Car rental in Costa Rica

Tips & Tricks for renting a car

Where is the best place to rent a car in Costa Rica (updated September 2023)

You travel through Costa Rica by rental car - at least for the most part. Traveling by rental car has many advantages: you are independent, free, can stop wherever you like and are not tied to timetables.

It also quickly pays off financially. As nice as our bus system is, the very cheap intercity buses only run from A to B, between two important cities or towns. The hotel you want to go to is rarely located exactly at a bus stop. There are good alternatives in Costa Rica. These are the Gray Line and Interbus shuttle buses that run from hotel to hotel. Often a very good solution, but you usually pay as much per person as you would for a day's rental car. For two people, a transfer costs about as much as renting a car for two days.

Our suggestion is: you should just calculate it carefully. If you are going to be statically in one place for a long time, then it is hardly worth it - or maybe a very cheap small car to drive to the ice cream parlor or the supermarket. But if you want to explore the country and travel around, there is almost no better option.

Of course, there are also destinations in Costa Rica that can only be reached by plane or boat. Of course, a rental car is not appropriate and will then be parked in an expensive parking lot. We are happy to advise on this, so you should be open to a mixed solution!

There are basically two different ways to rent a car in Costa Rica:

1. They are looking for a contract about Europe or Germany. We have had good experiences with Sunny Cars and are happy to help with booking. In our experience, this is particularly worthwhile in high season when booking very far in advance.
2. You book directly in Costa Rica through our partner, who offers good prices and excellent conditions. We have received a “hotel” contract that guarantees us “internet prices”, but gives us a vehicle guarantee - so we are not booking a vehicle class, but an exact model. This is a very functional concept in Costa Rica and offers the best conditions - coupled with, well, relatively cheap tariffs.

We have great deals here with two of the most reputable car rental companies in Costa Rica with prices that are good and service that is unbeatable. For example, you can get the car delivered to almost any point in the country , almost always free of charge, occasionally for a small additional charge. This means you can plan completely differently. For example, we can combine a handover with a tour to Tortuguero, a handover at the border to Panamá or Nicaragua (unfortunately it doesn't work across the border yet, but we're working on that too) or the return of the rental car on the beach before, for example, the last week of beach vacation starts and no longer needs a car.

• All tariffs offered are final prices. There are no hidden costs
• Real full coverage without deductible (rarely found)
• many (mostly free) delivery points throughout Costa Rica
• fair tariffs: daily, weekly or monthly tariffs
• free kilometers
• no advance payment. Simply reserve with us by email, payment will only be made upon delivery!

Another advantage of renting on site is the complete insurance cover with inclusive prices . If you rent a car directly in Costa Rica, you have insurance from here. If you rent a car through Europe, you only have European reinsurance. In the event of damage, you then have to pay in advance and then get the money back from the insurance company (which isn't a big problem). When renting a car in Costa Rica, you are immediately released from all obligations - provided, of course, that you are not responsible for the damage through gross negligence. With fully comprehensive insurance without a deductible, you are exempt from all obligations and only have between $100 and $300 blocked on your credit card - for possible traffic tickets.

The cancellation and payment conditions are also very pleasant for the customer when booking through us. You only pay when you take over and you never pay in advance; a short-term cancellation is also possible. AmiGo (formerly Thrifty) and Alamo, our local partners in Costa Rica, offer an excellent vehicle fleet, perfect service , which they can also offer with many stations spread throughout the country, and good prices.

We usually recommend the following 5 vehicle models for our guests to rent; We have included a price list below:

1. ByD - the small car : suitable for guests who will only be traveling in the city or who have a fixed hotel and would like to be mobile for little money. the vehicle is not suitable for longer adventure routes. From 27US per day, including basic insurance and taxes.
2. Daihatsu Bego (belongs to the Toyota Group in CR), also higher up and suitable for gravel roads, the rather large Bego 2023 comes with a lot of space, has 7 seats, but then no more space for luggage. Only a two-wheeler, but since it is raised you can get away with it easily and we are happy to recommend the model.
3. Toyota RAV4 , raised, four-wheel and ideal for Costa Rica's roads, the RAV4 comes with enough space for 4 people with moderate luggage. Driving comfort is offered here. We recommend this car to most guests because the price-performance ratio is absolutely right.
4. Toyota Prado Full , one of the best off-road vehicles ever built. The original. If you can't get away with it, then the road is simply unusable. Comfortable, fast and strong - absolutely suitable for off-road use with 7 seats or 4 people with lots of luggage. Quality also has its price.

Of course there are many other models, such as the Toyota Hi-Lux - also at very good prices or a minibus with 12 seats - always with fully comprehensive insurance and no deductible.

Here is a price list for rental cars in Costa Rica: Since July 2023, 13% VAT has been due everywhere in Costa Rica - you have to add that. (here is the complete price list as a PDF with rental conditions)

(Prices including free km, fully comprehensive insurance without deductible, free delivery, 2 drivers, plus 13% VAT):

Car rental in Costa Rica - Adobecar

Here you can rent your vehicle from Adobecar, a partner with whom guests have often had good experiences.

Rent a Car Online Reservation. Pick Up: [Choose an Office], Aeropuerto San Jose [SJO], Aeropuerto Liberia [LIR], San Jose Centro / Downtown, San Pedro

Car rental worldwide - Sunny Cars

Another provider with whom we have had good experiences

Here you can book your rental car directly online - Sunny Cars - a German booking platform with often very good prices. Just click and search - worldwide!