TNO Airport Car Rental — Tamarindo Airport

Tamarindo Airport (TNO) is a small regional airport 3 km northeast of Tamarindo center, with domestic flights from San José and Liberia. The runway is gravel and primarily serves small aircraft – a convenient alternative to avoid the long drive from San José. Three rental companies are based at the airport.

TNO is located near the village of Villarreal, approximately 3 km from Tamarindo's beachfront promenade and 12 km from Flamingo. Liberia Airport (LIR) with international connections is approximately 80 km away – many travelers combine an international arrival at LIR with a domestic connection to TNO. Book your rental car in advance at TNO – availability is limited with only three rental companies and cars sell out quickly during high season (December–April).

Flights to TNO are weather-dependent – always have a backup plan and check if the rental company offers flexible pickup if your flight is delayed. Drive the 3 km to Tamarindo center along Route 155 – avoid taking the shorter gravel roads shown on the map, as they are often in poor condition. What airlines fly to Tamarindo Airport (TNO)?

Sansa Airlines and Nature Air fly regularly from Juan Santamaría (SJO) to TNO, with a flight time of approximately 45 minutes. How long does it take to drive from TNO to Tamarindo beach? It is approximately 3 km and takes 5–10 minutes via Route 155 heading south.

Can I drop off the rental car at Liberia Airport if I pick it up at TNO? Yes, one-way rentals between TNO and LIR are offered by several rental companies, but an additional fee applies – confirm this at the time of booking.

We compare prices from all major providers at Tamarindo Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.