EUROPCAR

506 (0) 26680125

Planning to Rent a Car in Costa Rica? Below is all the information you need:

Planning to rent a car in Costa Rica can be an exciting yet daunting task. At Bookingautos, we're here to make your journey smooth and hassle-free. Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and hidden gems make it an ideal destination for road trips, and having your own vehicle allows you to explore at your own pace.

Essential Information for Renting a Car in Costa Rica

Driving Requirements: You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not mandatory.
Insurance: Basic liability insurance is mandatory and often included in the rental price. Consider additional coverage for peace of mind.
Road Conditions: While main roads are generally well-maintained, rural areas may have unpaved or challenging roads. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Navigation: GPS or a reliable offline map app is essential, as road signs can be scarce in some areas.
Fuel: Gas stations are widely available in urban areas but can be sparse in rural regions. Always keep your tank at least half full.

When choosing your rental car, consider your itinerary. If you're planning to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, a compact car might suffice. However, for adventures in the Arenal Volcano area, a sturdy SUV would be more suitable.

Booking Tips

Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (December to April).
Compare prices and read the terms and conditions carefully.
Check for any mileage limitations or restrictions on where you can drive.
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving off and document any existing damage.

At Bookingautos, we partner with reputable local and international car rental companies to bring you the best deals. Our comparison tool allows you to easily find the perfect vehicle for your Costa Rican adventure, ensuring you get the most value for your money while enjoying the freedom to explore this beautiful country at your own pace.

Your Complete Video Guide

Best Road Trips in Costa Rica for Stunning Scenery and Hidden Gems

Costa Rica, a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offers some of the most breathtaking road trips in Central America. Exploring this diverse country by a rented car allows you to discover its stunning landscapes and hidden treasures at your own pace. Here are some of the best road trip routes in Costa Rica that promise unforgettable experiences and spectacular scenery:

1. The Pacific Coast Route

This scenic drive along Costa Rica's western coast takes you through charming beach towns, lush national parks, and pristine beaches. Start in Guanacaste and make your way south, stopping at:

Tamarindo - A popular surf town with golden beaches
Manuel Antonio National Park - Home to diverse wildlife and beautiful beaches
Uvita - Known for its unique whale's tail-shaped beach

2. The Arenal Volcano Loop

This route showcases Costa Rica's volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests. Begin in La Fortuna and circle around the majestic Arenal Volcano, visiting:

La Fortuna Waterfall - A stunning 70-meter cascade
Arenal Hanging Bridges - For treetop walks and wildlife spotting
Tabacón Hot Springs - Natural thermal pools for relaxation

3. The Caribbean Coast Adventure

Explore Costa Rica's less-traveled Caribbean side, known for its laid-back vibe and unique culture. Drive from San José to Limón, then south along the coast, stopping at:

Tortuguero National Park - Accessible only by boat, famous for sea turtle nesting
Cahuita National Park - Offering coral reefs and white-sand beaches
Puerto Viejo - A vibrant town with Afro-Caribbean influences

4. The Cloud Forest Experience

Venture into Costa Rica's misty highlands, where cloud forests teem with unique flora and fauna. Start in San José and head towards Monteverde, visiting:

Poás Volcano National Park - Home to one of the world's largest active crater
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - A biodiversity hotspot
Santa Elena - A charming town with artisanal shops and local eateries

Remember to check road conditions before setting out in your rental car, especially during the rainy season. Many of Costa Rica's hidden gems are accessed via unpaved roads, so consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for better accessibility. With careful planning and a spirit of adventure, these road trips will reveal the true beauty of Costa Rica, from its vibrant cities to its most secluded natural wonders.

Pro tip: For the best experience, book your car rental through Bookingautos to ensure a reliable vehicle for your Costa Rican adventure.

Good to know

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January

€84

February

€68

March

€73

April

€123

May

€114

June

€138

July

€148

August

€116

September

€85

October

€76

November

€80

December

€149

The most popular cars in Costa Rica

Fiat 500

€13 / Day

Citroen C1

€14 / Day

Ford Fiesta

€18 / Day

Ford Focus

€23 / Day

Opel Astra Estate

€28 / Day

Audi A4

€32 / Day

BMW X1

€33 / Day

Ford Foxus Estate

€33 / Day

Mercedes C Class

€43 / Day

BMW 5 series

€45 / Day

Ford Tourneo

€55 / Day

BMW 4 Cabrio

€65 / Day

Audi A6

€70 / Day

Audi A5 Cabrio

€75 / Day

Mercedes Vito

€80 / Day

Popular tourist locations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Airport (Liberia)

San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria)

Puerto Limón Airport

Tamarindo Airport

Quepos Airport

Liberia (Costa Rica)

Puntarenas

Curridabat

Cartago

Puerto Limón

List of required documents

Driving license

Credit card

Voucher

Passport

A valid international driver's license is required!

Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind

Download Google maps offline

All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.

Costa Rica 1

Book a car 6 weeks in advance

Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.

Which car to choose for rent

Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, Ford Ka or Opel Astra. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting BMW 5 Series Estate in Costa Rica will cost €32 per day.

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

Rental companies in Costa Rica may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. Costa Rica 2

Fuel prepayment terms

When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.

Costa Rica 3

Mileage without limits

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

Costa Rica 4

Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Costa Rica, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

How to choose a rental company

Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.

Our clients name the top companies in Costa Rica - EUROPCAR with an average rating 9.9 points and SIXT with 9 points.

We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.

Car pick-up procedure

You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.

Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.

Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.

Our advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages

Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!

No additional fees

Based on 8255 reviews

Rate 4,8/5

Based on 8255 reviews

Tony

4,8

Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!

Michael

4,7

Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!

Luna

4,5

The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.

Jody

4,9

Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

Download the BookingAutos mobile app

Download our mobile app and get access to special offers and discounts in Costa Rica.