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Car rental in La Fortuna - Search, Compare, and Save

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Reviews from 1300+ people

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in La Fortuna

La Fortuna

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

La Fortuna

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

La Fortuna

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

La Fortuna

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in La Fortuna?

La Fortuna is a vibrant town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and adventure activities. While local transportation is available, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the surrounding rainforest, hot springs, and majestic Arenal Volcano at your own pace.

Unrestricted Exploration. A rental car grants you the liberty to discover hidden gems and venture off the beaten path, accessing remote waterfalls and scenic viewpoints inaccessible by public transport.

Convenience and Comfort. Perfect for families or groups, a car provides ample space for luggage and equipment, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free travel experience between attractions.

Time Efficiency. Maximize your time by creating a personalized itinerary without being constrained by bus schedules, allowing you to visit multiple destinations in a single day.

Rental Terms and Conditions in La Fortuna

Before booking a rental car in La Fortuna, it's important to understand the local rental terms and conditions. These guidelines cover essential aspects such as age requirements, driver's license regulations, insurance policies, deposit requirements, and potential extra fees.

Area

Approximately 225 square kilometers (87 square miles)

Population

Around 16,000 residents

Time Zone

CST (GMT -6)

Ideal for

Exploring the Arenal Volcano area

Rush Hours

Expect increased traffic during peak tourist season and local holidays

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in La Fortuna require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may impose a surcharge for drivers under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your country of residence is typically accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for licenses not in Spanish.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but supplementary coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is available. A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyUnlimited mileage is commonly offered, allowing you to explore without distance restrictions. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or late returns. Always inquire about these fees during booking.

Car Rental Prices in La Fortuna – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $12 / €11 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €34 per day

7 Seater:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

Automatic:

from £20 / $25 / €22 per day

SUV:

from £11 / $14 / €13 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to April): Expect higher demand and prices, increasing by 20-30%

Low season (May to November): Often features discounted rates and greater 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 La Fortuna?

To secure the best rental experience in La Fortuna, follow these steps to compare prices, choose a vehicle, review terms, book early, and prepare for pick-up.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the most competitive rates from various rental agencies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and terrain capability.

3. Check Rental Terms - Thoroughly review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and potentially lower prices.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to the rental office for a smooth pick-up process.

General Information About La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a small town in northern Costa Rica, known for its stunning natural beauty and the iconic Arenal Volcano. Exploring the area by car offers the flexibility to experience its diverse attractions at your own pace.

As a popular tourist destination, La Fortuna experiences increased traffic, particularly during peak seasons. While there are no dedicated low-emission zones, respecting local traffic laws and being mindful of pedestrians and cyclists is essential for a safe driving experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Arenal Volcano National Park

    Explore trails offering stunning views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest.

  • La Fortuna Waterfall

    Hike down to a refreshing waterfall and swimming hole.

  • Hot Springs

    Relax in natural hot springs heated by the volcano.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Several public parking garages are available in the town center for secure parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered on-street parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.

  • Park & Ride

    Some attractions offer park-and-ride services to reduce traffic congestion near popular sites.

Gas Stations in La Fortuna

  • Availability

    Gas stations are readily available in and around La Fortuna.

  • Major Brands

    Look for well-known brands like RECOPE and local independent stations.

  • Payment Methods

    Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.

Useful Tips for Visiting La Fortuna

  • Plan for Traffic

    Allow extra time for travel during peak tourist seasons due to increased traffic congestion.

  • Watch for Wildlife

    Be aware of wildlife crossing the roads, especially in rural areas and at night.

  • Use a GPS

    A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the area's winding roads and finding attractions.

  • Check Road Conditions

    Some roads may be unpaved or have potholes, so check road conditions before setting out.

Key Transportation Hubs in La Fortuna

Major Bus Stations

La Fortuna Bus Terminal

The main bus terminal in La Fortuna, connecting to San José and other regional destinations.

Airports

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Located near San José, approximately 2.5-3 hours drive from La Fortuna.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)

Located in Liberia, approximately 3-4 hours drive from La Fortuna.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in La Fortuna?

To rent a car in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, you’ll need to meet a few standard requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically need to provide.

  • A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Spanish.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging extra for drivers under 25.

  • A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies may not accept debit cards for deposits.

  • A passport or other government-issued ID may be required, particularly for international renters.

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This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as La Fortuna as

4.8

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Relaxing, good vibes

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 18.08.2025

Pretty chill, good roads

MG

Maria Garcia

Reviewed: 19.09.2024

Perfect weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring La Fortuna so easy and fun.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 25.05.2025

Such a fantastic impromptu trip! Having a car in La Fortuna was key; we zipped around, seeing so much more than expected. Highly recommend!

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 19.11.2024

Heard great things; La Fortuna exceeded expectations!

ER

Evelyn Reed

Reviewed: 09.05.2025

La Fortuna was amazing! Exploring the area with our rental car was so convenient, we saw so much more. Highly recommend!

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 20.04.2025

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