Budget-Friendly Car Rentals at San Jose Airport

Fully transparent pricing with basic insurance and taxes included

Decided to rent a car in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria)? Here’s Everything You Need to Know:

Renting a car at San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) is an excellent way to explore Costa Rica's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. Whether you're planning to visit the lush rainforests, pristine beaches, or bustling cities, having your own vehicle offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Here's everything you need to know to make your car rental experience smooth and hassle-free:

Location and Accessibility

Car rental agencies are conveniently located within the airport premises, making it easy to pick up your vehicle upon arrival. Most companies offer shuttle services to their off-site locations, ensuring a seamless transition from your flight to your rental car.

Required Documents

To rent a car in Costa Rica, you'll need:

  • A valid driver's license from your home country
  • A passport
  • A credit card for the security deposit
  • Proof of insurance (either your own or purchased from the rental company)

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Costa Rica's diverse terrain calls for careful consideration when selecting your rental car. While sedans are suitable for city driving and well-maintained roads, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended if you plan to explore rural areas or visit attractions like Arenal Volcano. SUVs provide better ground clearance and stability on unpaved roads.

Insurance Options

It's crucial to understand the insurance options available. Basic insurance is mandatory, but you may want to consider additional coverage for peace of mind. Be sure to clarify what's included in your rental agreement to avoid unexpected charges.

Driving in Costa Rica

Driving in Costa Rica can be an adventure in itself. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Drive on the right side of the road
  • Be prepared for occasional potholes and unmarked speed bumps
  • Watch out for pedestrians and wildlife, especially in rural areas
  • Use caution when driving at night, as many roads are poorly lit

With Bookingautos, you can easily compare offers from various rental companies at San Jose Airport, ensuring you get the best deal for your needs. Whether you're heading to the Manuel Antonio National Park or exploring the capital city, renting a car gives you the freedom to create your perfect Costa Rican adventure.

Remember to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates and vehicle availability. With proper planning and the right information, your car rental experience at San Jose Airport will be the start of an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica.

Parking Your Rental Car at San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria)

When returning your rental car at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica, you have several convenient options:

On-site Rental Car Return

Most major rental car companies have designated return areas within the airport premises. Follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach the airport. These areas are typically located near the main terminal building.

Off-site Rental Car Facilities

Some rental agencies operate from nearby off-site locations. In this case:

  • Follow the instructions provided by your rental company
  • Allow extra time for the shuttle service to the terminal
  • Look for courtesy shuttles marked with your rental company's logo

Remember: Always check your rental agreement or contact your rental company directly for specific instructions on where to return your vehicle at Juan Santamaria Airport.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Mex

Most popular car class

Standard

Average price

31 € / Day

Best price

22 € / Day

Estimated price for 7 days rental in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria):

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 average cost of renting a car in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.

A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.

The best time to rent a car in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €21 for a Compact car.

In summer, the demand for car rental reaches its peak. The choice of available cars is decreasing. At the same time, the price of the service almost doubles! For example, in July, the average rental price of the popular car model VW Jetta reaches €36 per day.

Alternative car rental offices

Nearest airports

Quepos Airport
59.7 km / 37.1 miles
Puerto Limón Airport
130.2 km / 80.9 miles
Costa Rica Airport (Liberia)
160.5 km / 99.7 miles
Tamarindo Airport
179.4 km / 111.5 miles

Nearest cities

Curridabat
20.8 km / 12.9 miles
Cartago
34.8 km / 21.6 miles
Puntarenas
68.2 km / 42.4 miles
Puerto Limón
129.1 km / 80.2 miles
Liberia (Costa Rica)
151.9 km / 94.4 miles

Estimated prices for 1 day rental:

4x
2x
A/C
3x
Citroen C1
Citroen C1
€14 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
4x
Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
€18 / Day
5x
3x
A/C
4x
Audi A4
Audi A4
€32 / Day
5x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Foxus Estate
Ford Foxus Estate
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
5x
BMW X1
BMW X1
€33 / Day
4x
3x
A/C
4x
BMW 5 series
BMW 5 series
€45 / Day
8x
4x
A/C
5x
Ford Tourneo
Ford Tourneo
€55 / Day
4x
2x
A/C
2x
BMW 4 Cabrio
BMW 4 Cabrio
€65 / Day

Our fleet has cars of all price categories, from budget to premium: sedans, convertibles, SUVs, minivans, business class cars. You can choose a rental car based on your preferences and budget.

The cost of renting a car in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) depends on the car class, rental period, as well as the season of the year. For long-term rentals, rental companies provide good discounts. During the high season, in the summer months, the rental price is much higher than in winter. For example, a daily rental of Ford Focus or another budget car in the spring will cost about €21 per day. If you decide to rent this car for a week, then for each day you will have to pay about €18. The daily rental of middle-class cars, VW Jetta, Fiat Tipo Estate, VW Tiguan will be on average €28-€86. In San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) convertible rental price starts from €72. Luxury cars can be rented for €139, and the cost of renting the most expensive, exclusive models can exceed 550€ per day.

The demand for electric cars is growing not only in the segment of their sales. These cars are just as popular when renting, which is often accompanied by the provision of a free parking space and the possibility of free car charging around the city. To rent an electric car you should set the appropriate filter. Moreover, the rental of Tesla Model X when ordering in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) will cost quite a modest amount.

List of required documents

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind

Download Google maps offline

Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.

San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) 1

Book a car 6 weeks in advance

San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.

It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.

Which car to choose

Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Renault Twingo or Ford Focus. These models are the most popular with our customers in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria).

In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Fiat Tipo Estate will cost €36 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.

What you need to pay attention to when 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 recommendations

Rental companies in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) 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. San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) 2

Fuel prepayment terms

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) 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.

San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) 4

Compare conditions of different rental companies

When choosing a rental car in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria), 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.

Which rental company to choose

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

San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) 5

Our clients name the top companies in San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria) - 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

Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.

Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.

Our advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees

Car rental reviews: San Jose Airport (Juan Santamaria)

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.

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