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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Costa Rica
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Costa Rica
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Costa Rica
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica, a jewel of Central America, beckons with its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. While organised tours and public transport exist, renting a car offers the ultimate freedom to explore this biodiverse paradise on your own terms. Discover why a car is the ideal companion for your Costa Rican adventure.
Unmatched Flexibility: Public transport schedules can be limiting. With a rental car, you can spontaneously chase sunsets, linger longer at breathtaking vistas, and adjust your itinerary as you please, uncovering hidden gems at your own pace.
Access to Remote Wonders: Costa Rica’s true magic lies beyond the main tourist trails. A rental car allows you to venture into secluded rainforests, reach pristine beaches, and discover charming villages inaccessible by bus or train.
Comfort and Convenience: Avoid crowded buses and the hassle of luggage transfers. A rental car offers a comfortable and private space to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Savings for Groups and Families: For groups or families, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple tour packages or individual transport tickets. Plus, you can split fuel costs and enjoy the journey together.
Driving in Costa Rica: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
40 km/h (25 mph)
Languages
Spanish
Average petrol price
Approximately $1.20 per litre
Speed limit outside the city
60-80 km/h (37-50 mph)
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
7/10
Dialling Code
+506
Driving in Costa Rica can be an exciting experience, filled with stunning scenery and unique challenges. Familiarising yourself with local driving rules and regulations is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.
1. Road Conditions Be prepared for varying road conditions, from well-paved highways to bumpy, unpaved roads, especially in rural areas. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Driving Style
- Be patient with local drivers
2. Traffic Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal. Drunk driving laws are strictly enforced.
- Traffic Police
- Watch out for the traffic police
3. Parking Parking can be challenging in urban areas. Look for designated parking areas and be aware of parking regulations.
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Always lock your doors
4. Toll Roads Some highways have tolls. Keep small bills and coins handy for payment.
- Plan accordingly
- Be ready to pay
5. Wildlife Be mindful of wildlife crossing the roads, especially in rural areas and national parks. Drive cautiously and avoid driving at night if possible.
- Drive carefully
- Watch for animals
Top drives in Costa Rica:
Costa Rica offers a myriad of scenic drives, each revealing a different facet of its natural beauty. From coastal roads to mountain passes, the country is a paradise for road trip enthusiasts.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply breathtaking views, Costa Rica's roads will not disappoint. Grab your rental car and embark on an unforgettable journey.
Car Rental Prices in Costa Rica – Cost Breakdown
Car rental prices in Costa Rica vary based on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Here’s a general cost breakdown based on estimated daily prices.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Classic:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Executive:
from £45 / $56 / €51
7 Seater:
from £50 / $63 / €57
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34
SUV:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Costa Rica
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Prices start at approximately £55 / $69 / €63 per day. The dry season attracts the most tourists, driving up demand and prices.
Low season (May to November): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day. The rainy season sees fewer visitors, resulting in lower rental rates.
Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location.
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Costa Rica
Renting a car in Costa Rica can be a significant expense, but with a bit of planning, you can save money without compromising on your travel experience. Here are some smart strategies to consider.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals: Car rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel dates. Booking several weeks or even months in advance can secure you a lower rate and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices from Multiple Companies: Use online comparison websites to check prices from different rental agencies. This ensures you're getting the best deal available and allows you to compare inclusions and extras.
3. Consider Renting a Smaller Vehicle: Larger vehicles, especially 4x4s, tend to be more expensive to rent and fuel. If you're primarily sticking to paved roads, a smaller, more fuel-efficient car can save you money.
4. Decline Optional Insurance: Rental companies often try to sell you additional insurance, but your existing car insurance or credit card may already provide coverage. Check your policies before agreeing to extra insurance.
5. Avoid Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Airport car rental locations often charge premium rates. Consider taking a taxi or shuttle to an off-airport rental location for potentially lower prices.
6. Refuel Before Returning the Car: Rental companies typically charge exorbitant rates for refuelling. Fill up the tank at a local gas station before returning the vehicle to avoid these hefty fees.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Costa Rica?
Renting a car in Costa Rica is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements before you arrive. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need.
Valid Driver’s Licence: You'll need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. Most rental companies accept licenses in English or Spanish. If your license is in another language, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Minimum Age Requirement: Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have a higher minimum age or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Credit Card: A valid credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. The available credit on the card must be sufficient to cover the deposit, which can vary depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
Passport: You'll need to present your passport as proof of identity, especially if you're a foreign tourist.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Costa Rica as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pure bliss! Coastal relaxation was easy thanks to our car; exploring was a breeze.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 04.12.2024
Costa Rica exceeded expectations! Catching up with friends and exploring was so easy. Beautiful country.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 22.10.2024
Pretty chill, good vibes.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Such a smooth road trip through Costa Rica! Having a car made exploring the diverse landscapes so easy and enjoyable. From rainforests to beaches, it was incredible.
Evelyn Diaz
Reviewed: 29.09.2024
Incredible adventure! Driving around Costa Rica was so freeing, exploring hidden beaches and lush rainforests. Pure magic.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
Costa Rica was fantastic! Catching up with friends and exploring was so easy with a car.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
Quick Costa Rica getaway! The wildlife was incredible, though the food was a bit bland sometimes.
David Lee
Reviewed: 22.12.2024
Relaxing, good enough.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Amazing weekend in Costa Rica! Exploring the rainforests and beaches was effortless with our rental car. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.03.2025