Van & Minivan Rental Costa Rica

Rent a van/minivan to explore Costa Rica with 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, or up to 14 passengers. Compare deals from top local and international suppliers to get the lowest possible rates.

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Top Companies Offering Van Rental Deals 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 quality services without compromising quality.

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Van Rental Categories in Costa Rica

Travel comfortably with spacious van and minivan rentals offering 6–7, 8–9, and up to 14 seats. Book with our trusted partners at best prices and enjoy unlimited mileage and added inclusions.

Suzuki Ignis
Mini
Suzuki Ignis or Similar
442
Hyundai i10
Economy
Hyundai i10 or Similar
441
Hyundai Elantra
Standard
Hyundai Elantra or Similar
444
Toyota Hilux
Full size
Toyota Hilux or Similar
545
Toyota HiAce
Van/Minivan
Toyota HiAce or Similar
846
Chevrolet Groove
SUV
Chevrolet Groove or Similar
552

Cheap Van/Minivan Rental in Costa Rica

People who organise group trips in Costa Rica often find that a rented van gives the most comfort for the money. These are particularly beneficial for exploring the country’s lush landscapes and driving along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The interior is roomy for multiple passengers and for suitcases, and the extra space lets the group change plans at any moment, the way Ticos call ‘Pura Vida’.

Whatever your travel journey has in store, hiring a van offers the space, comfort, and flexibility that standard cars often lack. With options ranging from minivans to full-size passenger vans and even campervans, travelers can easily find a van model that suits their itinerary and group size.

Van & Minivan Rental Costa Rica

Cost of Renting a Van in Costa Rica

Rental prices tend to vary from one booking to another, depending on the preferred van, season, and trip duration in Costa Rica. Long-term bookings may bring about lower daily costs, but rates in general keep changing throughout the year.

  • 7-8 seater minivans are budget-friendly options that travellers usually hire at daily rates of USD 70-90 in the low travel season.
  • 9-12 seater passenger vans are often most in demand during high seasons, when average daily costs can reach USD 110-160.
  • December to April are the peak season months when vans are in limited supply. This results in higher rates for available options, hence you must book way ahead of time.
  • Weekly and monthly van rentals may offer lower per-day rates than short-term bookings, which also incur an extra drop-off fee.

The above rates are estimates meant for reference only. Enter your travel details in the booking form to see actual live quotes.

Van Rental Options in Costa Rica

An array of vans in different variants is offered to meet diverse traveller needs in Costa Rica.

Passenger Vans

Passenger vans are meant for group travel and can usually fit 9 to 12 passengers. The options also include 15-seater vans, which can be limited in number at times. These vehicles are relied upon by families and large groups for cost-effective rides.

Minivan Rentals

7 to 8 passengers can usually be seated in minivans. Travellers often find them easier to drive, making them a go-to choice for families and small groups in need of comfort and extra luggage room.

4×4 Vans

4×4 vans are popular among travellers for exploring the Costa Rican mountainous regions. Given that the country is largely forested, these vans are essential for ecotourists and adventure lovers.

Insurance & Security Deposit Requirements

Third-Party Liability Insurance is a standard requirement for all vehicles in Costa Rica. For that, it is included in most rental deals, along with additional benefits such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection. But many travellers also buy optional Super CDW or Full Protection coverage to minimise their financial responsibility for possible damage or injuries. 

A security deposit is a refundable amount that suppliers block on the primary driver’s credit card at the time of rental pickup. Although the selected van and insurance coverage determine the amount, it usually ranges from USD 1,000 to USD 3,000. Make sure to return the van in the same condition as at pickup and without any traffic fines to get the full deposit refund.

Driving a Van in Costa Rica – What You Should Know

  • Speed limits for vans can vary within the same areas and across different regions. So you must observe local signposts to avoid fines.
  • Cities and small towns may have limited space for parking large vans. It is best not to park in the same spot as standard cars, or you may be fined. 
  • Consider the van’s height and check the allowed dimensions at the entry before parking.
  • Some scenic routes are graveled, driving on which can damage tyres. Check the company policy to confirm if vans are allowed on such roads.
  • GPS and mobile networks can be weak in remote locations and rural areas. Download offline maps to navigate without any hassle.
  • Minivans are comparatively easier to handle on winding roads and in towns. Larger passenger vans often require extra attention due to tighter turns and limited shoulder space.
  • Heavy rain from May to November can reduce visibility and worsen road conditions, making slow driving essential for larger vehicles.
  • Large vans are heavier and take longer to come to a stop. You should always maintain extra distance when applying the brakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to rent a van in Costa Rica?

Make sure you have the following documentation to rent and pick up a van:

  • Passport/Proof of National ID
  • Original Driver’s Licence held for at least a year 
  • Credit Card in the primary driver’s name
  • Rental Confirmation Voucher
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified official English translation if the original licence is printed in a non-Latin script (e.g., Arabic, Chinese).

What type of vans can I rent in Costa Rica?

A wide range of vans is available for booking in Costa Rica, depending on your passenger count and luggage space requirements. 7-8 seater minivans are ideal for travelling in small groups. But those traveling with larger groups and extra luggage can rent 9 to 14-seater vans. You can read specifications and further details of each available model when searching for deals online.

Is a credit card required to rent a van in Costa Rica?

Yes, rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name to hold a refundable security deposit. So, you will need it to book and pick up the van. The deposit amount is held temporarily and released in full upon return of the vehicle in its original condition at pickup.

How much is the security deposit for van rental?

Suppliers pre-authorise a security deposit of USD 1,000 to USD 3,000 for most van rentals. The deposit primarily depends on your chosen vehicle and insurance coverage. Though you can always reduce or remove the amount by opting for full coverage or zero-excess insurance.

Where can I pick up a van rental in Costa Rica?

Rental companies in Costa Rica operate branches at major airports and downtown areas like San Jose and Liberia, making it easy for you to pick up a van. Depending on the availability, you can also utilise pickup services from specified hotels and beaches.

Can I book a van rental with unlimited mileage?

Unlimited mileage is standard with van rentals in Costa Rica. But there may also be deals with limited mileage that incur extra charges for driving beyond the allowed per-day distance. Before you proceed with booking, check whether your selected deal includes unlimited mileage.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire a van?

An International Driving Permit is usually not required if your original driver’s license is issued in Latin characters. But a certified official English translation or an IDP must be accompanied by your original licence issued in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic or Chinese).

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

Given that van rentals are available nationwide, you can easily travel one-way between major cities and airports, including San Jose (SIJ) and Liberia (LIR). A drop-off fee will apply and vary based on your selected car and the distance between the two locations. To find available deals at your preferred pickup and drop-off points, simply enter your travel details in the booking form.

Are 4×4 vans available in Costa Rica?

Various deals for 4×4 vans let you hire a reliable vehicle to drive on the rural and mountainous roads in Costa Rica. Due to high demand and low availability in peak travel seasons, booking early is strongly advised.

Can I rent a campervan in Costa Rica?

You may book a campervan in Costa Rica, but availability varies by location and company. These are especially great for travellers planning extended road trips and overnight stopovers. Make sure to book in advance to secure the van you want.

Top Car Rental Locations in Costa Rica

Here is a list of all the countrywide locations, including the top airports and downtowns, where you can choose to pick up the hired vehicle:

Cities/Downtown

Airports

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