Costa Rica is a great country with lots of beautiful sights. Exploring the place is one way to achieve a pleasant and memorable stay, and what better way to do that than to rent a car and explore away?
It is convenient with no hassles whatsoever. You simply have to book your rental ahead of time and then get back to your travel planning.
The essence of early booking is that it affords you the chance to select the type of car you want and also get better rental rates for them. If you leave off renting the cars until you need it, your intended car may not be available then.
Key Takeaways from the Article
- You have to be 21 years of age or older to rent a car in Costa Rica, although the age requirements would differ from one car rental company to the next.
- In Costa Rica, we advise that you drive extremely carefully and stay cautious of other drivers, as traffic laws are not strictly obeyed there.
- Avoid late-night driving in Costa Rica, as the risks involved are numerous.
- Do not drink and drive. Driving under the influence in Costa Rica is treated very seriously, and erring offenders are punished according to the law.
Estimated rental fees in Costa Rica
| Car Type | Estimated Costs | Duration |
| Small Car | $30 to $50 | 1 Day |
| Sedan | $40 to $70 | 1 Day |
| Compact SUV | $50 to $85 | 1 Day |
| 4X4 SUV | $80 – $100 | 1 Day |
Please note that these prices may differ due to factors like rush seasons, car type, demand, and the rental company in question. It is also likely to have additional fees for insurance, taxes, and probably airport fees in cases where you have the rental cars waiting for you there.
Requirements for renting a car in Costa Rica
The process of renting a car in Costa Rica is simpler than you can imagine. However, in preparing to do so, you must ensure that you are well prepared and are aware of all that is expected of you, which we have graciously outlined for you.
Age requirement
Find out the minimum age requirement of the car rental shop you intend to patronize. For most car rental companies in Costa Rica, you have to be 21 and older before you can rent a car, although it differs from one company to the next. Some may rent out to younger people at an increased rate.
Valid Drivers license
It is very important, as it would be demanded of you and keep you in the right standing with the law.
International Drivers Permit
For those whose licenses are not in the Roman alphabet, consider getting an international driver’s permit to use alongside your license. Check with your local automobile association for this document before traveling.
Tourist Visa Validity
Your tourist visa stipulates how long you are allowed to stay in the country. Once the expected number of your visiting days elapses, your tourist visa stops being valid and you could get into serious problems if pulled over by a police officer.
Tips on renting a car in Costa Rica
Research
By doing some digging online, specifically looking for car rental shops online, you will have the opportunity to see a whole lot, compare prices, and decide which is more beneficial for you. Be on the lookout for more than just rates, car models, and insurance coverage plans. And yes, don’t forget to read up on the reviews as well.
Drivers License
Thankfully, Costa Rica permits the use of your home country’s driver’s license, but there’s a clause: if your license isn’t in the Roman alphabet, prepare to get an international driver’s permit that you will use alongside your license. Again, you have to ensure that your license is valid and that its validity will last throughout the period of your stay there.
If you are getting a Costa Rican license, be informed that its validity lasts for 90 days, although tourist visas last longer for about 180 days.
Book ahead
Booking ahead comes with many benefits. For starters, you can check different rental companies for the best vehicle insurance and rates. Again, it helps you avoid disappointment with vehicle unavailability, which is usual during peak periods.
Read through the terms and conditions.
There are a lot of things that the terms and conditions cover, and as such, you must read through and understand them before going ahead with the rental payment.
Watch out for the fuel policy, insurance coverage, liability protection, and any other additional fees stated.
Car inspection
It is important to inspect the car to confirm that everything is in order before zooming off. If possible, request a short test run drive to notice everything you need to.
Adherence to these tips will help you experience a hassle-free car rental process in Costa Rica.
Benefits of renting a car in Costa Rica
Let’s check out the numerous benefits there are in renting cars in Costa Rica.
Freedom of Mobility
This is huge! Freedom of mobility puts you in charge. You determine how your adventure goes.
You can stop whenever you spot something fascinating, decide on your routes, and explore however you want.
That is flexibility at its peak! You get to do away with following strict bus schedules or defined group tour routes.
Richer Experience
When you get to Costa Rica, the rich culture is bound to envelop you, forcing you to discover more. Having a car gives you the liberty to satisfy your curiosity fully.
Set your pace.
You need to spend longer hours playing games or make an unplanned stop for a sumptuous meal at a fancy restaurant you just discovered; just go right ahead because you can!
Flexibility
While public modes of transportation are available and quite affordable in Costa Rica, there are quite a few. It becomes twice as difficult to get one if you intend to go into remote areas. By renting a car, nothing stops you from exploring fun and recreational places, no matter where they are situated.
Added comfort
Renting a car enables you to travel in extreme comfort. If you will be traveling with so much luggage or in a group, you don’t have to be dragging yourselves around keeping to bus schedules or dragging luggage from one bus to another.
Driving Safety in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is such a beautiful place with a rich culture that is best explored on your terms. Visits to the amazing beaches and volcanoes, some located in remote areas, form a huge part of what makes the adventure worthwhile. While renting a car makes the whole experience more convenient and enjoyable, there is also a need to emphasize safe driving to make that happen.
Find below some important safe driving tips.
Road knowledge
The terrain in Costa Rica may seem complicated, especially for first-time visitors. When it comes to roads, expect to see the good and the bad, nicely built highways, tiny roads leading to mountain passes, and even unpaved ones.
Knowledge of the roads and terrain would aid you in making the right choice of car, one that is strong enough to cruise through the rugged terrain. You may need to pay attention to the car type, particularly during the season, as the roads are likely to become much worse.
Lack of road signs
Driving through the rural areas without a GPS is strongly not advised, as not all places in the rural areas have road signs. To avoid getting lost or wasting a lot of time finding your way, ensure you have a map or GPS with you.
Floods and Landslides
Driving during or after a heavy downpour requires you to be extra careful. If possible, stay off driving for that period, but if you must, greatly reduce your speed, ensure your headlights are on, watch out for landslides or flood warnings, and strictly obey them.
Wildlife city
While driving through wildlife zones, you can get carried away with the sights, but stay focused and be on the lookout for animals that may unexpectedly cross the roads. Slow down when you should and obey all the road signs.
Drive defensively
In Costa Rica, you will find out that even though there are traffic regulation laws and agencies, the laws are not strongly enforced there. Therefore, while driving, you may encounter a lot of assertive drivers.
The key is defensive driving. Avoid sharp maneuvers, do not follow a car too closely, and stay alert.
Drive Safely
Adhere to safety precautions when driving. Always ensure you and other passengers have their seat belts on; do not drink while driving, for the law is strongly enforced on offenders; and pay attention to the road signs.
Night driving
The risks associated with driving in the dark are many, especially in wildlife areas and bumpy roads. There is also the risk of poor street lighting or the absence of any in rural areas; therefore, the best bet is to reduce late-night driving or be extra careful if you must drive.
Get your car insurance.
The car rental package includes basic insurance; however, if you can afford it, consider getting additional insurance for broader coverage in case of accidents.
If you’re just starting to plan your trip, you might be wondering about the cost and practicality of renting a car in Costa Rica. Our guide:Why Are Car Rentals in Costa Rica So Expensive? can give you some insights
Conclusion
Costa Rica is such a beautiful country, no doubt, and to soak up all the beauty it has to offer, you need a high level of flexibility and freedom—the exact benefits that renting a car opens to you.
Can you rent a car and drive in Costa Rica?
Of course, you can! Plus, the process is not as complicated as you think. Follow the steps to renting a car outlined above and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
