Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Getting around Sámara
How to get around Sámara
Everything in the village is walkable. For Carrillo, Nosara or Liberia you need a taxi, shuttle or rental car.
Ways to get around Sámara
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Walking and bikes | Free; bike rental from about 5,000 CRC a day | The village and beach are flat and compact |
| Local taxis | About 4,000–7,000 CRC for 5 km | Registered taxis wait in the village; agree the fare |
| Shared shuttle from Liberia | From about 85 USD (about 40,000 CRC) per person | 2–3 hours with hotel drop-offs; book ahead |
| Public bus from Nicoya | Local fare paid in colones | About 45 minutes; Nicoya has buses to Liberia and San José |
Taxis in Sámara
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No reliable ride apps. Use registered taxis in the village or book a shuttle through your accommodation.
Arriving in Sámara
Liberia (Daniel Oduber Quirós) (LIR)
About 115 km, 2–3 hours. Shared shuttle from about 85 USD (about 40,000 CRC) per person; private transfers cost more; rental car possible.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentals are available, and the flat village suits them. Check insurance exclusions, helmets and your licence validity before you ride.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid for the length of your tourist stay; carry your original passport when driving.
- Onward travel in Costa Rica: Cheap public buses reach almost everywhere from San José but are slow. Shared shuttles, Sansa domestic flights and rental cars (4x4 in rainy season) are faster.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Sámara?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No reliable ride apps. Use registered taxis in the village or book a shuttle through your accommodation.
What's the best way to get around Sámara?
Everything in the village is walkable. For Carrillo, Nosara or Liberia you need a taxi, shuttle or rental car.
How do I get from the airport to Sámara?
About 115 km, 2–3 hours. Shared shuttle from about 85 USD (about 40,000 CRC) per person; private transfers cost more; rental car possible.
Is Sámara walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Sámara
Going to Sámara solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Sámara meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Interbus (shared shuttles)
- Sansa (domestic flights)
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- CCSS (public health)
- Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport
- La Nación: Sámara water supply taken over by AyA
- Bus Costa Rica: shared shuttle Sámara to Liberia
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.