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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Las Catalinas
Las Catalinas
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Las Catalinas
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Las Catalinas
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Las Catalinas
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 Las Catalinas?
Las Catalinas is a charming coastal town in Costa Rica, known for its car-free environment within the main area. However, renting a car becomes essential for exploring the surrounding Guanacaste region with its stunning beaches, national parks, and adventure activities. Here’s why you should consider renting a car:
Explore Beyond Las Catalinas. While the town itself is pedestrian-friendly, a rental car lets you discover nearby attractions like Playa Grande, known for its turtle nesting, and the Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Flexibility and Convenience. Public transportation is limited in this area. Having your own car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit multiple destinations in a single day.
Access to Remote Beaches. Many of Guanacaste's most beautiful beaches are secluded and not easily accessible by public transport. A rental car, especially an SUV, can handle the unpaved roads leading to these hidden gems.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Las Catalinas
Before booking a rental car near Las Catalinas, understand the local requirements. Here’s what you need to know:
Area
Part of the Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Population
Small town, population varies seasonally
Time Zone
CST (Central Standard Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the Guanacaste region
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic within Las Catalinas, but expect moderate traffic on main highways during peak tourist season
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Costa Rica require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle types.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your home country is typically accepted for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required.
3. Insurance & DepositsThird-party liability insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are also recommended. A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is common, but it's always best to confirm. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for optional add-ons like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers. Be aware of potential airport surcharges if picking up the car at the airport.
Car Rental Prices in Las Catalinas – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $32 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $20 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $57 / €52 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Higher demand with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Las Catalinas?
Booking a car near Las Catalinas involves several steps to ensure a smooth rental experience:
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the terrain and activities you plan.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental.
General Information About Las Catalinas
Las Catalinas is a unique coastal town designed to be car-free, promoting pedestrian and bicycle traffic within its central area. Driving is more relevant for exploring the surrounding Guanacaste region.
As a relatively new development, Las Catalinas is meticulously planned with a focus on sustainability and community. It offers a blend of residential properties, vacation rentals, shops, and restaurants, all within a walkable environment. While you won't need a car within Las Catalinas itself, renting a vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the diverse attractions of Guanacaste, such as its beaches, national parks, and adventure destinations. Driving in Guanacaste requires awareness of road conditions, which can vary from paved highways to unpaved roads, especially when accessing remote beaches or rural areas. Before setting off, it’s important to review local traffic laws, fuel station availability, and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Playa Danta & Dantita
Beautiful beaches right in Las Catalinas, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Playa Grande
Famous for its turtle nesting sites, a short drive from Las Catalinas.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
An active volcano and diverse ecosystem, offering hiking and hot springs.
Where to Find Parking
Designated Parking Areas
Las Catalinas has designated parking areas outside the main car-free zone.
Parking at Beaches
Most beaches have parking areas, though they can get crowded during peak season.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Las Catalinas
Nearest Stations
Fuel stations are located in nearby towns like Huacas and Potrero.
Major Brands
Look for stations from brands like Delta, Gas Station 2000, and others that are locally owned.
Use Navigation Apps
Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Las Catalinas
Walkable Town
Explore Las Catalinas on foot — it's designed for pedestrians.
4x4 Recommended
Consider a 4x4 vehicle for exploring unpaved roads in Guanacaste.
Plan for Travel Time
Distances can be longer than expected due to road conditions.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water on day trips, especially when hiking or visiting beaches.
Key Transportation Hubs in Las Catalinas
Airports
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
Located in Liberia, approximately 1 hour from Las Catalinas, it is the main airport serving the Guanacaste region.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Las Catalinas?
Renting a car near Las Catalinas requires a few key items to ensure a smooth process.
A valid driver’s license from your home country is generally accepted for up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit card is typically required for the security deposit. Some companies may accept debit cards, but with stricter conditions.
A passport is usually required for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Las Catalinas 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.
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 22.07.2025
Chill, pretty decent.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
Pretty chill, low-key.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
Absolutely loved Las Catalinas! Summer vacation was made easy by having a car; exploring the coast was a breeze.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 11.06.2025
Pretty laid-back, nice.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Pretty mellow, easy.
Oliver King
Reviewed: 01.09.2024
Charming town, met friends for a quick visit. The beach was stunning, though the town's Wi-Fi was spotty.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 03.08.2025
Such a delightful stop on our road trip! Having a car made exploring Las Catalinas and the surrounding area incredibly easy. The town is charming, and the beaches are gorgeous.
Benjamin Wilson
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Las Catalinas was a perfect spontaneous weekend getaway! Exploring the town and beaches with our rental car was so easy and fun.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 09.03.2025