How to Get to Flamingo

Air:

Local carriers Nature Air and SANSA operate 45-minute flights to and from Tamarindo, which is 20 minutes from Flamingo by car. Flights depart from Nature Air's airport in Pavas (halfway between San Jose and Alajuela) or from SANSA's terminal in Alajuela, next to the international airport.

Alternatively, visitors can fly into the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, about a two-hour drive from Flamingo.  

Bus:

From San Jose to Flamingo (Tralapa Station):

8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

From Flamingo to San Jose:

2:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $8.25 one-way, 6-hour trip

Tralapa Station Tel. 2221-7202/2680-0392

Car:

See a map of the San Jose to Flamingo driving route.

From San Jose: Depending on road conditions and traffic, travel time between San Jose and Flamingo is roughly four and a half to five hours. Take Highway 1 North (the Autopista) and follow signs to the airport. Stay in the center lane as you pass the exit for the airport on your left and follow the signs to San Ramon. Continue north on Highway 1 toward the Nicoya Peninsula, and follow signs for the Tempisque River Bridge, Nicoya and Route 18. There is a well-marked intersection at a Shell gas station with signs to the Tempisque River Bridge; turn left here onto Route 18. After crossing the Tempisque River Bridge, look for Route 21 and take it through Nicoya and Santa Cruz.

Continue north past Santa Cruz to Belen, then drive through Huacas. From Huacas, follow the signs to Flamingo and you will arrive in 15-20 minutes.