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public transportation

Lethbridge, Canada
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35 posts
47 reviews
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public transportation
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We are flying into LIR and we have 2 very small children. We would rather not rent a car and take public transportation. Could anyone please tell me about how much it is for a trip from the airport to Playa Flamingo? We are staying in a condo between Playa Flamingo and Brasilito.

San Jose, Costa Rica
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78,946 posts
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1. Re: public transportation
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Dear Dawn..

Schedule

Playa Flamingo departure from Liberia from Mercado Central: 6 am - 6 pm

Reture to Liberia: 6:10 am - 5:30 pm

Address Terminal de buses local, Transportes La Pampa, Liberia

roadadvsior

Costa Rica
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2. Re: public transportation
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The bus from Liberia to Flamingo passes by the airport. It's a longish walk from the terminal to the highway where the bus stop is located so it's best to take a taxi. (It's a little over a mile and it will be hot.)

Look here: http://www.thebusschedule.com/cr/ for buses from Liberia to Playa Flamingo. The bus will pass by the airport about 20 minutes later.

You can also take a shared van shuttle - I think the Tamarindo Shuttle goes to Flamingo - check their web page.

Lethbridge, Canada
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35 posts
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3. Re: public transportation
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is this the public transportation? What is the cost? We will have luggage and children.

Costa Rica
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When I wrote "The bus from Liberia...." I was referring to the public bus. There is a storage compartment underneath the bus for your luggage. Bring a day pack (with small children, I know you will!) and put your valuables in it. Keep it with you - don't put it in the overhead bin.

I don't think you will have any problems with someone walking off with your luggage from the storage compartment, but just to be safe - bring a small bicycle lock so you can lock them together.

The bus will probably cost less than $10 for all of you. Kids under the age of 3 (I think) don't have to pay.

Costa Rica is a very "kid-friendly" country. Children are very important to Costa Ricans and they will be kind and helpful to you and your children. You will probably meet other families on the bus.

I haven't seen the new terminal in Liberia but many people have written about how very expensive food and drink is there. If you really need to take a break and have something to eat for everyone, I would recommend taking a taxi to the nearby restaurant La Choza de Laurel. Very good food and reasonable - about 1 mile from the entrance to the airport. You can ask there for the nearest bus stop or just take a taxi back to the airport for the bus stop there.

Edited: 12 years ago
Lethbridge, Canada
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35 posts
47 reviews
32 helpful votes
5. Re: public transportation
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thanks. that's great. We have never been before and are really nervous. We are renting a condo and are wanting a real experience. I would love any suggestions as to what to do or where to go. Thanks.

Costa Rica
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6. Re: public transportation
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There are several beaches in the Flamingo area that you can visit, including Playa Conchal, Playa Potrero and Playa Brasilito. Other than that, if you don't have a car, you would need to arrange to go with an organized tour.

Some good agencies include Xplore Costa Rica, Maleku Tours, Papagayo Vargas Tours.

No need to be nervous - you and your family will have a great time.

PA
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586 reviews
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7. Re: public transportation
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If I were you, I would save my "experiences" for after your arrival at the condo. I would arrange for some sort of van transport to Playa Flamingo. After your long flight, I wouldn't want to deal with kids, heat, luggage, etc. on a bus. FYI, don't forget to pack a few water/pool /beach toys for the kids:)

Cincinnati, Ohio
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8. Re: public transportation
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I completely agree with Toadhollowtravellers above. Not renting a car will not give you any more "real experiences" than renting. Besides having to get 2 kids and luggage on and off buses after a long flight, you will be severely limited as to where you can go. Any where you need to see you will have to pay for tourist transportation, and if you are in a condo and want to shop, the nearest Supermarket is in Huacas, about 10km away. You could possibly end up paying much more for transportation than if you rented. Driving in Costa Rica is not difficult and roads and destinations are well marked. If you do decide to rent, I would suggest a small 4x4 SUV as many tourist destinations are on dirt roads.

Dunwoody, Georgia
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9. Re: public transportation
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Rent a car, you will be glad you did. If you are set on not renting a car, arrange transportation to condo via shuttle/private driver/taxi, not gonna cost too much and much less hassle with kids and luggage

Tamarindo, Costa...
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1,780 posts
10. Re: public transportation
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The real choice is between renting a car and taking a shuttle bus. Even if you take a public bus, where between Playa Flamingo and Brasilito do you need to go? Is your condo inside a big resort or in a complex where the bus doesn't stop? Once there do you have easy access to the bus again? Can you call a taxi? Are you going to need to rent a car anyways?

I've had many good, memorable experiences taking the bus from the airport, but not to say I'd do it again, and I didn't have children with me. Can't imagine dragging luggage and watching children in the hot sun or rain from the terminal.

Edited: 12 years ago