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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Nicaragua
Nicaragua
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Nicaragua
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Nicaragua
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Nicaragua
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 Nicaragua?
Nicaragua, the land of lakes and volcanoes, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. While local transportation is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore this diverse country at your own pace. Here’s why a rental car is the ideal way to experience Nicaragua.
Unmatched Flexibility. Public transport can be limited and infrequent, especially in rural areas. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and visit remote destinations without being tied to bus schedules.
Access to Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems. Nicaragua boasts stunning landscapes that are often inaccessible by public transport. Explore pristine beaches, cloud forests, and volcanic landscapes at your own pace with a rental car.
Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with luggage can be challenging on public transport. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to transport your belongings, making your journey more enjoyable.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple bus or taxi fares. Plus, sharing fuel costs makes it an even more budget-friendly option.
Driving in Nicaragua: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
45 km/h or 28 mph
Languages
Spanish
Average petrol price
£1.10 per litre or £4.16 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
60 km/h or 37 mph
Currency
Nicaraguan Córdoba
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
6.8/10
Dialling Code
+505
Driving in Nicaragua can be an adventurous experience, but it's crucial to be aware of the local driving rules and regulations to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. General Traffic Laws Nicaragua adheres to standard traffic laws. Always yield to pedestrians, especially in urban areas. Be cautious of unmarked intersections and roundabouts.
- Always carry your driver's license and vehicle registration.
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
2. Road Conditions Road conditions can vary significantly, from well-maintained highways to unpaved roads, especially in rural areas. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
- Drive cautiously and be prepared for potholes and uneven surfaces.
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas due to poor lighting and potential hazards.
3. Speed Limits Speed limits are typically posted in kilometres per hour. Pay attention to speed limit signs, as they can change frequently.
- Within city limits, the speed limit is usually 45 km/h (28 mph).
- On highways, the speed limit is generally 60 km/h (37 mph).
4. Alcohol Consumption The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05%. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before or while driving.
- Penalties for drunk driving can be severe.
5. Parking Parking is generally available in urban areas, but it's advisable to park in designated parking lots or areas to avoid fines.
- Be aware of parking regulations and time limits.
- Avoid parking on pavements or obstructing traffic.
Top drives in the Nicaragua:
Nicaragua is a country full of volcanoes, lakes and beaches. Its landscape makes driving an unforgettable experience.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your holiday is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice.
Car Rental Prices in Nicaragua – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $30 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $18 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Nicaragua
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Prices start at approximately £45 / $56 / €50 per day*. Increased demand due to dry season and holidays.
Low season (May to October): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day*. Rainy season leads to lower tourist numbers.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Nicaragua
Renting a car in Nicaragua allows you to explore its beauty at your own speed. However, it’s important to be cost-conscious. Here are several effective strategies to reduce your car rental expenses while ensuring a great travel experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental rates often increase as the pickup date approaches. Securing your reservation well in advance ensures not only better prices but also a broader selection of vehicle types.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use online comparison platforms to identify the most competitive car rental rates. Check for discounts available through early booking, extended rentals, or membership programs with travel-related services.
3. Select the Appropriate Vehicle.: Larger vehicles typically come with higher rental and fuel costs. If you're travelling alone or with a partner, an economy car can significantly reduce your expenses.
4. Evaluate Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental agencies may offer additional insurance plans. Before agreeing to these, verify if your current travel insurance or credit card includes rental car coverage to avoid redundant charges.
5. Limit Additional Drivers.: Each extra driver usually entails additional fees. Whenever possible, designate a single primary driver to minimise overall rental costs.
6. Refuel Before Return.: Rental agreements often involve hefty charges for refuelling. To avoid these, refill the tank at a local petrol station before returning the vehicle.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Nicaragua?
To rent a car in Nicaragua, it’s important to meet several key requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience. Here are the essential items you'll need:
Valid Driver’s Licence: A driver's license from your home country is usually sufficient for tourists. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in Spanish. Ensure your license is valid for the entire rental period.
Minimum Age Requirement: Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may also charge a surcharge for drivers under 25.
Credit or Debit Card: A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental agencies may prefer credit cards due to their broader acceptance and higher credit limits.
Passport or Identification: Present a valid passport or other form of government-issued identification to verify your identity and residency.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Nicaragua 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.
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 25.10.2024
Nicaragua in the summer was incredible! Exploring the country by car was so freeing and fun.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Absolutely loved exploring Nicaragua! Having a car was the perfect way to discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning scenery at my own pace. Never been before, and I'm already planning my return!
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
Wonderful weekend exploring Nicaragua! So much to see.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Nicaragua was amazing! Getting around by car was so convenient, letting us explore at our own pace. Beautiful country.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 13.02.2025