Tropical ExpertsCosta Rica

Licensed by the Costa Rica Tourism Board · ICT 3946-2025

Private Shuttle to Sámara

Door-to-door private shuttles to Sámara from Liberia and SJO airports and from 9 other towns. One flat price for the whole vehicle, from $215, taxes included.

  • From Liberia $215
  • From SJO $355
  • Per vehicle, not per person
  • Free cancellation up to 48 h before

See all prices

A family with two girls and their driver beside a black van at a hotel entrance

Prices

Prices to Sámara from every starting point

11 starting points, one flat price per vehicle in US dollars, taxes and tolls included. Tap a route for the full details, or tap Book to open it in our booking form.

Airports

from Liberia and SJO airports · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
Liberia Airport (LIR)$215$270$3552 hBook
SJO Airport (San José)$355$400$4854 h 45 minBook

Arenal and La Fortuna

Arenal and La Fortuna · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
La Fortuna$370$415$5004 h 45 minBook

Central Valley and the mountains

Central Valley and the mountains · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
Alajuela$355$400$4855 hBook

Monteverde

Monteverde · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
Monteverde$280$325$4103 h 30 minBook

Guanacaste: Gulf of Papagayo and the north

Guanacaste: Gulf of Papagayo and the north · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
Papagayo$265$310$3952 h 30 minBook

Guanacaste: from Las Catalinas to Avellanas

Guanacaste: from Las Catalinas to Avellanas · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
Playa Conchal$220$275$3602 hBook
Tamarindo$220$275$3602 hBook

Nicoya Peninsula

Nicoya Peninsula · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
Santa Teresa$355$400$4853 h 45 minBook

Central Pacific

Central Pacific · USD per vehicle
FromStaria (1–5)Hiace (6–9)Maxus (10–12)Driving time
Jacó$350$395$4804 h 30 minBook
Manuel Antonio$405$450$5355 h 30 minBook
  • Staria: up to 5 passengers and 5 large bags; Hiace: 6–9 and 9 bags; Maxus: 10–12 and 12 bags.
  • Same price in both directions. VIP with sightseeing stops: +$80 per vehicle.

Reviews

What travelers say

Rated 5.0 on Google (111 reviews) and 5.0 on Tripadvisor (36 reviews).

“The van was on time, assisted us with our luggage… His English is extremely good… you will be taken care of to the highest regard.”

Google review · La Fortuna → Jacó transfer

Getting there

SJO or Liberia: which airport for Sámara?

From Liberia (LIR, Guanacaste): about 2 h and $215 per vehicle. The drive heads south through Santa Cruz and Nicoya on Route 21 and then crosses the peninsula to the Pacific coast at Sámara.

From SJO (Juan Santamaría, San José): about 4 h 45 min and $355 per vehicle. From SJO the drive crosses to Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, so a morning pickup gets you to the beach in daylight.

The difference on the road is 2 h 45 min and $140. Many travelers land at one airport and fly home from the other; we cover both legs.

The destination

About Sámara

Sámara is a relaxed village on a wide bay on the Pacific side of the Nicoya Peninsula. An offshore reef keeps the water calm much of the year, so it is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste for families, swimmers and beginner surfers, with little Isla Chora out in the bay.

Restaurants, surf schools and small shops sit right by the sand, and the quieter end of the bay leads south towards Playa Carrillo. Tell us the name of your hotel or rental and we will take you to the door.

Suitcases loaded in the back of a Toyota Hiace

Things to do

What to do in Sámara

  • Kayak to Isla Chora

    A short paddle across the calm bay to the small island.

  • Learn to surf

    Gentle waves inside the reef make Sámara a classic place for first lessons.

  • Playa Carrillo

    A palm-lined beach just south of the village, ideal for a quiet afternoon.

Hotels

Hotels we drive to in Sámara

We drive to every hotel, lodge and private rental in and around Sámara. Send us the exact name or a location pin when you book and the driver takes you to the door.

See the hotels we drive to

FAQ

Private shuttle to Sámara: frequent questions

How much is a private shuttle to Sámara?

From Liberia airport it is $215 for up to 5 passengers, $270 for 6 to 9 and $355 for 10 to 12. From SJO airport it is $355 for up to 5 passengers, $400 for 6 to 9 and $485 for 10 to 12. The price is for the whole vehicle, not per person, and includes taxes and tolls. From other towns, see the table above.

How long is the drive from Liberia airport to Sámara?

About 2 h without stops. The drive heads south through Santa Cruz and Nicoya on Route 21 and then crosses the peninsula to the Pacific coast at Sámara. Rain, traffic and stops add time.

Is Sámara good for families with small children?

Yes. The reef keeps the bay calm much of the year. Child seats are free in our vehicles; tell us the children's ages when you book.

Is the road to Sámara paved?

Yes, the main road from Nicoya to Sámara is paved. Some local streets are gravel, and all our vehicles drive them.

Is Sámara good for families?

It is one of the calmest bays in Guanacaste thanks to the offshore reef, so it is popular with families. Conditions change with tides and seasons; check locally before swimming.

Is the price per person or per vehicle?

Per vehicle. Two or five passengers pay the same in the Hyundai Staria, so the more of you travel, the less each person pays.

Book your private shuttle to Sámara

Flight tracking, child seats, WiFi, water, taxes and tolls are included. Get the exact price for your date in seconds, or send us your plans on WhatsApp.