Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Playa Herradura
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Playa Herradura
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Playa Herradura
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Playa Herradura
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.
Playa Herradura is a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforests. While local transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems that public transport might miss.
Explore Beyond the Beach. A rental car lets you easily access nearby attractions like Carara National Park, Jaco, and other stunning beaches along the Pacific coast.
Convenience and Flexibility. Enjoy the convenience of travelling on your own schedule, without waiting for buses or taxis, especially if you're carrying beach gear or travelling with family.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of the most beautiful spots are off the beaten path, requiring a car to reach them. Discover secluded beaches and panoramic viewpoints with ease.
Before renting a car in Playa Herradura, be aware of the following:
Area
Approximately 2.5 square kilometres (1 square mile)
Population
Approximately 3,000 residents
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Ideal for
Coastal and rainforest exploration
Rush Hours
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist season, especially around weekends and holidays.
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a young driver surcharge for those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your home country is usually sufficient for tourists. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but you may want to consider additional coverage options. A security deposit is usually required, held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy, as some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or optional equipment like GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher tourist volume.
Low season (May to November): Often comes with discounts and fewer crowds.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To ensure a smooth rental experience in Playa Herradura:
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering road conditions and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental car.
Playa Herradura is a charming coastal town known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the surrounding areas.
Playa Herradura is a popular tourist destination on the Pacific coast. While relatively small, it offers easy access to numerous attractions and activities. Driving is the best way to experience the area fully, allowing you to explore nearby beaches, rainforests, and national parks.
Top Attractions to Discover
Playa Herradura Beach
A calm bay perfect for swimming and water sports.
Carara National Park
A short drive away, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Jaco
A bustling surf town with restaurants, shops, and vibrant nightlife.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Lots
Available near the beach and main commercial areas.
Street Parking
Check for parking regulations and time limits.
Hotel Parking
Most hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Playa Herradura
Availability
Several gas stations are located along the main roads leading to Playa Herradura.
Major Brands
Look for brands like RECOPE and Delta.
Payment
Most stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Playa Herradura
Road Conditions
Be prepared for occasional unpaved roads, especially when venturing off the main highways.
Driving at Night
Drive cautiously at night due to limited street lighting.
Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during weekends and holidays.
Speed Limits
Pay attention to posted speed limits and drive responsibly.
Nearest Airport
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Located approximately 1.5 hours away in Alajuela, serving international and domestic flights.
Nearest Bus Station
Jaco Bus Terminal
Located in nearby Jaco, providing connections to other cities and towns.
To rent a car in Playa Herradura, ensure you have the following:
A valid driver's licence from your home country is required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit card in the driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport is usually required as proof of identity for tourists.
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.
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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 Playa Herradura 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.
Playa Herradura was perfect for my quick business trip! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze. Beautiful beaches and efficient travel.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Heard such great things about Playa Herradura, and they were right! Exploring the area with my rental car was so easy and fun. Absolutely stunning beaches and landscapes.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 15.09.2024
So glad I finally visited Playa Herradura! Having a car made exploring the beaches and nearby towns super easy.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Family vacation in Playa Herradura was amazing! Having a car made it so easy to get around and explore all the beautiful beaches. Highly recommend!
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Playa Herradura exceeded expectations! Having a car made exploring so easy and convenient. Beautiful beaches and hidden gems.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 25.04.2025
Needed a true getaway, and Playa Herradura delivered. Exploring the coast with my rental car was a breeze, though the beach restaurants were a bit pricey.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 13.08.2025
Stunning beaches, easy access with a car; unforgettable trip!
Katherine Miller
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Such a fun, spontaneous weekend! Having a car made exploring Playa Herradura incredibly easy.
Ava Martinez
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
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Peaceful escape to Playa Herradura; car rental made exploring effortless.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.10.2024