of pristine beaches and tropical forests |
| Monteverde | 25 minutes | Scenic flight from cloud forest highlands to coastal plains with dramatic elevation changes and ecosystem transitions |
Quick Facts
Landing Type: Airstrip
Most fixed-wing aircraft land at Tamarindo Airstrip, a small domestic airport serving the northern Guanacaste region. This well-maintained airstrip features basic facilities including a small waiting area and restrooms. The airstrip is located approximately 5-10 minutes from most accommodations in the Tamarindo area. Many hotels provide their own transportation from the airstrip.
Recommended Arrival Times
Morning: 7 to 10 am
Excellent visibility with calm air conditions
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Early arrivals accommodated with breakfast and beach access until room is ready
Layover Recommendations
Best flying conditions occur in early morning; arrive at departure airport 30 minutes before flight time
Mid Day: 11 am to 2 pm
Perfect for early morning arrivals to LIR/SJO
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Arrive just in time for standard check-in at most properties
Layover Recommendations
Allow extra time for connection during busy period at customs
Afternoon: 3 to 5 pm
Mid-day international arrivals can still comfortably get to their beach destination
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Immediate check-in with welcome cocktail; perfect timing to catch sunset on the beach
Layover Recommendations
Tamarindo Airstrip does not operate after dark; last flights must arrive before sunset
Treat Yourself with Something Special
Practical Information
What You Need to Know
✔ Bring valid passport!
✔ Children of all ages welcome
Luggage allowances are customized for each flight based on:
✔ Aircraft type
✔ Number of passengers
✔Total weight distribution
✔Flight conditions
Please contact our team for specific luggage allowances for your itinerary. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.
Accessibility Information
Our air transfers can accommodate passengers with mobility considerations with advance notice.
Is Tamarindo Worth The Visit?
Located in the heart of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, this beach-centric and lively town began life as a small fishing village on Guanacaste’s Pacific coast. Perfect for a beachcombing amble, the town’s main beach, Playa Tamarindo, is vast, long, and beautiful. Green, lush mountains that teem with wildlife provide a dramatic backdrop for the golden sandy beach.
In Tamarindo, all the necessities are mere steps from the beach: bars, restaurants, hotels, shops, and tour operators. Even so, Tamarindo is an adventurous wonderland with all the tranquility of a tropical retreat.
Tamarindo is a lively place by night, with an active bar scene and several top-notch restaurants. By day, it’s all about water sports, with surfing at the top of the list of things to do. Despite being a top surf destination, there are plenty of places where it’s safe for beginners.
“Party and play” is a great way to sum up the experience you can expect in Tamarindo.
Getting to Tamarindo is easy.
Tamarindo can be reached by plane or helicopter. This little town has an airstrip which gives quick access to all the nearby beaches.
You can also fly from Tamarindo to destinations such as Arenal (in 30 minutes), Santa Teresa (in 30 minutes), and San José (in 40 minutes). These are just a few among many other destinations in Costa Rica.
Available From International Airports
Tamarindo Transfer Details
| Airport Name | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | by Plane: 25 minutes by Helicopter: 30 minutes | Short scenic flight over Guanacaste's dry tropical forests and Pacific coastline with views of beaches, estuaries, and mountains |
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | by Plane: 50 minutes by Helicopter: 60 minutes | Breathtaking journey across Costa Rica's central mountain ranges and Pacific coastline with spectacular views of volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the airport closest to Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
The main airport serving Tamarindo is Tamarindo Airport, a small domestic airstrip just outside the town center.
IATA code: TNO
ICAO code: MRTMIt’s the most convenient airport for travelers headed to Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Hacienda Pinilla, and Las Catalinas and casa chameleon
How far is Tamarindo Airport from nearby beaches, towns, and resorts?
Tamarindo Airport (TNO) is ideally located for travelers visiting the northern Pacific coast of Guanacaste. Here are estimated travel times by car:
- Playa Tamarindo: 5–10 minutes (2.5 km)
- Playa Langosta: 10–15 minutes (5 km)
- Hacienda Pinilla / JW Marriott: 20–25 minutes (15 km)
- Playa Flamingo: 30-35 minutes (26 km)
- Playa Conchal: 35-40 minutes (30 km)
- Playa Danta: 50–60 minutes (38 km)
Flying into Tamarindo is the fastest way to reach these popular destinations without the long drive from Liberia or San José.
Are there rental car offices at Tamarindo Airport (TNO)?
There are no car rental desks inside the terminal, but major companies like Adobe, Alamo, Hertz, Economy, and National have offices in Tamarindo town, just a few minutes away.
You can pre-arrange to have your rental car delivered to the airport when you land or schedule a pick-up from your hotel.Why fly to Tamarindo instead of driving?
Driving to Tamarindo from San José takes 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. From Liberia, it’s about 1.5 to 2 hours.
.By comparison, a flight to Tamarindo takes just 40–50 minutes from San José, letting you skip long drives and enjoy a smooth, scenic arrival with views of the coast, estuaries, and tropical forest.
How long is the flight to Tamarindo from Costa Rica’s international airports?
Flights to Tamarindo are short and efficient:
- From San José International Airport (SJO): approximately 45–50 minutes
- From Liberia International Airport (LIR): about 20 minutes
Keep in mind: while the flight from Liberia to Tamarindo is quick, if your final destination is outside Tamarindo town—such as Hacienda Pinilla, Flamingo, Las Catalinas, or Conchal—you may still need a 30 to 60-minute ground transfer from Tamarindo Airport (TNO). In those cases, driving directly from Liberia may take a similar amount of total travel time and could be a more convenient option depending on your location.
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to start your beach vacation in Guanacaste.
Can you fly from Tamarindo to other destinations in Costa Rica?
Yes! Tamarindo Airport (TNO) offers excellent domestic connectivity, especially for travelers continuing on to nature destinations or other beach regions.
Some of the most popular flight routes from Tamarindo include:
- Flights from Tamarindo to La Fortuna (Arenal)
- Flights from Tamarindo to Nosara
- Flights from Tamarindo to Quepos / Manuel Antonio
- Flights from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa
- Flights from Tamarindo to Drake Bay
- Flights from Tamarindo to Puerto Jiménez
These flights help you avoid long overland transfers and enjoy breathtaking aerial views!
Is there transportation or taxis available at Tamarindo Airport (TNO)?
Yes. Several options are available, but advance booking is highly recommended, especially in high season:
- Private transportation / shuttles (recommended): Pre-book through Adventure Air, your hotel, or a local provider.
- Hotel transfers: Many resorts offer pick-up from Tamarindo Airport with advance notice.
- Taxis / Uber: Local taxis are available, and Uber operates in the area but may be limited during peak times. We recommend checking the app in advance or having your hotel arrange a trusted local driver.
- Rental cars: If booked ahead of time, rental companies can deliver your vehicle directly to the airport.
Top Fly Adventure Air Destinations
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
Safety Information
Flexible Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We operate under strict aviation regulations and our pilots are highly trained professionals. Our helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards.
✔ Free cancelation: Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours in advance.
✔ 100% refund for weather-related reschedules.