Car rental at La Fortuna Arenal Airport

Car Rental at La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON)

Check live prices from 2 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road — no queues, no stress.

Find available cars now Quick guide (2 min)
LocationAirport
Providers2
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ 2 providers compared ⚡ Results in 30 seconds 🧾 No hidden fees ⭐ Free cancellation

Quick answer: At La Fortuna Arenal Airport you can compare rental cars from 2 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely — not just cheaply.

Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready — that's where most people get caught out.
Search rentals Quick guide Key info FAQ Nearby Map

About Renting a Car at La Fortuna Arenal Airport

La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON) is located approximately 8 km east of La Fortuna center and offers convenient access to the Arenal volcano area. With 2 car rental companies on site, you can quickly get behind the wheel and drive the 5 km to Arenal Volcano National Park. A rental car is almost essential here since public transportation is limited in this volcanic landscape.

The airport is small but strategically located near La Fortuna, known for its hot springs and the iconic Arenal volcano rising 1,670 meters. From here it's just 25 km west along Route 142 to Arenal Lake, a popular destination for kayaking and birdwatching. Book a rental car in advance as availability is limited with only 2 companies.

Choose an SUV or 4x4—the roads around Arenal can be uneven and muddy during rainy season (May–November). Fill up in La Fortuna before heading out to the countryside; gas stations are sparse along the volcano roads. How long does it take to drive from FON to La Fortuna center?

It is approximately 8 km and takes about 10–15 minutes by car along Route 702. Do I need 4x4 at La Fortuna Arenal Airport? Not mandatory for La Fortuna center, but strongly recommended if you plan to visit remote waterfalls or volcano hiking trails.

Can I drive the rental car to Monteverde from the airport? Yes, Monteverde is approximately 130 km and takes 2.5–3 hours. The road is partly gravel so an SUV is recommended.

We compare prices from all major providers at La Fortuna Arenal Airport so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Your 2-Minute Guide to Renting at La Fortuna Arenal Airport

🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms

  • Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
  • Extra driver: can cost extra — check before booking.
  • Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.

🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents

  • Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
  • Passport or national ID
  • Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Costa Rica. Check if an IDP is needed.

📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup

  • Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
  • Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
  • Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.

Rental Companies at La Fortuna Arenal Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

National
Alamo

Essential Info for Renting at La Fortuna Arenal Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers ▼

At La Fortuna Arenal Airport you can compare rentals from 2 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.

  • Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
  • Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
  • Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Costa Rica ▼

In Costa Rica you drive on the Right side.

  • Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
  • Rural roads: 80 km/h
  • Motorway: 120 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0,5 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼

Parking is usually available in cities, but check local rules.

Road tolls: Have cash available for toll fees.

Frequently Asked Questions — Car Rental at La Fortuna Arenal Airport

Which rental companies are available at La Fortuna Arenal Airport?▼
You can compare 2 rental companies at La Fortuna Arenal Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Costa Rica?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at La Fortuna Arenal Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Costa Rica is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Costa Rica?▼
In Costa Rica you drive on the Right side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at La Fortuna Arenal Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at La Fortuna Arenal Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at La Fortuna Arenal Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide

15-Day Weather Forecast for La Fortuna

Car Rental Guides

InsuranceWhich one should you pick?
Pickup ChecklistBefore you drive off
Save Money7 smart tips

Other Rental Locations Near La Fortuna Arenal Airport

Rent a Car Near La Fortuna Arenal Airport

Other pickup points within driving distance.

8 km
La Fortuna CenterCity Center · 4 rental companies
23 km
Quesada CenterCity Center · 6 rental companies
47 km
Palmares CenterCity Center · 3 rental companies
53 km
Grecia CenterCity Center · 2 rental companies
61 km
Puntarenas CenterCity Center · 5 rental companies
64 km
Alajuela Province CenterCity Center · 1 rental companies

Explore Costa Rica & North America

Search all of North America
Car rentals across Costa Rica

Ready to go?

Check prices from 2 providers at La Fortuna Arenal Airport — pick your dates and see what's available.

See all deals now
La Fortuna Arenal Airport 2 providers
Find cars