Car Hire in Costa Rica
Find your rental car from 84+ providers. We show the real price — no surprises at the counter.
Drive onRight
MotorwayUp to 120 km/h
Alcohol limit0,5 ‰
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ Compare total price & terms
⚡ Quick search — 30 seconds
🧾 Transparent conditions
⭐ Book with confidence
Most Popular Pickup Points in Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica — Rules & Tips
🚦 Traffic Rules
- Drive on: Right
- City speed: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorway: up to 120 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0,5 ‰
- Emergency: 112
🪪 Pickup & Requirements
- ID + license: always required
- Deposit: usually required
- Credit card: commonly needed
- Fuel policy: full-to-full is standard
- Tolls/fees: may apply
- Winter: plan for weather conditions
💸 Save Money
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for the best rates.
- Compare the total price — not just the headline number.
- Choose full-to-full fuel to avoid hidden charges.
- Film the car at pickup. Seriously — it takes 30 seconds.
About Renting a Car in Costa Rica
Three things that make the biggest difference for price, peace of mind and zero hassle.
Total Price & Terms
Compare excess amounts, fuel policies and what's actually included. A cheap headline rate can turn expensive at the counter if you're not careful.
Insurance
Check what's covered and how high the excess is. The right level of protection often costs less than an unpleasant surprise at drop-off.
Right Pickup Point
Airport, city center or station — pick the location that saves you time. Time is money, especially on holiday.
Find Your Pickup Point
Airports in Costa Rica (11)
San Jose Airport (SJO)
32 rental companies
Liberia International Airport (LIR)
27 rental companies
Quepos Airport (XQP)
7 rental companies
Puerto Jiménez Airport (PJM)
4 rental companies
Cobanocythere Airport (ACO) (ACO)
3 rental companies
Golfito Canton Airport (GLF)
3 rental companies
Tobias Bolanos Airport (SYQ)
3 rental companies
Tamarindo Airport (TNO)
3 rental companies
La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON)
2 rental companies
Limón International Airport (LIO)
2 rental companies
Nosara Airport (NOB)
2 rental companies
City & Station Locations (73)
San Jose Center
City Center · 13 companies
Tamarindo Center
City Center · 11 companies
Quepos Center
City Center · 9 companies
Uvita Center
City Center · 8 companies
Guápiles Center
City Center · 6 companies
Jacó Center
City Center · 6 companies
Quesada Center
City Center · 6 companies
Cartago Center
City Center · 5 companies
Curridabat Canton Center
City Center · 5 companies
Center
City Center · 5 companies
Liberia Center
City Center · 5 companies
Peñas Blancas Center
City Center · 5 companies
Puerto Viejo Center
City Center · 5 companies
Puntarenas Center
City Center · 5 companies
Christian headcovering Center
City Center · 4 companies
Herradura Center
City Center · 4 companies
La Fortuna Center
City Center · 4 companies
Liberia Airport Area
City Center · 4 companies
Limón Center
City Center · 4 companies
Center
City Center · 4 companies
San Jose Belen
City Center · 4 companies
San Jose Sabana
City Center · 4 companies
San Jose San Bosco
City Center · 4 companies
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Center
City Center · 4 companies
Brasilito Center
City Center · 3 companies
Cobanocythere Airport Area
City Center · 3 companies
Center
City Center · 3 companies
Guanacaste Las Catalinas
City Center · 3 companies
La Cruz Dreams Las Mareas
City Center · 3 companies
Mal Pais Center
City Center · 3 companies
Nicoya Bosques Don Jose
City Center · 3 companies
Nosara Center
City Center · 3 companies
Palmares Center
City Center · 3 companies
Papagayo Beach Secrets Costa Rica Resort & Spa
City Center · 3 companies
Paso Canoas Center
City Center · 3 companies
Playa Hermosa Occidental Papagayo Hotel
City Center · 3 companies
Puerto Jiménez Center
City Center · 3 companies
Puntarenas Golfito
City Center · 3 companies
Quepos Manuel Antonio
City Center · 3 companies
Quepos Marina Pez Vela
City Center · 3 companies
San Isidro de El General Dowtown
City Center · 3 companies
San Jose La Uruca
City Center · 3 companies
San Jose Montserrat
City Center · 3 companies
San Jose Plaza Viquez
City Center · 3 companies
San Jose Rohrmoser
City Center · 3 companies
San Jose-Hotel Ramada Herradura
City Center · 3 companies
Santa Maria Center
City Center · 3 companies
Tamarindo JW Marriott Hotel
City Center · 3 companies
Alajuela Province Rio Segundo
City Center · 2 companies
Grecia Center
City Center · 2 companies
Limón Port
City Center · 2 companies
Mal Pais Carmen Beach
City Center · 2 companies
Samara Center
City Center · 2 companies
San Jose Belen La Ribera
City Center · 2 companies
San Jose San Pedro
City Center · 2 companies
San Jose San Rafael de Escazu
City Center · 2 companies
San Jose-Hotel Best Western Irazu
City Center · 2 companies
Santa Ana Center
City Center · 2 companies
Alajuela Province Center
City Center · 1 companies
Alajuela Province Hotel Delivery
City Center · 1 companies
+ 13 more locations
Frequently Asked Questions — About Renting a Car in Costa Rica
What do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?+
A valid driver's license and photo ID are always required. Most providers also ask for a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. Check age requirements and payment terms before you book.
Can I rent without a credit card?+
Some providers accept debit cards, but it's not guaranteed. Many require a credit card for the deposit. Filter by payment options when comparing, and always double-check the fine print.
What does 'full-to-full' fuel policy mean?+
You collect the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and most cost-effective option — and it avoids fuel surcharges at drop-off.
How does insurance and excess work?+
Basic insurance (CDW) is usually included, but the excess — the amount you'd pay in case of damage — can be high. Compare what's covered, especially for glass, tires and underbody damage.
Can I pick up in one city and return in another?+
Yes — one-way rentals are widely available. An extra fee often applies, so always check the total cost before booking.
What's the cancellation policy?+
It depends on the provider and booking type. Many offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Always confirm the terms in your booking confirmation.
Read Our Guides
Practical advice that saves money and avoids trouble at the rental counter.
First Time RentingA fast start — without the mistakes.
Insurance GuideCDW, excess and what actually applies.
Credit Card & DepositDon't get caught off guard at the desk.
Avoid Hidden FeesCommon traps — and how to dodge them.
Pickup Checklist10 checks that prevent disputes later.
Save Money on RentalsTiming, terms and smart choices.
More to Consider When Renting in Costa Rica
✈️ Airport vs City Pickup
Airport desks often have more providers and longer hours. City locations can be more convenient if you're staying centrally — but parking costs add up. Compare both options before deciding.
❄️ Winter Driving
Weather in Costa Rica can change fast. Make sure the car has appropriate tires for the season and check what roadside assistance is included. On longer trips, pay extra attention to insurance cover.
↔️ One-Way Rentals
Picking up in one city and dropping off in another can work brilliantly — but it may cost extra. Check the "one-way fee" before confirming so there are no surprises on the bill.
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Costa Rica Car Rental
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