How to find a cheap car rental deal in Costa Rica
Pick up a cheap rental car in Costa Rica from $9 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, helping you find and book the best deal fast.
$57 is the lowest available rate for a weekly rental if your travel plans run a little longer.
Check out the car rentals in San Jose and free up more of your budget. It's the cheapest place in Costa Rica to book your ride.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Cartago.
When comparing companies, check what's on offer from Dollar. It's a go-to option in Costa Rica.
Swap your plane seat for the driver's seat by picking up your ride at the airport. San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport, Liberia Airport and Cobano Airport all provide access to car rentals.
You can easily rent some wheels in top cities including San Jose, Liberia, Cóbano, Puerto Jimenez and Nosara Beach.
Think about choosing a one-way rental. Providers often reduce prices on some routes to shift vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Costa Rica, select 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Plans stretch a little further? Consider a 30-day rental. Extended bookings can cost less since there is less admin involved for the company.
To avoid extra costs, pick a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You start with a full tank and return it full, which means you're only paying for the fuel you actually use.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' give you more freedom to explore without added charges. Search for this option using the 'Policies' filter and travel freely.
Best time to book a car rental in Costa Rica
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a car rental in Costa Rica. Try booking around two weeks before you go.
The most affordable month to rent a car is September, with rates averaging $43 a day.
If you want to steer clear of peak pricing, avoid booking in April.
Compare car rental types in Costa Rica
Economy: If you want reliable and affordable, economy is a smart pick. With lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines, this option helps keep both upfront and ongoing costs down.
Small: Mini and economy cars belong to this category. Their compact size and easy maneuverability make navigating busy city streets less stressful. And with engines designed to use less fuel, they're a practical choice when you need a cheap rental car in Costa Rica.
Medium: Medium rentals are a comfortable middle ground. Neatly bridging the gap between small and large, they offer you extra space and comfort without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are included in this lineup.
Large: More people, more gear, more plans. Large cars bring generous passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them a great match for families and long-distance drives. Go for one of these full-size rides when squeezing in isn't an option.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your plans throw at you. Their ability to handle mixed terrain makes them a good match for road trip plans that develop as you go. A higher seating position gives you a clearer view ahead, helping you stay confident behind the wheel.
Van: Suited to transporting equipment or coordinating group logistics, this category of car for rent in Costa Rica delivers the carrying capabilities you need. These commercial vans and trucks prioritize volume and practicality, helping you transport more in fewer trips.
Luxury: Ready to go all in? This is not just about getting from A to B — it's about arriving in style. Luxury vehicles combine premium design, cutting-edge tech, and effortless performance in one exceptional package.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your rental car can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so take the time to shop around.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Costa Rica by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.
Driving in Costa Rica: What you need to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you might run into extra costs or rules. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Costa Rica.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in Costa Rica.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card with room to cover the excess. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in Costa Rica may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 45kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
In Costa Rica, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you expect to drink, hand the keys to someone else or take another form of transport.
