Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Puntarenas. Drake Bay Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Three things to verify before you walk out of DRK:
- Can you legally enter Costa Rica? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Puntarenas from DRK
You have two main options for getting from Drake Bay Airport into town:
- local transport: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Puntarenas, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
What’s Worth Seeing in Puntarenas
For a layover visit to Puntarenas, we’d suggest Playa Colorada Beach Stroll and Explore Drake Bay Village. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at DRK, check out Enjoy the Natural Surroundings or Passive Wildlife Spotting to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near DRK
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Puntarenas: Claudio’s Restaurant and The Bat Lounge. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Soda Mar y Bosque or Restaurante Gringo Curts. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Storing Your Luggage at Drake Bay Airport
Specific locker facilities at DRK aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Puntarenas itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at DRK for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Puntarenas or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Need a Nap? Options at DRK
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at DRK, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Puntarenas exploring the streets or relaxing at DRK, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.