If you are planning a vacation in Costa Rica and your itinerary includes both the Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna area and the northwestern Pacific beaches of Guanacaste, you may be wondering how best to travel between these two popular destinations. Many travelers assume that renting a car or taking a long shuttle ride is the only option—but there is good news.
Yes, you can fly from Arenal (La Fortuna) to Liberia, and in many cases, it is the fastest, easiest, and most scenic way to reach the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about flying between La Fortuna and Liberia, including airports, airlines, costs, travel times, and whether this option makes sense for your particular trip.
Why Consider Flying Instead of Driving?
Costa Rica is a relatively small country, but distances can be deceiving. Roads are often winding, mountainous, and slow, especially when traveling from inland destinations like Arenal to coastal regions such as Guanacaste.
Driving from La Fortuna to the NW Pacific beaches—such as Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Hermosa, or Playa Conchal—typically takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and weather. During the rainy season, travel times can be even longer.
Flying, on the other hand, reduces travel time dramatically and offers breathtaking aerial views of volcanoes, lakes, forests, and coastlines.
For travelers short on time, families with children, honeymooners, or anyone who prefers comfort and efficiency, flying is an excellent alternative.
Flying with Nature Air: The Primary Domestic Option
The most well-known domestic airline offering this route is Nature Air, Costa Rica’s premier domestic carrier (note: schedules and availability may vary seasonally).
Nature Air operates small aircraft designed for short domestic flights, connecting major tourist destinations throughout the country.
La Fortuna (Arenal) to Liberia Route
Nature Air offers flights from the La Fortuna–Arenal Domestic Airport to Liberia International Airport, which is the main gateway to Guanacaste and the northwestern Pacific beaches.
This is the fastest route to get from Arenal to the beaches of Guanacaste.
La Fortuna–Arenal Domestic Airport
The La Fortuna airstrip is small and simple, but very conveniently located—only a few miles outside the town of La Fortuna.
Getting to the Airstrip
- Taxis are readily available throughout La Fortuna
- The ride from town to the airstrip takes only a few minutes
- Taxi fares are very reasonable
Most hotels in La Fortuna can easily arrange a taxi or shuttle to the airstrip for you.
Despite its size, the airport is well organized and used regularly by domestic airlines serving tourists traveling between Costa Rica’s major attractions.
Liberia International Airport: Gateway to Guanacaste
Your destination airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, commonly known as Liberia International Airport (LIR).
This airport is located in northern Guanacaste and is the main hub for travelers heading to:
- Tamarindo
- Playa Flamingo
- Playa Hermosa
- Playa Conchal
- Papagayo Peninsula
- Playa del Coco
- Nosara
- Samara
Once you arrive in Liberia, it is easy to continue your journey by:
- Rental car
- Shuttle service
- Private transfer
- Taxi
Most of the popular beach towns are 30 minutes to 1.5 hours from Liberia Airport.
Flight Time and What to Expect
The flight from La Fortuna to Liberia is short—generally under one hour.
However, the experience itself is unforgettable. Flying in a small plane allows you to see:
- Arenal Volcano from the air
- Lake Arenal’s shimmering blue waters
- Rolling green hills and cattle ranches
- Tropical forests
- Rivers and coastal plains
Many travelers say this is one of the highlights of their Costa Rica trip.
Nature Air and the Pavas Domestic Airport
Nature Air’s main terminal and headquarters are located at Tobías Bolaños Airport, also known as the Pavas Domestic Airport, in San José.
This airport is approximately 5 miles (8 km) from downtown San José and is used exclusively for domestic flights.
Important Note About San José Airports
Costa Rica has two main airports in the San José area:
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – for international flights
- Tobías Bolaños Airport (Pavas) – for domestic flights
If your itinerary includes flying domestically from San José (for example, San José to La Fortuna or Liberia), you may need to transfer between these two airports.
Getting from SJO to Pavas Airport
Traveling from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Tobías Bolaños Airport (Pavas) takes about 30 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
- Taxi cost: approximately $20 USD
- Nature Air transfer: around $40 USD
If you are comfortable taking a taxi, it is usually the more economical choice. Always use official airport taxis or have your hotel arrange transportation.
Booking Flights and Checking Schedules
Domestic flights in Costa Rica operate on limited schedules and may vary depending on:
- Time of year
- Weather conditions
- Passenger demand
It is essential to check schedules and book in advance, especially during high season (December through April).
You can find up-to-date schedules, fares, and route information directly on Nature Air’s website:
The site allows you to:
- View flight times
- Check availability
- Compare routes
- Book tickets online
Can You Fly the Other Direction?
Yes—you can also fly from Liberia International Airport to La Fortuna (Arenal).
This is a popular option for travelers who:
- Arrive internationally in Liberia
- Want to visit the beaches first
- Then continue inland to Arenal
Again, check Nature Air’s schedule for availability and flight times.
Is Flying Worth the Cost?
Flying domestically in Costa Rica is more expensive than taking a bus or shared shuttle, but for many travelers, the benefits outweigh the cost.
Advantages of Flying
- Saves several hours of travel time
- Avoids winding mountain roads
- Offers spectacular aerial views
- Reduces travel fatigue
- Ideal for short vacations or tight itineraries
Who Should Consider Flying?
- Honeymooners
- Families with young children
- Older travelers
- Visitors with limited time
- Anyone who prefers convenience and comfort
Who Might Prefer Driving or Shuttles?
- Budget travelers
- Those who enjoy road trips
- Travelers wanting to stop along the way
- Visitors staying multiple weeks
Combining Arenal and Guanacaste in One Trip
One of the most popular Costa Rica itineraries includes:
- Arenal / La Fortuna – volcano views, hot springs, waterfalls, rainforest
- Guanacaste Beaches – sun, sand, surfing, relaxation
Flying between these two regions allows you to experience both adventure and beach time without losing valuable vacation days to long drives.
Final Thoughts
So, can you fly from Arenal, La Fortuna to Liberia to reach the northwestern Pacific beaches of Guanacaste?
Absolutely—and for many travelers, it is the smartest choice.
With a short flight, convenient airports, and reliable domestic service through Nature Air, you can move quickly between two of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. Whether you are chasing waterfalls and volcano views in Arenal or sunsets and surf in Guanacaste, flying allows you to maximize your time and enjoy every moment of your Costa Rican adventure.
Before you book, always check current schedules, confirm luggage limits for small aircraft, and plan airport transfers in advance. With a little preparation, flying domestically in Costa Rica can be smooth, efficient, and unforgettable.