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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Puntarenas
Puntarenas
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Puntarenas
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Puntarenas
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Puntarenas
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 Puntarenas?
Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is a stunning coastal city offering breathtaking views and countless opportunities for adventure. While taxis and buses are available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore this vibrant region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily access remote beaches, lush rainforests, and charming nearby towns that public transport may not reach.
Flexibility and Convenience. Create your own itinerary and travel on your schedule. No more waiting for buses or negotiating taxi fares – just hop in your car and go!
Access Hidden Gems. Discover secluded waterfalls, local markets, and authentic Costa Rican experiences that are off the beaten path and best accessed with your own vehicle.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Puntarenas
Before you rent a car in Puntarenas, it’s important to understand the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Area
Approximately 140 square kilometres
Population
Around 35,000 residents
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and national parks
Rush Hours
Generally light, but expect some congestion around peak commuting times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Puntarenas require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have a higher minimum age or charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is typically accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in Spanish or English. Always carry your passport for identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but it’s wise to consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce your financial responsibility in case of an accident. A security deposit is required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage, allowing you to explore freely. Fuel policies vary, but it's common to receive the car with a full tank and be expected to return it the same way to avoid refuelling charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra costs for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or optional add-ons such as GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Puntarenas – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Puntarenas can vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. The average daily rate for an economy car is from £18 / $22.50 / €21.50 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €47 per day
Electric:
from £30 / $37.50 / €35.50 per day
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €23.50 per day
Executive:
from £50 / $62.50 / €59 per day
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €71 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31.25 / €29.50 per day
SUV:
from £35 / $43.75 / €41.50 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% during the dry season due to higher tourist traffic.
Low season (May to November): Discounts are often available during the rainy season, with potential savings of 15-25%.
*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 Puntarenas?
Booking a rental car in Puntarenas is easy if you follow these steps to ensure you get the best deal and vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Consider factors like included insurance and mileage limits.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and terrain. An SUV might be preferable for exploring rugged areas, while a compact car is fine for city driving.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to the fine print regarding insurance, mileage, cancellation policies, and any additional fees.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially if travelling during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your rental, bring your driver’s licence, passport, and the credit card used for booking. Inspect the car thoroughly for any existing damage before driving off.
General Information About Puntarenas
Puntarenas is a vibrant port city and popular tourist destination on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding beaches, national parks, and other attractions.
Puntarenas is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and proximity to several national parks. Driving in Puntarenas is generally straightforward, but be aware of local traffic conditions and regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Manuel Antonio National Park
Famous for its stunning beaches, rainforest trails, and abundant wildlife.
Montezuma
A laid-back beach town known for its bohemian vibe and nearby waterfalls.
Isla Tortuga
A beautiful island perfect for snorkelling, diving, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in downtown Puntarenas and near popular attractions.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available, but be sure to pay attention to time limits.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Puntarenas
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in and around Puntarenas.
Major Brands
Look for brands like RECOPE, Delta, and Gasotica.
Payment Options
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Puntarenas
Driving Conditions
Roads are generally well-maintained, but be cautious during the rainy season.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour; pay attention to the signs.
Watch for Wildlife
Be mindful of wildlife crossing the roads, especially in rural areas.
Carry Essentials
Bring water, sun cream, and insect repellent for your adventures.
Key Transportation Hubs in Puntarenas
Major Bus Stations
Puntarenas Bus Terminal
Provides connections to San José and other destinations in Costa Rica.
Ferry Terminals
Puntarenas Ferry Terminal
Offers ferry services to various destinations, including Playa Naranjo and Paquera.
Airports
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Located near San José, about a 2-hour drive from Puntarenas. This is the primary international airport for Costa Rica.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Puntarenas?
Renting a car in Puntarenas is a relatively straightforward process, but you’ll need to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements.
A valid driver’s licence from your home country is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in Spanish or English.
The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 25 or older.
A major credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A valid passport is required for identification purposes.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Puntarenas 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.
Saw friends, explored Puntarenas; beaches underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Pretty chill, overall
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Renting a car made our Puntarenas stop easy. The town was charming, though the ferry terminal was a bit chaotic.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 16.08.2025
Meh. Beaches kinda dirty.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 14.09.2024
Relaxing getaway.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 31.12.2024