Luxury Transportation in Costa Rica: Arrive in Style and Explore with Ease

Consider Costa Rica your official invitation to explore stunning landscapes and thriving wildlife, while experiencing the high echelon of comfort and exclusivity that discerning travelers expect. And it all begins with your choice of Guanacaste airport transfers and in-country transportation, which can be as comfortable or as luxurious as you desire.

Whether you’re exploring hidden corners in a chauffeured SUV, soaring over rolling hills in a private helicopter, or gliding along pristine coastlines in a luxury yacht, Costa Rica offers upscale transportation options that will both facilitate and elevate every leg of your journey. So, let’s talk about how to get around in style, with services tailored to travelers who value privacy, elegance, and a hint of adventure.

Flying to Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Depart

Two major international airports serve Costa Rica: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and the Guanacaste International Airport (LIR) (formerly the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, same airport code) in Liberia.

The Guanacaste Airport, located in the capital city of Guanacaste province, is the most convenient choice for anyone vacationing along the North Pacific coast, including the beach town of Tamarindo. Unless you’re traveling from a departure airport that does not offer flights to LIR – and there are no alternate drive-to airports that do – we’d highly recommend flying into Guanacaste, as it’ll shave 3.5 to 4 hours off your in-country drive time.

Several major airlines, including United, American, Alaska, and Delta, offer short, direct flights (3 to 6 in-flight hours) to Costa Rica from key North American hubs, many offering nonstop routes from major U.S. cities, including Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Denver (DEN), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas (DFW), Chicago (ORD), and Houston (IAH), among others. Business and first-class options are widely available.

Frequent travelers won’t be surprised by Costa Rican immigration: Passport requirements are standard and to avoid problems, we’d recommend having at least six months remaining before passport expiration. (Otherwise, it’s possible to be refused entry.) Upon arrival, both SJO and LIR offer VIP services for expedited luggage assistance, customs processing, and private lounge access. Transition seamlessly from plane to paradise!

Tamarindo Airport Transportation from Guanacaste Airport

When it comes to Guanacaste airport transfers, we are proud to offer our very own. When you book with VistaNova, your villa rental includes airport transportation, available as a complementary (and complimentary) amenity to most of our villas. It’s a seamless, stress-free start to your stay in Tamarindo.

As soon as you step out into the fresh, tropical air, your Costa Rica airport transportation and private driver will be waiting to greet you – ready to whisk you away in a spacious, air-conditioned car or van, depending on the size of your group. Take a deep breath, relax into the moment, and let us handle every detail, from packing your luggage to navigating the scenic drive, delivering you straight to your villa’s doorstep.

Our private service is designed to make your arrival effortless, accommodating flexible schedules, door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, and the special touches you deserve. Feel like stopping for a photo or craving a scenic detour? Just let your driver know, and we’re happy to add a little touch of arrival magic to your trip.

Because the last thing you want is to navigate unfamiliar roads. Instead, our skilled drivers double as your impromptu tour guide, highlighting the sights along the 90-minute drive from Liberia to Tamarindo. And as we said, your driver knows just the right scenic overlook for your first glimpse of the ocean, the perfect spot to catch the sunset, and even the best stops for a taste of local cuisine. So goa ahead –  settle in, unwind, and let the journey begin.

Luxury Transportation in Costa Rica: From Helicopter Transfers to Private Drivers

There are few things less luxurious on vacation than waiting to fill the gas tank or getting stuck in a traffic jam. That’s where luxury transportation in Costa Rica comes into play: From letting someone else fill the tank to flying high above the traffic, we’ll arrange for the transportation that best fits your travel style.  

Helicopter Transfers

Skip a lengthy car ride and soar to Costa Rica’s scenic vistas from above. Private helicopter charters are available from many airports and landing pads around the country, inviting you to fly directly from the airport to your private villa in minutes, avoiding road delays while enjoying a breathtaking aerial view of our nation’s diverse terrain.

Helicopter services are available around Guanacaste province, including to Tamarindo – there’s a small public airport in town and the community of Hacienda Pinilla also operates its own heliport – offering not just luxury transportation in Costa Rica but a truly memorable experience from the start. We are happy to coordinate your helicopter transfer, whether from the airport or to connect you to another destination within Costa Rica.

Private Plane Charters

Imagine trading commercial flight connections for a private charter that whisks you directly to a regional airstrip, within minutes of your villa or other destination. A network of small national airports connect Costa Rica’s most far-flung destinations, making in-country travel a snap.

Costa Rica’s private planes offer varying comfort, convenience, and control, allowing you to bypass airport queues, skip long drives, and unwind from takeoff to landing. Charter flights can even be added to your planned excursion to neighboring countries (Nicaragua or Panama) or remote national parks, creating an seamless and unparalleled luxury travel experience across the region.

Private Driver / Chauffeur

Hiring a private driver or chauffeur can transform your journey, providing personalized service, local insights, and all the comforts of luxury ground transport.

This goes beyond our complementary Guanacaste airport transfers: We are happy to reserve a private driver to ferry you around the region, allowing you to sit back and appreciate Costa Rica's natural beauty. And as our private drivers know all the hidden corners of the region, from scenic routes to the most authentic spots, this add-on service will lend an invaluable personal touch to your stay.

Luxury Vehicle Rentals

Crave independence and prefer to have a vehicle at your disposal? Luxury SUVs – ideal for navigating Costa Rica’s varied landscapes and rugged terrain – are available for daily or weekly rental.

Think spacious, high-performance, high-clearance vehicles designed for comfort on both highways and backroads – perfect for exploring Guanacaste’s most secluded beaches and Tamarindo’s surf spots in style. Choose from brands known for both a luxury experience and off-road capability, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey to any destination, be it a hidden waterfall or a beachfront café.

Luxury Transport around Town: Upscale Wheels and Relaxed Rides

There’s nothing quite like infusing adventure into your vacation transportation. Whether it’s a tricked-out Polaris or a private yacht charter,  luxury transportation in Costa Rica is all about blending beauty and excitement with comfort and exclusivity.

4x4 Off-Roading Adventures

To discover Costa Rica’s more rugged, off-the-beaten-path locations, 4x4 luxury off-roaders (think: tricked out ATVs and Polaris) offer a thrilling alternative to standard shared ATV tours (although they’re great fun, too!).

These vehicles are designed to handle everything from river crossings to mountain trails, and many luxury rental companies offer guided off-roading experiences with expert drivers who take you to otherwise inaccessible hidden waterfalls, secluded beaches, and scenic overlooks. Because when crave adventure with a luxurious edge, these 4x4s bring Costa Rica’s wild side within reach.

Golf Carts & Buggies

Even when you have a luxury vehicle parked in the carport, there’s something extra special about adding a golf cart or buggy as your stylish around-town vacation staple.

Available for rental at any of our villas, these vehicles promise a relaxed, breezy way to get around town – to the beach, to your dinner reservation, to that praised sunset spot – without the hassle of tight parking maneuvers or narrow streets. Imagine hopping in a golf cart to explore local shops or grab lunch, or cruising down to the beach for an evening stroll. These carts are perfect for short excursions around town, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace while enjoying fresh air, sunshine, and joie de vivre.

Ocean Transport: Yachts and Catamarans

Nothing says luxury like a private yacht, and in Costa Rica, these seafaring charters can transform a simple transfer into glamorous nautical excursions.

Whether you’re ferrying out to nearby islands for snorkeling, scuba diving, or surfing; embarking on a sunset cruise along the coast; or taking a day trip to hidden beaches or surf accessible only by boat, yacht rentals and catamaran charters level up your trip to the true luxury echelon – the ultimate in privacy, relaxation, and comfort.

Tamarindo is a hub for private yacht charters, with catamarans and sailboats frequently available for private rental. We are happy to arrange for a full-day excursion, complete with snorkeling and catered dining, so you can relax and focus on creating memories that extend far beyond simple transportation.

Discover Costa Rica in Ultimate Luxury with VistaNova

Hi, we’re Kate, Sam, and Erin – three industry leaders with over 20 years of combined experience in the business of luxury villas in Costa Rica. 

We invite you to experience Costa Rica as it was meant to be with VistaNova – an exclusive, white-glove villa experience where every moment is curated to elevate your journey. At VistaNova, we redefine luxury travel with an approach that balances exceptional service, unparalleled amenities, and authentic, local insight to ensure you feel fully embraced by Costa Rican beauty and hospitality.

Imagine your own private villa, seamlessly orchestrated to cater to every detail, from pre-arrival planning to personalized in-stay services. Indulge in daily breakfasts, curated itineraries, beach-ready essentials, and even the option for private chefs and unique experience bundles. Whether you're here to unwind or explore, our small team of local experts is committed to making every aspect of your stay effortlessly extraordinary.

This isn’t just a vacation; it’s an invitation to unwind, discover, and savor Costa Rica’s splendor with the VistaNova touch. Welcome to a luxury stay beyond the ordinary – welcome to VistaNova.