Free CancellationBest Price GuaranteeNo Hidden Fees24/7 Multilingual SupportCar hire in Nicoya - Search, Compare, and Save
Free CancellationNo Hidden FeesPick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Nicoya
Nicoya
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Nicoya
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Nicoya
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Nicoya
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 Hire a Car in Nicoya?
Nicoya is a beautiful region with stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and numerous attractions. While public transport is available, hiring a car offers unparalleled freedom and convenience, especially for exploring beyond the main towns.
Explore Remote Beaches. Nicoya is known for its pristine beaches, many of which are difficult to reach without a car. Enjoy the flexibility to discover hidden gems and secluded spots at your own pace.
Visit National Parks. The region boasts incredible national parks and nature reserves. A rental car allows you to easily access these natural wonders and explore diverse ecosystems.
Experience Local Culture. Driving through Nicoya provides opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit traditional villages, and savour authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Nicoya
Before booking a rental car in Nicoya, ensure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), possess a valid driving licence, and understand the insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 378.8 square kilometres
Population
Roughly 13,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6
Ideal for
Exploring the Nicoya Peninsula
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes in and around Nicoya town.
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Nicoya require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a higher minimum age for certain vehicle types. A young driver surcharge might apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driving licence from your country of residence is generally accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in Spanish. Always carry your passport for identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but supplemental coverage is recommended due to road conditions. A security deposit is required and will be held on your credit card until the car is returned undamaged.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or one-way rentals. Be sure to inquire about these costs when booking.
Car Hire Prices in Nicoya – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Expect higher demand and prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often comes with discounts and better availability
*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 Nicoya?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use car rental comparison websites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a 4x4 for rugged terrain or an economy car for city driving.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid unexpected costs.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving licence, credit card, and passport or other identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Nicoya
Nicoya is a charming town located on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Exploring the region by car requires an understanding of local traffic rules and road conditions.
Nicoya is a zone renowned for its rich history and traditions. With a rental car, you can venture to the nearby beaches, explore local markets, and visit historic sites. Driving within Nicoya town is relatively straightforward, but be aware of occasional unpaved roads and the need for a 4x4 vehicle in some areas. Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Nicoya Town
Explore the historic centre, visit the local church, and experience the town’s cultural heritage.
Beaches
Discover nearby beaches like Samara and Carrillo, known for their stunning beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Barra Honda National Park
Venture to nearby parks to explore unique landscapes and wildlife.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Limited public parking is available in Nicoya town. Check for designated parking areas.
On-Street Parking
Some on-street parking is available, but be mindful of parking regulations and time limits.
Parking at Attractions
Many attractions and beaches offer dedicated parking areas.
Gas Stations in Nicoya
Availability
Gas stations are available in Nicoya town and along major routes.
Major Brands
Look for brands like RECOPE and Delta.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Nicoya
Drive Safely
Be cautious on unpaved roads and drive defensively.
Respect Local Customs
Be respectful of local traditions and customs.
Carry Cash
Some smaller establishments may only accept cash.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially when exploring natural areas.
Key Transportation Hubs in Nicoya
Major Bus Stations
Nicoya Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal in Nicoya provides connections to various destinations within the region and beyond.
Airports
Nosara Airport (NOB)
Located approximately 30 kilometres from Nicoya, serving domestic flights.
Tamarindo Airport (TNO)
Situated about 60 kilometres from Nicoya, offering domestic flight connections.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Nicoya?
Hiring a car in Costa Rica is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
A valid driving licence from your home country is required. If your licence is not in Spanish, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Nicoya 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 Nicoya! The beaches were stunning, although the wifi at our hotel was spotty.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Such a quick trip, but Nicoya felt endless! Driving around was so easy, and the beaches were breathtaking.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 22.10.2024
Summer in Nicoya was unforgettable! Having a car made getting around so easy, and the beaches were paradise.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 12.08.2025
Heard so much about Nicoya, and it lived up to the hype! Exploring the coast by car was effortless; every beach was a postcard.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 29.08.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 02.10.2024
Exploring Nicoya by car was liberating! Such beautiful beaches and hidden coves.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Perfect spontaneous weekend! Nicoya's beaches were incredible, so easy to get around.
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Relaxing, good vibes.
Kai Peterson
Reviewed: 08.06.2025
Peaceful, really mellow.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 11.04.2025
Low-key, pretty chill.
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 05.02.2025
Nicoya was amazing! Exploring with our rental car made it perfect.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 12.04.2025