Best Long Term Car Rental Costa Rica: Reliable & Flexible Options

Rent a self drive car for long term flexible durations anywhere near you in Costa Rica. Book with trusted suppliers like Adobe, Costa Rent a Car, Amigo, Jumbo Car, Sixt, among others, who offer convenient pick up services for popular San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia International Airport (LIR) locations.

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

Top Companies Offering Long Term Car 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.

View All

Long Term Car Rental Categories in Costa Rica

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

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

Long Term Car Rentals Costa Rica

Deemed a natural paradise, Costa Rica is a rugged Central American country celebrated for its golden beaches, tropical jungles, and ancient volcanoes. For your next Costa Rican adventure encompassing exciting activities, pristine beaches, untamed forests, and showstopping wildlife, consider renting a car to get from one point to another for ease of convenience and flexibility. The country’s enviable wealth of attractions is best explored in a vehicle of your own in complete privacy and freedom, and for plans that extend more than a month, a long term car rental can be the most fitting option.

Is renting a car long term right for you?

Ideal for both business and leisure travelers who have long term plans or locals who need a replacement vehicle, hiring a car for a monthly or multi month basis can be the most cost-effective option as opposed to daily rentals. Monthly car rentals can help you save substantially, as the longer you rent, the cheaper the prices will be. Rental companies tend to offer lower daily rates if you rent for a longer duration. 

Depending on your unique requirements, car hire in Costa Rica can be booked for flexible durations like multiple weeks, months, or even years. This deal type can be the perfect solution to personalize the journey as per your plan, budget, and pace.

Long Term Car Rental Costa Rica

Why Choose Long Term Car Rental?

Flexible Rental Periods

You may reserve a long term/monthly car rental in Costa Rica for any length of time you wish. The choices vary from one month to six, nine, or even longer, subject to availability.

Up-to-date Vehicle Models

Long term car rental fleet offered by rental companies is clean, well-serviced, and disinfected. The vehicles are inspected and serviced on a regular basis.

Zero Maintenance Costs

When renting a car for a longer duration, you can enjoy the driving experience stress free without worrying about depreciation or routine checks like oil changes or surprise repairs. The supplier keeps track of the upkeep or breakdowns.

Cost Savings

The rental prices tend to be lower for monthly rentals. This is owing to the fact that the per day prices are cheaper for monthly rentals as compared to short term rentals.

Renting vs Long Term Leasing?

Hiring a car on a monthly basis versus leasing can be a bit confusing for most renters. The primary distinctive factor between the two is cost structure and commitment. To make the decision easier for you, below is a side by side comparison:

Long-Term Car Rental

  • Flexible: month-to-month
  • Little to no upfront cost
  • Maintenance & insurance usually included
  • Flexible mileage (often unlimited)
  • Easy early return
  • Best for: travelers, digital nomads, short-term stays

Leasing

  • Long commitment (2–4 years)
  • Down payment often required
  • Lower monthly cost over time
  • Maintenance sometimes included
  • Strict mileage limits
  • Best for: long-term residents

How much does long term car rental in Costa Rica cost?

The prices for long term car rentals in Costa Rica typically vary between $600 to over $2,000+ per month. Tourism can heavily influence these rates. A mid size 4WD SUV can cost around $2200 for one month in peak seasons. However, the same vehicle can cost around $900/month during shoulder season. 

The cheapest months to rent a long term car in Costa Rica are during low tourist season months, such as May, September, and October, when prices are the most affordable.

Average Monthly Prices

To get an idea, here are estimated prices for monthly car rentals based off on seasonal fluctuations:

Car CategoryLow Season RateHigh Season Rate
Compact Car$650/month$1500/month 
4×4 SUV$900/month$2200/month
7 seater Car$1300/month$3500/month
Automatic Car$700/month$1600/month
Minivans$1300/month$7500/month

*All prices above are based on pick-up from San Jose Airport (SJO). Since costs vary by vehicle class, dates, supplier, and collection point, we recommend checking real-time rates to get the most accurate price.

Following are some of the important determinants that influence the pricing structure:

  • Season: prices can significantly fluctuate between peak and low seasons
  • Rental duration: renting a car for a longer duration almost always guarantees lower daily rates
  • Pick-up location: pickup from the airport can be expensive owing to mandatory location surcharges levied
  • Insurance: insurance packages adds to the final price
  • Car type: selected car category can fairly affect the prices. Compact/economy cars are relatively cheaper than 4x4s and luxury options.

Prerequisites for Hiring a Long Term Car Rental

Driver’s License

A valid ID card or passport will be required at the time of pickup. All foreign renters must provide a passport that has been valid for at least 6 months at the time of vehicle collection. The driver must also present a full and valid driving license held for at least 1 year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if the renter’s domestic license is not issued in the Roman alphabet.

Age Policy

Rental car age restrictions vary by pickup location, vehicle type, and supplier. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 (with a few companies allowing renters as young as 18), and the maximum is 80. Young and senior drivers incur an additional charge, which will be automatically applied to all online searches. Usually included in the final prices, this fee will also be specified in the supplier-specific terms and conditions.

Credit Card

When you rent a long term car in Costa Rica, a credit card must be provided in the main driver’s name upon pick-up. Car hire companies typically accept credit cards from major financial institutions, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and UnionPay, for payment and security deposits. Failure to present a valid, physical credit card with sufficient funds to cover the deposit may result in the booking being refused by the supplier.

Insurance

As per Costa Rican road laws, Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance is mandatory. Rental companies include this coverage automatically in all car hire offers. Other coverage options like collision damage waiver, theft protection, roadside assistance, etc are optional but in most cases are included in the final price. For extra peace of mind, additional insurance coverage can be added to the car hire deal at an extra charge.

Essential Tips to Master the Costa Rica Car Rental Process

Choosing the right fuel policy

A full-to-full fuel policy is generally more cost-effective because you pay only for the fuel you use. A same-to-same policy requires you to refill the tank to the exact level it was at when you picked up the car. A full-to-full policy is recommended for peace of mind. In any case, return the vehicle in accordance with the policy stated in the agreement to avoid incurring fuel charges.

Gasoline Prices

The fuel prices in Costa Rica are generally high compared to US and other neighbouring countries like Panama and Nicaragua. As of early 2026, gasoline price in Costa Rica is CRC 636.00 per liter or USD 1.28 per liter. As a rough estimate, a 1-month trip covering 2,000 kilometers (~1,243 miles) might cost around $256 USD in gasoline for a standard SUV rental. Hence, budgeting accordingly is advised.

Clarify Insurance Coverage in Advance

If planning to utilize your credit card CDW insurance for financial protection, it is highly advisable to obtain the required proof in advance. Procure the written proof of letter from the credit card company or insurance company (any country), stating that the CDW is valid in Costa Rica and it covers the type of vehicle the customer is renting. If the customer doesn’t present proof of the CDW, it is mandatory to purchase CDW at the rental desk for an additional charge.

Understanding Landmark Address System

The best way to reach your destination and navigate addresses is to think in landmarks and not just numbers. A typical address might look like ‘200 metros oeste de la iglesia católica, San Ramón, Alajuela 20201, Costa Rica’, which are Tico-Style directions. This is certainly different from traditional addresses, but apps like ‘Waze’ definitely come in handy. Saving important destinations as ‘pins’ and downloading offline maps can certainly be helpful.

Inspecting the Vehicle Thoroughly

Remember to inspect the vehicle for any damage and report it to the rental company before driving off. Familiarize yourself with the car’s features and ask the associate for local driving tips to reach your preferred destination.

Cost Comparison

 It is important to note that the prices for car rentals vary by supplier, location, car category, and insurance. Shop around when booking to choose the most economical option that’s within your budget.

Overlooking Mileage Limits

Avoid surprises by making sure to confirm the mileage caps while making a reservation. For long stays in the country, renting a car that comes with unlimited mileage is your best bet. This will provide you with the necessary freedom to make plans on the go without limiting yourself to mileage caps.

Money-Saving Tips for Renting a Long Term Car in Costa Rica

  • Try and avoid airport pick-ups as those tend to be pricier as opposed to city pickups. This is due to the fact that rental companies levy surcharges for car hire collection from the airport branch.
  • Always confirm whether long term discounts are available. Many companies provide seasonal promotions, price reductions on 3, 6, or annual car rentals. 
  • If you’re planning a short trip, go for a rental with limited miles, as it can reduce the monthly rate without affecting your overall driving experience. 
  • If not absolutely required, you can skip the unnecessary add-ons. These usually add to the per day prices more than you might think. 
  • Instead of extending weekly, it is recommended to rent 30 days or 60 to 90 days at a time. Monthly pricing is almost always cheaper than weekly extensions.
  • If your plans are flexible, renting during the cheaper months (May, September, and October) can help you save significantly on long-term rentals and avail better inventory.

Your Best Partner for Extended Plans

For a transparent and stress free trip, we are your best option for long term car rental in Costa Rica. Offering the best deals for monthly vehicle rentals, we ensure you get the most out of your time and money. Rent for as long as you need, from several weeks, months, and even years. And what’s more convenient is that the longer you rent, the higher the overall savings. 

Hire your ideal car when visiting the ‘Pura Vida’ land through our reputable platform and avail substantial savings on your next long term (monthly) rentals.

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

Table of Content