Affordable Car Rental Cartago, Costa Rica
Book a preferred self-drive car rental in Cartago to move freely according to your travel schedule. Choose the right vehicle for your journey by comparing top companies.
- Free Cancellation
- 24/7 Customer Support
- No Hidden Charges
- Large Fleet of Vehicles
- Lowest Price Guaranteed
Best Car Rental Companies in Cartago
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.
Popular Car Rental Categories in Cartago
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.
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| Mini | ||
| Suzuki Ignis or Similar | ||
| 4 | 4 | 2 |
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| Economy | ||
| Hyundai i10 or Similar | ||
| 4 | 4 | 1 |
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| Standard | ||
| Hyundai Elantra or Similar | ||
| 4 | 4 | 4 |
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| Full size | ||
| Toyota Hilux or Similar | ||
| 5 | 4 | 5 |
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| Van/Minivan | ||
| Toyota HiAce or Similar | ||
| 8 | 4 | 6 |
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| SUV | ||
| Chevrolet Groove or Similar | ||
| 5 | 5 | 2 |
Why Rent a Car with Us?
Book with us to experience a simplified car hire booking process with multiple added benefits.
Secure Online Booking
Our website’s booking process is simple and only requires three steps: search, compare, and book.

Best Offers & Discounts
Enjoy access to seasonal offers and exclusive benefits when you make a reservation with us.
24 Hour Booking Support
Quick query resolving customer support available via phone, chat & email to help you throughout your journey.
Zero Hidden Fees
Reserve your vehicle without worries; the price shown on our website is the final price with zero hidden charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Cartago?
You must be at least 21 years old to book a car with most rental companies. Sometimes, the luxury or large-size vehicle segments are reserved for older age groups. So, those below the required minimum age may be subject to a Young Driver Surcharge.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive a rental car in Cartago?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) may only be required if your original driver’s licence is issued in a non-Roman alphabet. For that, you must carry both your original licence and IDP at pickup and when driving. But if your domestic licence is recognised locally, then it’s all you need to book with most rental companies.
Can I book a long-term car hire in Cartago?
Long-term rentals across different car segments are available for booking lasting from a few weeks to several months. These deals offer lower daily rates for lengthy journeys. You can enter your travel information in the booking form to access suitable deals for the required period.
What types of rental cars are available in Cartago?
Reliable fleets of cars throughout diverse segments from leading rental companies meet varied travel needs. Economy and compact are top traveller picks for cost-effective transfers. The SUV and van categories can easily move large groups across different road conditions. The options may also include luxury models, but you can always book early to find the ideal car within your travel budget.
Is there a fee for late car hire returns in Cartago, Costa Rica?
Yes, late car hire returns often incur extra fees. Companies may allow a grace period of 1 to 2 hours. Even so, an hourly or full-day fee is charged for dropping off the car after the agreed time.
Is it safe to drive in and around Cartago?
Driving in Cartago is generally safe, but conditions on off-city roads can be different from what you’re used to. Costa Rican highways are well-kept and lit adequately at night. Avoiding night driving in rural areas is advisable for a hassle-free travel experience. Also, make sure to drive cautiously and rent a reliable vehicle.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Cartago?
The standard list of documents to rent and pick up a car includes:
- Passport/National ID
- Original Driver’s Licence held for at least one year with no major endorsements
- 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
Do I need to buy extra insurance for rental cars in Cartago?
Third Party Liability (TPL) is a basic insurance mandatory in Costa Rica. A TPL, along with Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection, is generally offered as a common rental inclusion. Even still, an excess amount is to be paid for any damage or theft. Travellers often purchase additional insurance coverage when booking for extra peace of mind.
What is the fuel policy for car rentals in Cartago?
Both local and international rental providers in Cartago generally follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. According to that, travelers get cars with a full tank and must return them full. At times, a Same-to-Same fuel policy may apply, requiring the vehicle to be returned with the same amount of fuel as at pickup. Refuelling charges and service fees are charged for the missing fuel, regardless of the fuel policy.
What is the required security deposit for renting a car in Cartago?
A refundable security deposit is held on the main driver’s credit card when collecting a car hire. The average deposit throughout Costa Rica generally starts from around USD $800. But the exact amount is determined by your chosen insurance coverage, vehicle type, and supplier policies. The hold is released in full once the car is returned in the same condition.
Is unlimited mileage included in car hire deals in Cartago?
Car hire deals are usually inclusive of unlimited mileage. Meaning that you can drive freely in and around in Cartago without needing to track daily kilometer limits. Some vehicle segments may only be available with limited mileage options and a per-kilometre charge after a specified distance.
Can I pick up a car in downtown Cartago and return it at the airport?
You can book a one-way rental for easy pickup from a supplier branch in Cartago and drop-off at the airport. A drop-off fee for your selected route and booking duration will either be included in the quote or charged separately.
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
- Alajuela
- Alajuela Rio Segundo
- Barcelo Tambor
- Bosques de Lindora
- Brasilito
- Carmen
- Ciudad Quesada
- Cobano
- Coco
- Conchal
- Conchal Beach
- Culebra
- Culebra Andaz Costa Rica Resort
- Curridabat
- Dominical
- Dominical Beach
- Escazu
- Escazu Plaza Tempo
- Flamingo Beach
- Golfito
- Golfito Bellavista
- Grande Beach
- Grecia
- Guanacaste Hotel JW Marriott
- Guapiles
- Guapiles Hotel Suerre
- Heredia
- Hermosa Beach
- Herradura Beach
- Hotel Barcelo San Jose
- Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici
- Jaco
- La Asuncion
- La Cruz
- La Fortuna
- La Ribera
- Las Catalinas
- Liberia
- Liberia Hotel Four Seasons
- Liberia Hotel Hilton Garden Inn
- Limon
- Mal Pais
- Matapalo
- Monteverde
- Nicoya
- Nosara
- Nosara Guiones Beach
- Occidental Papagayo Hotel
- Palmares
- Papagayo
- Paso Canoas
- Penas Blancas
- Perez Zeledon
- Playa Flamingo
- Potrero
- Puerto Carrillo
- Puerto Jimenez
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Puntarenas
- Puntarenas Santa Teresa
- Quepos
- Quepos Manuel Antonio
- Quepos Pez Vela Marina
- Rio Blanco
- Samara
- San Antonio
- San Isidro de El General
- San Jose
- San Jose Hotel Irazu
- San Jose Paseo Colon
- San Jose Pitahaya
- San Jose Plaza Viquez
- San Jose Rohrmoser
- San Jose Sabana
- San Jose Sabana Norte
- San Jose Sabana Sur
- San Jose Uruca
- San Pedro
- San Rafael de Escazu
- Santa Ana
- Santa Ana Lindora
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Maria
- Secrets Papagayo Resort
- Tamarindo
- Tambor
- Tortuguero
- Uvita
Airports
- Cobano Airport
- Daniel Oduber Quiros Airport
- Drake Bay Airport
- Golfito Airport
- Juan Santamaria Airport
- La Fortuna Arenal Airport
- Liberia Airport
- Limon Airport
- Nosara Airport
- Puerto Carrillo Airport
- Puerto Jimenez Airport
- Punta Arenas Airport
- Quepos Airport
- San Jose Airport
- San Jose Tobias Bolanos Airport
- Tamarindo Airport
- Tambor Airport
- Tortuguero Airport











