Renting a car in Costa Rica is the most flexible way to travel the country, as long as you know what the real price includes, what you need to rent and how pickup and deposits work. Thomas and I have lived in Costa Rica since 2016, have rented many cars here (including a few bad experiences early on) and help readers and family book cars every year.
This guide walks through choosing a company, what renting really costs, requirements, booking, picking the right car, pickup, return, deposits and payment, plus answers to the questions readers ask us most.
Costa Rica Car Rental at a Glance
| Our favorite company | Adobe Rent a Car (10% off for our readers) |
| Typical cost | About $45 to $160 a day with mandatory insurance, depending on season and car |
| Best car | A compact SUV for most trips, a 4×4 for remote areas |
| Minimum age | 23 with Adobe |
| License | Your home license (no international permit needed) |
| Deposit | $1,000 with Adobe (credit or debit card) |
| Cheapest months | Rainy season, roughly May to November |
| Book | 2 to 4 months ahead for December to April |
Is Renting a Car in Costa Rica Worth It?
We believe that renting a car is the best way to get around in Costa Rica.
A car will give you the most flexibility in your travel plans and won’t limit you to depending on day tours with transportation included.
Budget-Friendly Option
Contrary to popular belief, renting a car in Costa Rica can be cost-effective, especially when considering the time and money saved on guided tours and transportation.
See, car rental prices in Costa Rica are somewhat expensive. A lot of this is due to the mandatory rental car insurance (which we will explain further in this post). However, private shuttles are also expensive.
With a rental car, you can stay anywhere. You are not limited to staying in a town center to be within walking distance of restaurants. So, having a car allows you to find more affordable accommodations outside of a downtown area.
Also, you will save money by not depending solely on day tours with transportation included. Instead, you can explore on your own and easily find free or cheap things to do.
For example, one of our favorite things to do in Costa Rica is to visit the amazing national parks. It is always possible to visit these parks on your own if you have a rental car and only pay the admission fee.
However, if you do not have a car you will need to pay for a tour with transportation included. These national park tours typically range from $50 to $100 per person.
Flexibility to Explore Hidden Gems
With a rental car, you can venture off the beaten path and discover hidden places you can’t easily access with a day tour or shuttle. And, let me tell you, Costa Rica is filled with cool places that no tours will take you to.
Discover Authentic Local Flavors
When you take road trips in Costa Rica you will often pass locals with food stalls and some small nice restaurants. These places are great for getting a taste of the culture. A car provides the freedom to stop at these places whenever you want.
Access Remote Beaches
One of our absolute favorite free things to do in Costa Rica is to just go beach hopping. All beaches in the country need to have public access by law. Having a rental car enables you to drive down any side roads next to the coastline and check out the beaches.
Freedom to Change Plans
Plans evolve. For example, you might have a day planned and then the weather might not be ideal. Having a rental car allows you the flexibility to change your plans on a whim and move at your own pace.
Capture Unforgettable Moments
Stop wherever you please to capture scenery or wildlife. I have to say, Thomas is always the driver in our relationship. The amount of times he has given me a momentary panic attack as he slams on the brakes while driving because he has spotted a bird he wants to photograph is ridiculous. But, with a rental car, these wildlife encounters are possible.
You Do Not Need a Rental Car If
- You are staying at a resort and do not plan on traveling to multiple spots. You are probably better off getting a private shuttle to and from the airport instead. We book shuttles through Bookaway. Use code SARAHMC5 at checkout for 5% off shared and private shuttles.
- You are on a tight budget and plan to take the public bus instead. Just keep in mind that public buses don’t go between every destination, so you may end up switching buses several times. See our guide to public buses.
- You are only visiting one or two walkable towns, like La Fortuna, Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo, and plan to book tours that include hotel pickup.
- You are not comfortable driving on narrow mountain roads, one-lane bridges and unlit roads at night. Driving here takes more focus than at home, and that is not everyone’s idea of a vacation.
- Your trip is mostly car-free places like Tortuguero or Drake Bay, which you reach by boat or small plane anyway.
Still on the fence? We compare both options side by side in shuttle vs rental car in Costa Rica.
Save 10% on your Costa Rica rental car
Our Adobe discount includes free extra drivers, 0% deductible on liability protection and free cancellation.
Choosing a Car Rental Company in Costa Rica
There are several rental agencies in Costa Rica. Some of these are international chains and some are local companies.
Our favorite rental car company in Costa Rica is Adobe Rent a Car.
We think Adobe is our favorite car rental agency because they are a local Costa Rican company that offers excellent customer service, has the largest fleet of vehicles in Costa Rica, provides full transparency on all their rates, and so much more!
OUR #1 PICK
Adobe Rent a Car
A 100% Costa Rican company with transparent prices, the biggest fleet in the country and the best customer service we have found. We have rented with them for years, and send family and readers to them every year.
- 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
- Free additional drivers
- 0% deductible on Liability Protection
- Free car seats and booster seats
- Free roof racks
- Free airport pickup and delivery within 12 miles of an office
- Free cancellation, anytime
Some of the other companies in Costa Rica include. Avis, Enterprise, Sixt, Budget, National, Alamo, Europcar, Hertz, and Vamos.
Don’t Book Through Travel Aggregator Websites
I won’t name names but, do you know those third-party sites that show a lot of listings for car rentals from several different companies?
Don’t book through those sites!
The reason for that is that a lot of companies will list cars on these sites without including any of the mandatory taxes, fees, and insurance.
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“You may think you are renting a car for $10 a day, but it will be several hundred more when you actually arrive in Costa Rica to pick up your vehicle.”
Unfortunately, my mom had this happen the first time she came to Costa Rica. It was a really bad start to her trip when she had to pay several hundred dollars more than she had expected.
If you would like to know more, check out our post about car rental scams in Costa Rica.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Costa Rica?
Renting a car in Costa Rica can be expensive (in my opinion). This is because of the mandatory insurance fees.
However, it is the most convenient way to get around so that is a trade-off you will need to consider.
The average price of car rentals can vary a lot depending on the season and type of vehicle you opt to rent.
Also, keep in mind that car rental rates have gone up a lot since 2020 and the COVID pandemic.
| Car type | Rainy season (approx. per day, with mandatory insurance) | High season (approx. per day, with mandatory insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Compact or sedan | $45 to $70 | $60 to $95 |
| Compact SUV | $55 to $85 | $75 to $120 |
| 4×4 SUV | $70 to $110 | $95 to $160 |
These are rough ranges to help you budget, not quotes. See real prices for your dates with our Adobe discount, and plan your full trip budget with our Costa Rica trip cost breakdown.
2 to 4 months
How far ahead to book your rental car for the December to April high season, when cars sell out.
Cheapest Time to Rent a Car
The most affordable time to rent a car is in the rainy season. Typically from July through November the prices go way down.
This is because there is the least amount of demand for cars at this time.
If you are considering traveling at this time, check out our guide to visiting during the rainy season.
Most Expensive Time to Rent a Car
The most expensive time to rent a car is in the high season between the Christmas holiday and late April. This is the dry season in Costa Rica. It is also peak tourism time as North Americans and Europeans head to Costa Rica for a break from the cold.
In our experience, Easter week typically is the overall most expensive time. This is also the time when cars sometimes completely book out and there is no availability. So, reserve several months early if you can.
Rental Fees to Watch Out For
If you book your car through Adobe there are no hidden fees.
You will need to pay the Liability Protection Insurance and the Car Protection Insurance as is required by Costa Rican law.
Other than those, the only extra fees would be if you add any extra things such as GPS or having your car delivered to a location that is far from one of Adobe’s offices.
With other companies, please look out for:
- Fees of transportation to and from the airport to their office
- If the mandatory rental car insurance is included in your price quote
- Any extra fees for extra drivers, car seat rentals etc.
There are a few extra costs you need to consider when planning your rental car.
- Tolls on the highway between San José and the Pacific coast (see the tip below).
- You may consider opting to rent a GPS unit. Our experience, the free app Waze is the best way to get around in Costa Rica. However, that means you will need a phone plan that covers you internationally. If you are in the US, I know that Verizon charges $10 a day so that you can use your phone in Costa Rica. You can find out more in our guide to cell phones in Costa Rica.
- If you rent with Adobe and opt to pick up your car in one location and drop it off in another, there will be an additional cost for this. You will see it included on your rental.
Sarah’s Tip
Tolls on the way to the Pacific coast are cheap, and cash is still the easiest way to pay. If you only have US dollars, pay the first toll with a $10 bill and you will get enough colones in change for the rest of the drive. More in our toll roads guide.
Long-Term Car Rentals
Staying a month or longer? Monthly rentals come with much lower daily rates. We explain how it works and how to request a quote on our long-term car rental page.
Money Saving Tips
- Use our discount with Adobe Rent a Car to save money
- Travel at off-peak times. Car rentals (and most things in Costa Rica) are cheaper during the rainy season (roughly May through November, outside of holidays)
- Book your car early. Cars sometimes sell out so the earlier you book the more likely you are to have more budget-friendly options.
- Book a cheaper vehicle. Check out our destination guides for the places you are visiting. Each one has info on the best car to rent based on that destination. Sometimes you might be able to get away with booking a cheaper vehicle and skip the 4×4.
Lock in a lower rate
Prices go up as cars sell out for high season. Booking early with our Adobe discount gets you the best price, and you can cancel for free.
Requirements to Rent a Car in Costa Rica
The main requirements to rent a car in Costa Rica are being above the minimum age limit and having a valid driver’s license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | Usually 23 (21 to 22 with some companies, for an extra fee) |
| Driver’s license | Your valid license from home, held for at least 2 years |
| International Driving Permit | Not needed |
| Passport | Original passport with your entry stamp |
| Payment | Credit or debit card for the rental and the deposit |
Minimum Age to Rent a Car
The minimum age varies by car rental agency. With Adobe you need to be at least 23 years old to rent a car. They do not have a set maximum age to rent a car.
Some companies will allow you to rent at a younger age. For example, Sixt, Economy, and Vamos will all allow you to rent at 18, but with an added surcharge.
Driver License Requirements
You need to have a valid driver’s license to rent a car in Costa Rica. You do not need an international driver’s license or international driving permit. Your normal license from home will be fine.
This valid license must be at least two years old. In other words, you need to have been legally driving a vehicle for two years before you are allowed to rent a car here.
You can not rent a car with a temporary license or paper copy. You need your official license.
Other Requirements
- Your home license is valid for as long as your tourist entry stamp allows (up to 180 days for many nationalities). After that, you need a Costa Rican license. See our driving in Costa Rica guide.
- You need a credit card or debit card to put down the rental car deposit and to pay for your vehicle.
Costa Rica Car Rental Insurance
Every rental in Costa Rica must include mandatory liability insurance by law, and most companies also require collision coverage unless you can prove coverage from your credit card. This is why online prices that look like $5 a day end up much higher at the counter. We explain every type of coverage, credit card coverage and deposits in our Costa Rica rental car insurance guide.
How to Book a Rental Car in Costa Rica
The first thing you need to do is to choose a rental car company.
Make sure the rate you are given includes insurance and all taxes plus added fees. I really don’t want you to arrive in Costa Rica and end up having to pay a lot more than you expected.
As we explained above, skip the third-party booking sites and book directly on the rental company’s Costa Rican website so the price includes the mandatory insurance.
Book Your Rental Car with Adobe
On the car rental booking form, after selecting your dates and drop off/ pick up location you will be directed to a page where you can select your car.
Want to see exactly what’s included before booking?
→ View our full Adobe Rent a Car breakdown and discount details here
Adobe has a large fleet of vehicles for you to choose from. When selecting your vehicle, pay attention to how many people the car can fit and the amount of luggage that can fit.
Sarah’s Tip
If you are unsure what to rent, feel free to email us. sarah@costaricavibes.com We recently had the chance to go through every single vehicle that Adobe offers. We have a good idea of what is best for your particular needs.
After selecting your vehicle you will be directed to the Reservation Form. Keep in mind that you can always change your reservation details later if you need.
For example, if you would like your car delivered to your hotel but haven’t booked a hotel yet, just leave it blank for now. Adobe is happy to update that for you at a later point in time if you need it.
The extra drivers and 0% deductible are automatically applied to all car rentals through our site. When you pick up your car Adobe will see that you rented through us and automatically add these perks. You do not need to select anything in your reservation to get them.
If you need a set of free roof racks, please leave a comment in the comment section of the reservation to let Adobe know so they can make sure to set those aside for you.
Sarah’s Tip
To stay connected on the road, skip the rental phone and get an eSIM before you fly. We recommend Airalo. Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off your first eSIM.
When you are finished, make sure you click “Reserve” not “Save Quote.” You should get an email within a few hours with your rental car reservation.
You are then all set! Your vehicle will be waiting for you when you arrive in Costa Rica! 🙂
Also, just note if you need to change or cancel your reservation you can just reply to your confirmation email to get in touch with Adobe. They are usually very good at responding within 24 hours.
Good to Know
If you are arriving at the San Jose airport you will select “Aeropuerto San Jose (SJO) as your pick up and drop off location. If you are arriving at Liberia airport you will select “Aeropuerto Liberia (LIR)” as your drop-off and pick-up location.
I never got a confirmation email, what can I do?
Just email me: sarah@costaricavibes.com and I can check on that for you.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
That is no problem! With Adobe you can cancel for free at any time. Just click on your confirmation email where it says “Click here to modify this reservation” and you will be able to cancel at no cost, anytime.
Choosing the Right Rental Car
| Car type | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sedan or compact | Paved routes between main towns |
| Compact SUV | Most trips. Extra clearance for gravel roads |
| 4×4 SUV | Monteverde back roads, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Osa and rainy season |
| Van | Groups of 6 or more |
For a destination-by-destination breakdown, manual vs automatic, and the Adobe models we recommend, see what car to rent in Costa Rica.
Picking up Your Rental Car
Here are all the different ways you may opt to pick up your rental vehicle.
Picking Up Your Car From the Airport
There are two international airports in Costa Rica. You will either be flying into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose or the Liberia Airport in Liberia.
San Jose International Airport
The San Jose International Airport is called Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and it is located on the edge of San José near the city of Alajuela.
The airport does not have enough space for all the rental car companies to be located directly at the airport.
Every car rental company has a slightly different process for how to pick up your rental car from the airport. So, check your reservation for details.
Car Pick Up with Adobe
After you go through Border Control and pick up your luggage you will exit the airport.
Upon exiting you will see tons of people standing around asking if you need a taxi. Politely tell them “no” and look for a person in a blue shirt with an Adobe sign waiting for you.
The Adobe representative will then take you in a comfortable shuttle less than five minutes away to the Adobe office. Here an attendant will help you to finalize your car rental, inspect the car with you, and help you get on your way for your vacation.
Find out more with our guide to renting a car from San Jose Airport
Liberia International Airport
The Liberia International Airport is located in the Guanacaste Province on the Pacific coast near the Nicaragua border.
As with San Jose, not all car rentals are located directly on the property.
Pick Up Your Car with Adobe
You will see an Adobe representative waiting for you when you exit the airport. They will take you to their office about 5 minutes away to pick up your car.
Find out more with our guide to renting a car from Liberia International Airport
Inspect Your Car Before You Drive Off
Before You Drive Off
Whoever you rent with, take 10 minutes at pickup to check the car. It protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.
- Walk around the car with the agent and take a video of every side, the roof, the windshield and the wheels.
- Make sure every scratch and dent is marked on the rental form.
- Check that there is a spare tire, jack and tire iron.
- Test the air conditioning, lights and wipers (you will need them in the rainy season).
- Note the gas level and mileage and take a photo of the dashboard.
- Save the company’s 24/7 roadside assistance number in your phone.
Car Delivery to Hotel
Adobe will deliver your rental car for free to any hotel, Airbnb etc. within 12 miles of any of their offices. If it is more than 12 miles you may have to pay a small fee.
When you make your reservation just indicate which hotel you will be staying in. If you haven’t booked a hotel yet when you make your reservation, that is fine. You can always update your reservation later from within your confirmation email.
Renting a Car Throughout the Country
Adobe has several different locations located throughout the country. They will happily deliver your car to you for free within 12 miles of any of their offices. If you are more than 12 miles away there may be a small delivery fee.
Their rental locations locations are:
Renting from a beach or mountain town? We have local guides for Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Uvita and Puerto Viejo, plus the airports in San José and Liberia.
Alajuela (Juan Santamaria Airport location), Downtown San Jose, Downtown Liberia, Liberia Airport Office, Heredia, Cartago, Ciudad Quesada, Grecia, San Pedro, Limon, Puerto Viejo, Puntarenas, Quepos, Tamarindo, and Uvita.
Can I pick up/ drop my car off at the Nicaragua border?
The nearest Adobe office is in Liberia. From Liberia, you can easily get a bus for a few dollars to the border. If you need more info, check out our guide to crossing the Nicaragua border.
Can I pick up/ drop my car off at the Panama border?
The nearest Adobe office is in Puerto Viejo. From here there is a bus that runs about every hour to the Panama border. For more information check out our guide to the Panama border.
Can I pick my car up in one location and return it in another?
Yes, you can return your car to a different Adobe office. Just keep in mind that there is usually an extra fee for this. You will see it listed on your reservation.
Save 10% on your Costa Rica rental car
Our Adobe discount includes free extra drivers, 0% deductible on liability protection and free cancellation.
Returning Your Rental Car
There are a few different ways to return your rental car.
If you rent with Adobe, typically, you will drive your rental car to the Adobe office near the airport where you originally picked up your car.
You will return your vehicle and an Adobe representative will drive you in the comfortable shuttle to the airport.
Sarah’s Tip
We suggest giving yourself 2 to 3 hours before your flight to drop off the car. I know, this may be a bit excessive. But you never know what will happen with traffic around the airport. This especially applies in San Jose. Traffic is typically not nearly as bad in Liberia.
You can also opt to have your rental car picked up. For example, if you are staying at a hotel near the airport an Adobe representative can pick up your car from the hotel. You can then take the shuttle provided by your hotel back to the airport.
Easy. Stree free.
Deposit and Payment
When you rent a car in Costa Rica you will need to pay a deposit. Each company is different as far as the deposit amount.
$1,000
The deposit hold with Adobe, placed on your card at pickup and released after you return the car.
The deposit typically ranges between $1,000 to $2,000. With Adobe, it is $1,000.
The best way to pay the deposit is with a credit card. This will appear as a hold on your account, not an actual $1,000 withdrawal.
Good to Know
Check your credit card limit before traveling. We have had multiple friends from Europe go over their daily credit limit when trying to put the $1,000 deposit down for their rental car.
With Adobe, you can also pay the deposit with a debit card. However, we don’t suggest this because it can sometimes take a week or so to get the money back in your account after your trip. And $1,000 is a lot of money to be taken out of your bank account while traveling.
With a credit card, it is just a hold and will immediately be credited back to you when you return your car without issues.
Are there any car rentals that require no deposit?
Not that we know of. The deposit is really a security blanket for the rental car companies. They need to make sure you don’t damage the car and then leave without taking care of it.
Paying for Your Rental
Typically, it is best to pay for your rental car with a major credit card. Most companies take all major credit cards, but it is best to check that your card is accepted before arriving in Costa Rica.
Good to Know
Just make sure your card does not have a daily limit and that you notify your credit card company ahead of time that you will be traveling to Costa Rica. That way your card won’t get blocked for looking like it’s being used for fraudulent charges.
You can use a debit card as well. However, you need to make sure that you will have enough money in your account for the car, the $1,000 deposit, and whatever you want to spend while in Costa Rica.
Also, keep in mind that most bank accounts have a daily limit. When you rent a car you will be paying for the deposit and car all at once so, you might go over whatever your daily limit is.
Good to Know
Also check which currency the car rental will be paid in and if your credit or debit card company offers a good exchange rate. With Adobe, all car prices are quoted in United States Dollars (USD$).
Costa Rica Car Rental FAQs
Can I rent a car in Costa Rica under 25?
Many companies rent from age 21 with a young driver fee, and Adobe rents from 23. Check the age rules before booking.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Yes, with Adobe. Just make sure you have enough money in your account for the rental, the $1,000 deposit hold and your trip spending, and check your bank’s daily limit. Some other companies only accept credit cards for the deposit.
How much is the security deposit?
With Adobe it is $1,000, held on your card and released after you return the car. With other companies it depends on the insurance you choose, and declining optional coverage means a much larger hold. See our insurance guide.
Can I pick up in one place and drop off in another?
Yes. One-way rentals between offices, airports and many hotels are common, sometimes with a drop-off fee.
What if my flight lands late at night?
Airport offices keep extended hours and usually track your flight. Tell the company your flight number when booking. If you land very late, consider staying near the airport and picking up the car the next morning.
Can I drive a rental car to Panama or Nicaragua?
No. Costa Rican rental cars are not allowed to cross borders. See our guides to the Nicaragua border and traveling to Panama.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer?
Yes. Monthly rentals get much lower daily rates. See our long-term car rental page for how to get a quote.
Driving, Gas and Directions
Once you have your car, read our driving in Costa Rica guide for license rules, road signs, laws, police stops and accidents, and our guide to getting gas for full-service stations and prices. Use Waze for directions. Tolls are covered in our toll roads guide.
Not Sure You Want to Drive?
A car is not the only option. Compare them in do you need a car in Costa Rica, or read about shuttles, public buses and taxis and Uber. If you decide to skip the car, we book shared and private shuttles through Bookaway. Use code SARAHMC5 at checkout for 5% off.
Ready to Book Your Rental Car?
Ready to book your rental car?
Our Adobe discount includes free extra drivers, 0% deductible on liability protection and free cancellation.
Conclusion: Costa Rica Car Rentals
In conclusion, renting a car is a great way to get around Costa Rica at your own pace. With several rental car agencies located throughout the country, you will have no problem finding a vehicle. Just be aware of the extra costs associated with car rentals such as the mandatory insurance.
Also, feel free to use our great deal with Adobe Rent a Car to save money and have stress stress-free experience.
If you have any questions about renting a car in Costa Rica, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!
Travel easier
Plan Smarter, Travel Easier
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Need help planning? Try our free day-by-day trip planner, grab our 7-day itinerary for first-timers, or join our email list and we will walk you through it step by step.
Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
