Welcome
Flying out of Liberia Airport and hoping to use your Priority Pass? Unfortunately, you’re out of luck. The Priority Pass lounge at Liberia Airport (LIR) is permanently closed, and as of 2025, there is no replacement lounge for travelers using the popular airport access program.
Here’s what happened, what your current options are, and how to make the most of your time before boarding.
What happened to the lounge at LIR?
The lounge at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport quietly shut down in 2024. While it was never fancy, it offered a clean, air-conditioned space to relax before your flight. Travelers could enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks, and a break from the crowded terminal. Since the closure, no new lounge has opened, and there are no official plans for one in the works.
VIP Lounge – before
As of August 2025
Current options
With the lounge now closed, travelers are left with the terminal’s standard food and drink offerings. On a recent visit, we accidentally paid nearly 80 dollars for two Bloody Marys and a sandwich (no prices on the drink menu). The food was really bad, and the terminal was overcrowded and uncomfortable during peak hours.
If you were planning on lounge access to escape the chaos, it is best to adjust expectations and make a plan before you arrive.
A quiet LIR terminal
A quick stop to fuel up
Smarter options before you reach the terminal
If you have extra time before arriving at the airport, consider stopping somewhere local for a better experience.
German Bakery (Panadería Alemana)
Located just outside Liberia, the German Bakery opens at 7 a.m. and serves up fresh coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. It is a perfect spot to fuel up or grab something for the plane.
Monkey Head Brewing
Just a few minutes from the terminal, Monkey Head Brewing is a great place to enjoy a cold Costa Rican craft beer before your flight. It has a relaxed vibe and a small food court if you’re visiting later in the day.
Another newly opened bar
Our painful mistake!
Destinations served by LIR
Liberia Airport is the go-to hub for travelers heading to the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It serves popular destinations such as Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Santa Teresa. Each town is accessible by rental car or shuttle, with routes that vary depending on the season and road conditions.
If you are driving to or from Playa Flamingo, check your GPS settings. You may be routed onto the Monkey Trail, a shortcut that can save time during the dry season but may be impassable after heavy rain. We explain everything you need to know in our Monkey Trail Guide.
Let’s go!
The Liberia Airport Priority Pass lounge is gone, and nothing has replaced it. Airport food and drinks are expensive and underwhelming, but you can still enjoy your travel day with a little advance planning. Grab breakfast at the German Bakery or unwind with a local beer at Monkey Head Brewing before your flight.
Give yourself plenty of time to reach the airport, especially during holidays or rainy season travel. If you are heading to the beach, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the last bit of pura vida before takeoff.
