Los Angeles was one of Liberia airport's five busiest origin cities in 2025. Alaska Airlines flies the route all year and United joins on Saturdays from October 31, 2026. The thing to plan around is the arrival time: most flights from LAX land in the evening, after dark.
Checked September 24, 2026. Dates, times and frequencies are from the airlines and their filed schedules. Winter timetables can still change, so confirm with the airline before you book.
Which airlines fly nonstop from Los Angeles to Liberia?
| Airline | Season | Frequency | Lands in Liberia | Flight time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Year-round | 2–3 a week in early fall; about daily from November; up to twice a day over the holidays, from mid-February and into summer 2027 | Evening (about 6–8:30 p.m.); red-eye about 7 a.m. | ~5 h 35–5 h 50 |
| United | From October 31, 2026 | Saturdays through April 24, 2027; Saturdays and Sundays from May 29, 2027 | About 3:50 p.m. | ~5 h 35 |
Delta flew LAX to Liberia after launching the route in December 2023, but it has no flights on the schedule for 2026–27.
When do the flights run?
Alaska flies all year, busiest over the holidays and from mid-February through the spring, when it adds an overnight flight. United's Saturday flight starts on October 31, 2026, runs through April, pauses in May and returns on weekends for summer 2027. The most choice lines up with Guanacaste's dry season, December to April.
Which airport do you fly from and land at?
Both airlines fly from LAX to Liberia airport (LIR), branded Guanacaste Airport, 12 km west of Liberia town. It has one passenger terminal: immigration, baggage claim, customs, then out to the curb where drivers, shuttles and taxis wait.
Tips for flying from Los Angeles
- Plan for an evening landing. It's dark by about 6 p.m. all year, so an Alaska daytime flight means driving in the dark. Coco and Papagayo (30 to 60 minutes) are fine; for anywhere farther, sleep near the airport and drive on in the morning.
- The red-eye buys you a full day. Alaska's overnight flight lands around 7 a.m., early enough to reach Nosara, Sámara or even Santa Teresa in daylight.
- United's Saturday flight is the afternoon option. Landing at about 3:50 p.m., it gets you to Coco, Flamingo or Tamarindo before or around dusk.
- Other Western options. United also flies to Liberia from San Francisco, and Alaska flies from San Francisco and Seattle in winter; see every direct flight to Liberia.
After you land: how far are the beaches?
| Destination | Distance | Drive from Liberia airport |
|---|---|---|
| Playas del Coco | 20–35 km | 30–45 minutes |
| Papagayo Peninsula | 25–45 km | 30–60 minutes |
| Flamingo & Conchal | 45–70 km | 1 hour – 1 hour 30 |
| Tamarindo | 65–77 km | 1 hour 15 – 1 hour 30 (up to 2 hours in peak traffic) |
| Nosara | about 100 km | 2 – 2 hours 30 |
| Sámara | about 105 km | 2 – 2 hours 15 |
| Santa Teresa | 150–220 km | 4 hours 30 – 5 hours 30 |
The roads to Nosara and Santa Teresa are unlit, with rough final stretches, so we don't recommend them at night. Our Liberia airport guide covers immigration, customs and where your driver waits, and Liberia airport transportation compares taxis, shuttles, rental cars and private drivers.
Insider tip: for LA travelers on an evening arrival, I book the first night in Coco or near the airport and the long drive for the next morning. You get your first look at the countryside in daylight, not your first night in Costa Rica on a dark road. — Erick
Landing at Liberia? Your driver will be waiting
- Your driver meets you as you walk out of Liberia arrivals, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct flight from Los Angeles to Liberia, Costa Rica?
Yes. Alaska Airlines flies nonstop from LAX to Liberia (LIR) all year, about daily from November and up to twice a day in peak season. United adds a Saturday nonstop from October 31, 2026.
How long is the flight from LA to Liberia?
About 5 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours 50 minutes southbound, and a little over 6 hours back to LA. Costa Rica is two hours ahead of Los Angeles in winter and one hour in summer.
What time do LA flights land in Liberia?
It depends on the flight. Alaska's daytime flights land in the evening, between about 6 and 8:30 p.m., after dark. Its red-eye, on the schedule over the New Year and from mid-February, lands at about 7 to 7:45 a.m. United's Saturday flight lands at about 3:50 p.m.
Does Delta fly from Los Angeles to Liberia?
Not in 2026–27. Delta launched the route in December 2023, but there are no Delta flights on it this season; Alaska and United are the two nonstop options.
Should I fly from LA to Liberia or to San José?
Liberia if you're staying in Guanacaste: Playas del Coco is 30–45 minutes from the airport and Tamarindo 1 hour 15 – 1 hour 30 (up to 2 hours in peak traffic), against roughly 4 to 5.5 hours from San José. See Liberia vs San José airport.
Where should I stay if I land in Liberia at night?
Near the airport or on the closest beaches. The Hilton Garden Inn is across the road from the terminal, Liberia town is 15 to 20 minutes away, and Playas del Coco is 30–45 minutes. See hotels near Liberia airport.