Affordable Car Rentals in Costa Rica – Compare & Save Big

  • Free Cancellation
  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • No Hidden Charges
  • Large Fleet of Vehicles
  • Lowest Price Guaranteed

Best Car Rental Companies in Costa Rica

Promising zero hidden fees, excellent customer service, competitive prices, and the best vehicles, we only work with top-rated international and domestic car hire companies that extend exceptional service without compromising quality.

Select the ideal vehicle for your Costa Rican itinerary from the widest selection of economy cars, multi seater vans, sedans, 4x2s, and several categories of 4WD SUVs.

Rent a Cheap Self Drive Car in Costa Rica

Attracting millions of visitors each year, Costa Rica is one of the most scenic countries in Central America. The country is renowned for its rich biodiversity and tranquil beaches along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. A car rental can be the perfect way to explore this beautiful country. Enjoy the freedom to move at your own pace and discover the hidden gems that are not easily accessible by public transportation. Whether you need a compact car, your favourite sedan, or a 4×4 SUV rental to explore the wilderness of this coastal country, we offer a vast variety of rental vehicles to ensure a convenient and hassle-free experience.

We are a trusted global leader in the car rental industry, extending services in convenient locations across Costa Rica. From our platform, you can book a car rental anywhere in the country at the lowest prices and easily pick up from top locations like SJO and LIR airports. Reserve with complete peace of mind knowing you avail free cancellation, 24/7 customer support, as well as easy booking modifications.

Costa Rica Car Rental Guide

If you are first time renter, take time to familiarise yourself with these essential things.

Driving sideRight-hand side
CurrencyCosta Rican Colón (CRC)
CapitalSan José
Official LanguageSpanish
Top Car Hire LocationsSan José, Liberia, Tamarindo, Monteverde, Jaco
Best Time to VisitDecember to April
Popular Tourist PlacesArenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tamarindo, Jaco Beach
Popular Car Rental Type4×4 SUV, Compact Car, Sedan
Documents RequiredValid Driver’s License, Passport, Credit Card (for security deposit)
Car Rental Deal TypesDaily, Weekly, One-Way, Monthly Rentals
Popular Car Hire CompaniesAlamo, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, Adobe, Costa Rent a Car
Minimum Age for Car Hire21 years (varies by company)
Speed Limits60 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on highways, 40 km/h in rural areas

We offer flexible deals to cater to all kinds of travellers. Find a perfect option that suits your requirements and book with us at the lowest possible price.

Why Rent a Car With Us?

Here are some reasons why you will have an excellent car hire experience with us.

No Hidden Charges

Our platform displays all-inclusive deals, and you pay only what you see – with zero hidden charges. Booking with us means you won’t have to worry about any surprise charges while making a reservation. Price quoted for offers is the final price with complete transparency.

Free Cancellation

Any cancellations made with us at least 48 hours before the pickup are free of charge. Cancellation and amendments before the car hire pick up for any unexpected change of plans can be made conveniently through our reliable website without any hassle.

Countrywide Locations

Our suppliers cover all the top locations, including major airports, downtowns, railway stations, and hotels. Whatever your Costa Rican travel goals might be, we can help you find the nearby car rental location anywhere in the country for easy pickup and drop-off.

24/7 Customer Support

Our team is available 24/7 to address all your booking-related questions and concerns. For a quick resolution for both online and offline bookings, you can easily reach out to our highly qualified customer support team via chat, email, or phone.

Reviews from Satisfied Customer

Take a look at these testimonials from some of our satisfied customers, showcasing the quality of our services.

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Trustworthy Platform

I have rented from them twice and had a fantastic experience both times. The website looks trustworthy and reliable while making payments.

Well-Maintained Car

The car they gave me was in great shape and the quality was beyond my expectations. Great car, excellent experience.

Fast & Easy Booking

The booking process was quick and easy. Found a perfect SUV for my family vacation at a great price.

Value for Money

Great overall experience with their level of services. Professional support team resolved my issue quickly.

One-Way Car Rental Costa Rica

The country offers some of the most scenic drives. Here are the top road trips most frequented by travelers during their visit:

Tips for Driving a Rental Car in Costa Rica

  • Costa Rica’s Transito (traffic police) has strict laws for illegal parking. In addition to issuing a parking ticket, they also remove and take possession of license plates, which can be a hassle getting back (rental company will place a hefty charge if something like this were to happen). Refrain from parking in the restricted zones, which are usually marked with yellow paint on the curb or with a sign.
  • Make a point to choose the vehicle based off on the city you will be frequenting, as the country’s topography is extremely diverse. While many areas are accessible without four-wheel drive, many are not. Be sure to research in advance if 4×4 and higher clearance are necessary to access the destination you’ll be visiting.
  • Police checkpoints are often set up near international borders like Paso Canoas between Costa Rica and Panama. This is their routine protocol, and you might be asked about your destination or a simple passport check. 
  • Check out our range of extras, such as child booster seats, infant seats, GPS navigation, winter tires, snow chains, and more, before booking.
  • Especially for first time visitors, driving long distances at night can be nerve-wracking. With scattered street lights coupled with curvy roads with no guardrails, it is discouraged to drive during the night if you’re unfamiliar with the area. 
  • Rental cars are often targeted for valuable items by local thieves. Always make sure to carry your passport/cash/cards with you, even if grocery shopping, and lock the doors of the hired vehicle.
  • Google Maps’ ‘fastest route’ option might not be the most reliable when finding your way around in a self drive car. Downloading the local favourite and community driven ‘Waze’ app (preferably offline maps too) might be a more dependable option. Waze is strongly recommended by locals and travelers alike for real time traffic, police, and road construction updates.
  • Costa Rica is served by a few toll roads, namely Route 27 (San José to Pacific Coast), Route 1 (Interamerican Highway), and Route 32 (San José to Caribbean). The tolls will have a cash lane (manual), credit card lane (tarjeta), and QuickPass. The most convenient option is paying in cash.
  • If traveling in the rainy season (May to November), drive extra cautiously on Route 2 between San Jose and San Isidro de El General, Route 32 between San Jose and Limon/the Caribbean coast, and Route 27 connecting San Jose to Puntarenas and Jaco, as these roads can be prone to washouts and landslides. 
  • Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, so book your car rental well in advance to secure the vehicle of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best car rental companies in Costa Rica?

Several top rated international and local brands service Costa Rica, such as Alamo, Adobe Rent a Car, Budget, Enterprise, Amigo, Costa Rent a Car, Europcar, National Hertz, Sixt, and more. When booking with us, you can select the best option after a thorough car rental comparison.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica?

The total cost of hiring a car depends on several factors that include car model, time of the year, deal type, and duration. From our website, the car rental prices in Costa Rica typically start from $10 per day if you book well in advance. You can check out the total price of your preferred offer by running a search in our booking engine.

Which documents do I need to rent a car?

To hire a car in Costa Rica, you need to provide the following documents:

  • Valid Driver’s License
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if the home country DL is not in the Roman alphabet
  • National ID proof, preferably a Passport
  • Credit card in the name of the main driver
  • Rental Booking Confirmation Voucher

What is the age policy for car hire?

The minimum and maximum car rental age in Costa Rica varies by company and vehicle category. In most cases, drivers over 21 and under 75 can rent a car across popular locations; however, a young/senior driver surcharge will be applicable for both the primary and additional drivers (payable at the desk in local currency). Carefully review the terms and conditions section for precise information regarding the age policy.

Can I rent a car in Costa Rica without a credit card?

Most car hire companies require a credit card in the name of the primary driver to hold a refundable security deposit as a form of financial security. Therefore, to rent a car in Costa Rica, you must have a credit card.

How much is the car rental deposit in Costa Rica?

The car rental deposit varies depending on the car model and supplier. You can check the precise amount of the security deposit for your preferred vehicle by searching through our website’s booking engine. The deposit in Costa Rica usually starts at $1500.

Can I rent a car in Costa Rica with a foreign driver’s license?

All valid driving licenses issued in the Roman alphabet are accepted for hiring a car. However, for renters whose driving license is not issued in the Roman alphabet (For Eg. if the license is in Arabic, Greek, Russian, or Chinese), an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified translation of the driving license will be required. It’s important to note that Photocopies, digital licenses, Learner’s Permit, and driver’s licenses with driving restrictions will not be accepted. For more precise information regarding the driving license required for vehicle collection, you can refer to the terms and conditions.

How to book a 4×4 car rental in Costa Rica?

You can easily book a 4×4 car through our platform. Run a search query, then search for available vehicles. Use filters to display cars of your preference, then compare the offers to get the best price. We have a long lineup of 4×4 rentals ready for pickup at top locations in Costa Rica.

Can I rent an automatic car in Costa Rica?

Yes, on our website, you can find a vast variety of rental cars with automatic transmission availability. Simply enter your trip details in our search form and explore all the available automatic vehicles to find a perfect one.

How to find the best car rental for off-road in Costa Rica?

To find a perfect rental car for off-roading in Costa Rica, you can explore our booking engine by running a search with your preferred dates. Find a vehicle with good ground clearance and consider deals that offer unlimited mileage.

Can I book a one-way car rental in Costa Rica?

Yes, one-way car rentals for traveling intercity in Costa Rica are available with us. Many renowned companies allow rented cars to be returned at a location other than the pick-up, based on availability. Simply select the ‘Different Drop-off Location?’ option while filling in the details of your itinerary in the booking tool on our website to browse offers for your preferred domestic one-way route.

What type of insurance is included with car rentals in Costa Rica?

Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance, which protects you in case you damage another person’s property or injure someone in an accident, is mandatory under Costa Rican Law. All major rental companies include this coverage automatically in the car hire offers. In contrast, other coverage options, such as collision damage waiver, theft protection, and roadside assistance, are optional but included in the final price in most cases. Carefully review the supplier-specific terms and conditions to confirm what is covered before making a reservation.

Can I modify or extend my car rental booking?

Yes, modifying or cancelling your car hire booking for Costa Rica is possible both before and after pick-up. If you have not yet picked up the vehicle, you can amend the booking through our website on the ‘Manage Booking’ page or contact our customer support team directly. For ongoing rentals where the hired vehicle has been picked up, you can contact the supplier directly or contact the number provided in the agreement to modify/extend the rental.

The modification/extension can be made only at the supplier’s discretion and subject to the availability of the vehicle. Please note that additional fees may be applicable, which could be more or less than the original booking rate.

Can I drive to Nicaragua or Panama with my rental car?

Crossing the border in the hired vehicle to a country other than the country where you picked it up is not permitted. If you plan on cross bordering from Costa Rica to neighbouring countries, then arranging a private transfer might be the best option.