| Season | Daily* | Weekly | Daily Ins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | $21 | $147 | $15 |
| High | $30 | $200 | $20 |
Why Renting a Car in Costa Rica Is the Best Way to Explore the Country
Costa Rica is a land of stunning biodiversity, volcanoes, rainforests, and unspoiled beaches. But what really makes the country special is how wildly diverse and spread out everything is. From the cloud forests of Monteverde to the surf-friendly shores of Santa Teresa, you’re going to want wheels if you plan to experience more than just a resort.
Buses can take hours and don’t reach many remote areas. Taxis and private shuttles? Expensive and not always practical. That’s why renting a car in Costa Rica is not just a convenience — it’s a game-changer. It gives you the freedom to go wherever, whenever. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, looking for wildlife, or just want to stop for a fresh coconut on a remote beach, a rental car opens up the real Costa Rica.
And let’s be honest — nothing beats rolling the windows down, cranking up some Latin beats, and navigating the country’s winding roads at your own pace.
How to Choose the Best Auto Rental Company in Costa Rica
Not all rental companies are created equal — especially in Costa Rica. You’ll find many global brands, all competing for your attention. The real key? Look for transparency, fleet quality, and flexibility.
In our personal experience, everything from the reservation process to pick-up was crystal clear. We were told upfront that the offered price included everything — no hidden fees, which is unfortunately rare in this market. That kind of honesty is priceless when you’re traveling.
Another game-changing factor was how many locations the company had throughout the country. We felt totally secure knowing that if we needed assistance (which we didn’t), there was always an office nearby.
Bonus: we offer the option to return the car in a different location — at no extra cost. That’s a massive win for anyone doing a loop around the country.
What You Need to Know About Car Rental Prices and Hidden Fees
Let’s get one thing straight — car rental pricing in Costa Rica can be confusing if you’re not prepared.
Many comparison websites show base prices that look incredibly cheap. But when you get to the counter, suddenly there are mandatory insurances, local taxes, and fees that weren’t in the original quote. Some travelers report final prices that are double or triple the online offer.
How to Avoid This:
- Use rental companies that are upfront about full pricing (like we are).
- Always ask for a full final quote including insurance and taxes.
- Check for additional driver fees, fuel policies, and return conditions.
You will be lucky — the price we quote is the price you will pay. No surprises. That peace of mind? Priceless.
New vs. Older Rental Cars: What to Expect and How to Decide
Costa Rica’s terrain can be rugged, and conditions vary from perfectly paved highways to potholed mountain paths. So your car matters — a lot.
Some rental agencies offer you the choice between brand-new vehicles (under 2 years old) or older, more affordable models. We opted for new vehicles, and everything worked flawlessly. No weird noises, no mechanical issues — just smooth driving from start to finish.
But if you’re looking to save money, choosing an older model might make sense — especially if you’re staying in urban or beach areas where the roads are well maintained. Just make sure to ask about maintenance and get a car that’s reliable.
Flexibility Matters: Drop-Off Locations and One-Way Rentals in Costa Rica
Here’s a little-known secret: Costa Rica has dozens of rental car offices spread across the country. That means you can start your trip in San José, head west to the coast, and drop off your car in Liberia — all without backtracking.
This flexibility changed the game for us. We did a full route from the central valley through the Pacific coast and ended our trip near the Nicoya Peninsula. And because our rental company allowed drop-offs at any location without extra charges, we saved hours (and money) by not having to return to our starting point.
This is especially useful if you’re planning:
- Multi-city trips
- Arriving at one airport and leaving from another
- Road trips that don’t loop back to the capital
Driving in Costa Rica: Tips for a Safe and Smooth Journey
Driving in Costa Rica is safe and straightforward — with a few quirks. Here are a few tips from the road:
Watch for:
- Sudden speed bumps (often unmarked)
- Narrow bridges where only one car fits
- Motorcyclists weaving through traffic
- Rural roads that turn into gravel or dirt
Driving License & Requirements:
- Your valid driver’s license from home is usually enough
- Minimum age to rent is 21 years old
- A credit card is required for the deposit
Bonus Tip:
Many rental cars now come with GPS or mobile phone holders — but bringing your own phone with a Costa Rican SIM card is a smart move. Google Maps works great.
Top Features to Look for in a Rental Car for Costa Rica’s Roads
Depending on where you’re headed, your car should have some specific features:
| Destination | Recommended Features |
| Beach towns (Tamarindo, Santa Teresa) | Compact car or SUV |
| Mountain areas (Monteverde) | 4×4 with clearance |
| Rural areas | Spare tire, emergency kit |
| National Parks | SUV with GPS and good suspension |
Must-haves:
- Air conditioning (humid heat is no joke)
- USB charging ports
- Full-size spare tire
- Roadside assistance contact info
Knowing your car is reliable makes every road trip smoother — and we loved knowing ours was new and in perfect condition.
Car Rental Insurance in Costa Rica: Do You Really Need It?
Here’s the deal: Basic insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica. But that’s just liability. Most rental companies will offer you Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection, and comprehensive coverage.
We went with full coverage. Why? Because potholes, tropical rains, and unpredictable traffic are part of the adventure. And we wanted zero stress if anything happened. Thankfully, we never had to use it — but it felt good to have it.
Why our Car Rental Can Make or Break Your Trip