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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Peninsula De Nicoya, Costa Rica

Air Travel to Montezuma

Closest International Airports

Montezuma lacks a major airport. The closest international airports serving Costa Rica are:

Gateway Airports

  • Juan Santamarían International Airport (SJO) - near San José.
  • Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) - in Liberia.
  • Flight prices higher during dry season (Dec-Apr).

Domestic Flights & Tambor Airport TMU

For faster access to Montezuma, you can take a domestic flight. Sansa Airlines and Aerobell offer short domestic flights from SJO to Tambor Airport (TMU).

Quick Access

  • Sansa Airlines and Aerobell from SJO to Tambor Airport (TMU).
  • Tambor is about a 45-minute drive from Montezuma.
  • Domestic flights are quicker but more expensive.

SJO Facilities

Standard international airport facilities: currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants.

LIR Facilities

Similar to SJO, with common international airport services.

TMU Facilities

A much smaller facility with minimal services beyond a waiting area.

Transfer Options to Montezuma

From SJO

  • Shared Shuttle (5-6 hours, $50-$70 USD). For flights, check Skyscanner.
  • Public Bus & Ferry (6-8 hours, budget-friendly).
  • Private Taxi/Transfer ($250-$350 USD).
  • Domestic Flight to Tambor then Taxi.

From LIR

  • Shared Shuttle (4-5 hours, $60-$80 USD).
  • Private Taxi/Transfer ($200-$300 USD).
  • Rental Car (4x4 recommended). Check DiscoverCars.com.
  • For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance bus options are a main way to reach Montezuma by land. Direct bus services from San Jose via Transportes Cobano are common.

Motorcycle & ATV Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are limited. ATVs are a common rental option, well-suited for the challenging roads.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads to Montezuma can be unpaved, dusty, or muddy. Drive defensively. Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting.

Sea & Departure Information

Sea Arrivals: Puntarenas Ferry

For Montezuma, sea travel presents a popular and often required part of the journey. The most common sea arrival is via the Naviera Tambor ferry.

Ferry Details

  • Naviera Tambor ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera.
  • Operates multiple times daily (check online for schedules).
  • Purchase tickets online in advance for vehicles.

Connections from Paquera Ferry Terminal

Upon arrival at the Paquera ferry terminal, you will find various options to connect to Montezuma.

Onward Journey

  • Public buses coordinate with ferry arrivals.
  • Taxis and pre-booked shuttles wait at the terminal.
  • Approximately a 1-hour drive to Montezuma.

Departure Tax

Typically $29 USD, usually included in your international airline ticket price.

Reconfirm Bookings

Reconfirm all onward travel (shuttles, flights, ferry) 24-48 hours before departure.

Airport Arrival Time

Arrive 3 hours early for international flights, 1 hour for domestic flights from Tambor.

Smooth Departures

Plan with sufficient buffer time for ferry and bus connections. Ferry schedules can change or experience delays. Buses also run behind schedule.