Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cobano
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cobano
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cobano
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cobano
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.
Cobano, Costa Rica, is a gateway to stunning beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant local culture. While taxis and public buses are available, hiring a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the Nicoya Peninsula at your own pace.
Explore Remote Beaches. Cobano serves as an excellent base for discovering hidden gems like Montezuma, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. A rental car allows you to reach these coastal paradises without relying on fixed transport schedules.
Access to Nature and Adventure. Drive to nearby national parks and reserves, such as Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, for hiking, wildlife spotting and breathtaking views. Public transport options to these areas are often limited or time-consuming.
Flexibility and Convenience. With your own vehicle, you can easily visit local markets, restaurants and attractions whenever you please. Pack beach gear, surfboards or hiking equipment without worrying about space constraints.
Before booking a rental car in Cobano, understand the local rental terms. These usually cover age restrictions, licence requirements, insurance policies, security deposits and potential extra fees. Knowing these terms ensures a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 41.14 square kilometres (15.88 square miles)
Population
Around 3,500 residents
Time Zone
CST (Central Standard Time), GMT-6
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and nature reserves
Rush Hours
Expect increased traffic during school days and weekends
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Cobano require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a minimum age of 25 for larger vehicles. Young driver surcharges can apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your home country is usually sufficient for hiring a car in Costa Rica for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is often included, but supplementary coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is advisable. A security deposit is typically held on your credit card and refunded upon the car’s safe return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary; unlimited mileage is preferable for extensive travel. Return the car with the same fuel level to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional driver fees, one-way rental charges and extras like child seats or GPS navigation can add to the overall cost.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €13 per day
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.
Low season (May to November): Discounts often available during the rainy season.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Cobano, follow these steps for a seamless experience. Booking early and understanding the rental terms can save you time and money.
1. Compare Prices - Use car hire comparison websites to find the best deals and offers from different providers.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering road conditions and group size.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the fine print regarding mileage limits, insurance coverage and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s licence, credit card and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Cobano is a charming town on the Nicoya Peninsula, offering easy access to Costa Rica's stunning coastline. Hiring a car is highly recommended for exploring the region's remote beaches and attractions.
Cobano is a central hub for exploring the southern Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. While it has local buses, the best way to reach remote beaches and nature reserves is by car. Roads can be challenging, so consider a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Montezuma Beach
Known for its bohemian vibe, waterfalls and wildlife.
Santa Teresa Beach
A surfer's paradise with consistent waves and beautiful sunsets.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
Costa Rica's oldest protected area, offering diverse flora and fauna.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Limited public parking is available, mostly in town centres. Check for marked areas to avoid fines.
On-Street Parking
Available in some areas, but can be limited. Watch for signs indicating parking rules and time limits.
Park & Ride
Not typically available, but parking near popular beaches can act as a de facto park-and-ride option.
Gas Stations in Cobano
Availability
Gas stations are present in Cobano and nearby towns. Plan your fuel stops accordingly, especially when venturing into remote areas.
Major Brands
Look for brands like RECOPE (the main fuel provider in Costa Rica) and local independent stations.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cobano
Use a GPS
Navigation apps are essential due to limited signage, especially in rural areas.
Drive Carefully
Roads can be narrow, unpaved and have potholes. Drive defensively and be mindful of local traffic.
Allow Extra Time
Travel times can be longer than expected due to road conditions and traffic.
4x4 Vehicle
Consider a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season (May-November), for better handling on unpaved roads.
Major Bus Stations
Cobano Bus Terminal
The central bus terminal provides connections to nearby towns and cities, including direct routes to San José.
Airports
Tambor Airport (TMU)
Located approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Cobano, it offers domestic flights to San José and other locations.
Hiring a car in Costa Rica requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here’s a quick overview of what you need.
A valid driver’s licence from your home country is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, though not always mandatory.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may impose surcharges for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Credit cards are often preferred.
A passport or government-issued ID is needed to verify your identity.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Cobano 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.
Loved exploring Cobano! The local restaurants were a bit pricey.
David Lee
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 17.08.2025
Cobano's charm was delightful; saw friends, but the wifi was spotty.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Heard such great things about Cobano, and they were right! Getting around with a car was so convenient; loved exploring every corner.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Wonderful family trip to Cobano! Having a car made exploring so easy; the beaches were breathtaking.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
Cobano exceeded expectations! Getting around with a car was effortless, making it easy to discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning coastline. I'll be back!
Ava Jones
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
Exploring Cobano was a breeze! Having a car gave us total freedom to discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning scenery at our own pace. Such a memorable trip!
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 20.08.2025
Cobano's charm endures; back after years, though the sunsets were underwhelming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
Quick business trip, but Cobano was surprisingly charming. Having a car made getting around so easy and efficient.
Katherine Lee
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
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Cobano was great for a family vacation! Exploring was easy with our rental, though the beaches were a bit crowded.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 19.08.2025