PLD Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport
Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport (PLD) serves Tamarindo, about 60 km southeast of Tamarindo. Below: trains and buses from the terminal, an estimated taxi fare to town and nearby cities, where you can fly from here, and hotels nearby.
Getting from Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport to Tamarindo
The airport is about 60 km southeast of Tamarindo, about 65 minutes by road in normal traffic.
Train & bus: Check in advance whether a train or shuttle bus runs from the terminal — at many airports it's the fastest and cheapest way into town.
Taxi & apps: Take a taxi from the official rank with the meter, or pre-book a ride on a known app. Avoid drivers touting for a fare in the arrivals hall.
Tipping: Rounding up is accepted almost everywhere.
Transport guidance is generic for this country — check exact details on the airport's own site.
| Way in | Time to centre | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train / bus | ~46 min | cheapest | CHEAPEST |
| Taxi | ~65 min | metered | |
| Private transfer | ~65 min | fixed upfront | |
| Car rental | ~65 min + חניה | from the terminal |
From PLD to nearby cities
Estimated drive times in normal traffic, and an approximate taxi fare at the local tariff. A pre-booked transfer is usually cheaper.
| Destination | Distance | Drive | Taxi (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberia | 85 km | 89 min | — |
| Jaco | 98 km | 102 min | — |
| La Fortuna | 113 km | 119 min | — |
| San José | 153 km | 161 min | — |
Which way suits you from Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport
Taxi
Cheapest for a short trip, one or two people.
Private transfer
Fixed price upfront, driver with a sign. For a late arrival, bags, kids or a group.
Car rental
If you're touring the region. Desks in the terminal, booking ahead beats the counter.
Train or bus is usually the cheapest — details above.
Book your airport transfer in Carrillo ahead, no terminal surprises.
Left luggage & lost and found at Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport
Most large airports offer left-luggage inside the terminal, usually by the hour or day and with a size limit. A common, cheaper alternative: in-city storage points near stations and sights — handy for an early arrival before check-in, or after check-out.
Something lost in the terminal is handled by the airport's lost-and-found office (usually near baggage claim); something left on the plane is the airline's responsibility. Keep your flight details, seat number and a description of the item.
Hotels near Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport
For an early connection — a hotel by the terminal saves a taxi and a headache.
Rates in Carrillo shift daily. See what your night costs now.
Reviews — Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport
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Other options near Tamarindo
Other airports in Costa Rica
Answers to your questions
How do I get from Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport to the centre of Tamarindo?
Can I use a ride app from Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport?
What's the cheapest way from Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport to Tamarindo?
Can I get from Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport into town without a car?
Can I leave luggage at the airport?
Where is Playa Samara/Carrillo Airport's lost and found?
About this page
Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.
Sources: Airport data: OpenFlights (ODbL) · Route network: OpenFlights routes