Costa Rica Driving Tips

If you plan on driving in Costa Rica at any point in your visit, lets just say “you aren’t in Kansas anymore.” There are some quirks and things to know about driving in Costa Rica and being a former resident and frequent return visitor, I made this page to help people understand what they are getting themselves into before they secure a rental car. Understanding the local driving culture is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

I lived in the Central Valley but between looking at real estate and going to the beach as frequently as possible, I’ve driven to every part of the country except for Limon. To me, getting around Costa Rica is best done in a vehicle as you can see so much more and experience things that public transportation just won’t give you the option to do.

Driving Tip for Tourists:   if you are searching for rental cars, I recommend using DiscoverCars.com.  

This service has relationships with every agency (local and global) and will get you the best price without the hassle of getting upsold when you pick up your vehicle.  Whether it’s finding the best price for your destination, or an agency you know and trust, they are my go-to for renting cars in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Driving Overview

In order to operate a vehicle in Costa Rica, you’ll need a valid original driver’s license from your home country. Tourists must carry their original driver’s license as copies or temporary licenses are not accepted. Make sure to have your passport, or at the very minimum, a copy of it, and if you do take a copy make sure you have your entry stamp as well as your photo page as they will ask for that if you are pulled over. You will not need to get an International driver’s license like some countries make you do.

I found the rules to be very similar to the USA, where you can’t pass a double solid line and any dotted lines mean you are allowed to pass other cars.

The key difference is that the speed limits are posted in kilometers. It’s not uncommon to not see a sign showing the speed limits very often. This is something I’ve always thought the country could do better with.

Like the USA, seatbelts are mandatory. If you are traveling with children younger than 12 years old, they are supposed to be in booster or car seats, which I find ridiculous, however there are weight and height limits that override this rule, making it even more comical to me.

If you found that as weird as I did, know that it’s okay in the land of “pura vida,” because these types of things aren’t enforced.

And why should they enforce a 12 year old to be in a car seat when it’s easy to be at a remote beach town and see a family of 5 all riding on a gas powered dirt bike while carrying groceries?

What are the Roads Like in Costa Rica?

This is where things get a little dicey!

You’ll find some nicely paved roads that you’d expect to find in a first world country, but they are not the norm. Most roads are stricken with pot holes and often times you’ll have to traverse through dirt roads.

For some travelers, especially those unfamiliar with the area, opting for a car service may be advisable due to potential challenges with driving, particularly at night.

For example, our trip to the Springs Resort in La Fortuna takes us on the Pan American highway, which is very first world. However, once you pass through Canas and Tilaran, there are some very questionable dirt roads that are a must if you want to take the fastest route to the tropical paradise that is La Fortuna.

I find driving in San Jose Costa Rica being among the most difficult driving due to the sheer number of people on the road, especially during rush hour, as well as the poor road conditions and amounts of one way streets that often times don’t have ample street signs.

Depending on where you travel, you’ll want to consider a rental car that is 4 x 4. I always book a 4 x 4 because the topography is very diverse and often times you’ll have to go around mountains and drive through cloud forests. Driving in Costa Rica presents many challenges, and city driving is more of a nuisance because of the traffic, while driving in Costa Rica beach towns and mountains is more of a game of staying on the road and avoiding hazards.

Costa Rica Road Signs

Again, this is an area Costa Rica could improve. Road signs are very scarce, and if you visit San Jose you’ll find that a lot of times the street names appear on buildings or sometimes just aren’t there at all. This can make finding a new destination you’ve never been to very hard even with the use of Google Maps. When I use a rental car company and have to go somewhere I’ve never been, I ask for directions to go in tandem with my Google Maps just in case. Especially somewhere like San Jose airport, where all the staff speaks perfect English, since leaving there and getting downtown San Jose can be tricky if you haven’t been there in a while or don’t frequently go there.

As you approach beach towns and more rural areas, you’ll encounter less street signs. You’ll find signs that simply say the name of the town you are heading to with a number of kilometers remaining. Other times, you’ll see the route number (instead of “County Roads”, Costa Rica has “route numbers like “Ruta 41” etc.)

I find driving in Costa Rica at night to really make things difficult because of the lack of signage coupled with the low visibility. Rural areas have very little if any lighting at times. This is why it’s important to stay within the speed limits if you are on any rough terrain. Also, during the rainy season, you never know when a tiny little creek turns into a river crossing and if you approach it too fast you may make a major mistake! This happened to us in Playa Brasilito in 2023 when the bridge was under construction. It was late at night and there weren’t any traffic police telling us what to do, so we had to make a judgement call and wait to see another vehicle cross through the 2-3 feet of standing water as it was the only way into town unless we wanted to back track an hour or more!

For me, the Waze app is the best app to use to find any destination. It signals where there is construction, traffic, and other hazards. Make sure you have cellular service on an international plan or get a Wifi stick from your car rental company.

Rainy Season Driving in Costa Rica

The months of May to November mark the rainy months in Costa Rica. It’s not uncommon to witness landslides or washouts. Both can cause major problems for drivers in Costa Rica. If you are staying somewhere unfamiliar to you, ask your hotel about the conditions as there may be alternative routes to get you where you want to go if it’s raining heavily.

In my time living there, driving to Jaco on Route 27 presented a lot of challenges during rainy season.

Driving Tips for Costa Rica

Other than the aforementioned issues that come about in the rainy season, here’s a few more Costa Rica driving tips that can help you have a good experience and avoid accidents. Additionally, these Costa Rica tips are essential for ensuring a smooth and safe travel experience, addressing common concerns and challenges faced by tourists.

Be Aware of Bicyclists and Pedestrians

There’s a large amount of people in Costa Rica, especially in rural areas, that don’t have the means to afford a vehicle. You’ll find these people getting around on a bike or on foot. Without the advanced bike lanes and walking paths that we have in the United States, they are forced to often walk on the edge of the road. Just one fatal flaw in your driving, such as “texting and driving” could lead you to drift to the shoulder and hit a pedestrian. For this reason, I keep locked in and avoid interference from phones or fidgeting with the stereo while driving.

Dirt bikes, due to their affordability, are a very common means of transportation in Costa Rica. I find these extremely dangerous because they share the road with commercial 18 wheelers and other motor vehicles that could quickly end them with one error. Most of these dirt bikes don’t have the same speed capabilities as regular vehicles, making it a challenge to follow one for long periods of time. Courteous bikers will move over and signal for you to pass, while the bad apples will make it uncomfortable for you to follow them as long as possible!

If you visit downtown San Jose, these dirt bikes often weave through traffic in an effort to get ahead, especially during the busy rush hour.

Road Hazards to Watch Out For

Potholes are very common. Once you live somewhere for a while, you learn that everyone knows where they are and has a certain driving pattern to get around them without slowing down. It’s almost like people know it’s there and know that the car coming directly at them knows as well, and it’s known they are going to make a wide turn to avoid it.

Other than potholes in Costa Rica, you’ll find that locals use about anything they can get their hands on to make where there is a hazard. I’ve seen tree branches with reflective tape on them alerting drivers that there is a hazard ahead. They don’t have construction hazard lights like we have here!

Driving Signals to Know Beforehand

Locals have a few things they do to alert one another of what’s happening.

If there is a hazard ahead, they will turn on their hazard lights.

If there is a problem ahead, such as an accident, a traffic police officer, or traffic jam, they will flash their headlights at you as they approach you as a signal of what’s ahead.

Semi’s and Tractor Trailers

Costa Rica sits along a key shipping route between Panama and North America, with significant ports on both coasts, meaning tractor trailers are commonly seen on its roads.

When driving behind one, keep in mind that truck drivers may use their left turn signal to indicate it’s safe to pass. However, their idea of “safe” might not always align with yours, so it’s important to exercise caution when overtaking them.

Unsafe Passing

I’ve seen a lot of unsafe driving in Costa Rica, but to me, the biggest example of poor decision making lies in the unsafe passing. With many one lane bridges, roads, and routes that connect the varied topography of the country, there are many times you can get stuck behind a slow vehicle. Passing them safely is one thing, but doing it in an unsafe manner can lead to fatalities.

On one-lane bridges, all the cars from one direction can cross simultaneously after yielding, creating a unique driving dynamic.

The number of times I’ve seen people pass going uphill, around a corner without any visibility, or during torrential rain is something I’ll never understand. Why put your life in jeopardy to save a few minutes? I can’t stress this enough, be VERY careful when passing vehicles in Costa Rica.

Always make sure you have clear visibility of what’s ahead as well as knowledge of the speed limits when you are making a move to get ahead of other vehicles. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen cars flipped over or tractor trailers jack knifed on straight roads where nobody should ever have any trouble.

Driving in the Dark

At night you also need to be very careful. The infamous roads leading to La Fortuna are not very well lit, and this can happen in many parts of the country.

You’ll also find that a lot of the roads in Costa Rica don’t have guard rails. You don’t want to fall down any of the steep terrain in Costa Rica as it’s a long way down and people may not find you!

Costa Rica driving is not for the faint of heart, and I advise you to take extra caution when driving in the dark.

One-Lane Bridges

If you’re traveling around Costa Rica, you’ll quickly notice that many of the smaller bridges are just one lane wide. This means you’ll often find yourself taking turns with oncoming traffic. Usually, one side of the bridge will have a yield sign, indicating that cars there should wait. But here’s the thing—when it comes down to it, the general rule is: first come, first served.

Instead of crossing one by one, it’s more like a mini convoy from one direction. A whole line of cars crosses together, and then the cars waiting on the other side get their turn. It’s a bit of a rhythm you’ll get used to, but it can catch you off guard, especially when you’re coming up on one of these bridges quickly. Keep an eye out for “Puente Adelante” (Bridge Ahead) signs to help you stay alert.

River Crossings

In some of Costa Rica’s more remote areas, you might come across roads that require crossing rivers. Depending on the season, what looks like a calm stream might turn into a raging river that’s dangerous even for larger vehicles.

A couple of important things to note: river crossings typically aren’t covered by rental car insurance, so if you decide to take the plunge, you’re on your own if anything goes wrong.

Before you try to cross, always get out and test the water on foot to see how deep it is. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to watch another vehicle go first to see how they navigate. My son and I recently did this when we had to take a back road from Playa Conchal to Brasilito. We waited until local drivers came by to show us how to navigate this passage before potentially ruining our rental car.

And if the river’s tidal, be sure to check the tide charts before heading out to make sure you’re crossing at the right time.

Sometimes there’s an alternative route that avoids river crossings entirely, so if it looks sketchy, don’t hesitate to ask a local for advice. They’re usually happy to point you in the safest direction.

Other Things to Know Before Driving in Costa Rica

Police Checkpoints

As you drive along Costa Rica’s main routes, don’t be surprised if you come across police checkpoints, especially near international borders. Sometimes, they’ll stop every car, and other times, just one out of every few. Most of the time, they’re just asking where you’re headed, and occasionally, they’ll ask to see your passport.

There’s no need to worry—these checkpoints are completely routine, and rental cars with tourists are usually waved through without much fuss. But if you do get stopped, just cooperate with the officers, and you’ll be on your way before you know it.

Accidents

If you happen to get into an accident, the first thing you should do is call 911, and then contact your rental car company. Your rental agency should have given you a pamphlet with all the emergency numbers you need, so keep that handy.

Also, remember: it’s illegal to move your car after an accident, even if it’s blocking traffic. This is to make sure the authorities can properly investigate the scene. The police and an insurance agent will come to assess the damage, and your rental company will send someone to help and provide a replacement car if needed.

Gas Stations

While gas stations are fairly easy to find in Costa Rica, they’re not always spaced out evenly, especially in more remote areas. If you’re heading out on a long drive, it’s a good idea to top off your tank whenever you have the chance, just to be safe.

One thing to note: gas prices are set by the government, so there’s no need to worry about shopping around for the best deal. All stations charge the same.

Gas stations in Costa Rica are full-service, meaning the attendants will pump your gas for you, and they’re usually super friendly and helpful. If you need air in your tires or washer fluid topped off, just ask.

They accept both cash and credit/debit cards. One thing to keep in mind: always make sure the attendant resets the meter before they start pumping your gas. Most attendants are honest, but it’s always better to be cautious.

Protecting Your Valuables

Rental cars are a prime target for theft in Costa Rica, especially since many of the vehicles look alike and are easy to spot. But there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your valuables safe.

First, never leave anything visible inside the car—yes, even things you think are worthless. Whether you’re at the beach, in a parking lot, or anywhere else, thieves often watch from a distance and can strike in the time it takes you to grab a shopping cart. Always lock your doors, and take your valuables with you. If you can’t, leave someone in the car to keep an eye on things.

One area you really have to watch your stuff at is the Tarcoles River Crocodile bridge.

Safe Parking Tips

Next up, finding safe parking is key. Many restaurants, national parks, and tourist spots have attendants who will watch your car while you’re away. Some are paid by the business, but most are just self-appointed watchmen doing it as their main gig. In exchange for a small tip—usually a dollar or two, depending on how long you’re parked—they’ll keep an eye on your vehicle.

We’ve had nothing but positive experiences with these guys. Not only do they keep your car safe, but they often have some cool local knowledge to share. For instance, at Carara National Park, one parking attendant pointed out a group of tent-making bats hiding under a leaf that we’d walked right by without noticing. Definitely a fun way to make your day a little more interesting!

Parking Restrictions

Here’s something new to watch out for: parking restrictions. In recent years, Costa Rica’s traffic police (Transito) have really stepped up enforcement on illegal parking. What makes it a hassle is that if they catch you parked in the wrong spot, they don’t just slap a ticket on your windshield—they’ll also take your license plates!

Getting your plates back can be a real pain. From what we’ve heard, it can take weeks and several trips to distant offices to retrieve them. And it’s not just a hassle for you—the rental companies charge a hefty fee for this because the car can’t be driven or rented without plates, and they have to send staff to pick them up.

Typically, traffic cops are on the lookout for cars parked in restricted zones like near fire hydrants, taxi stands, loading zones, or bus stops. These areas are usually marked with yellow paint on the curb or clear signage.

In some cities or larger towns, you’ll also find paid street parking. These spots are marked with signs, but instead of a traditional parking meter, you’ll need to buy a small paper ticket to stick on your windshield. Sometimes, finding where to buy the ticket can be tricky, so you may need to ask a local business. If you’re unsure about this process, or it feels like too much of a hassle, it’s usually safer (and easier) to look for a private parking lot. These are often plentiful, especially in areas where street parking is limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is renting a car necessary for exploring Costa Rica?

Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes. It offers flexibility and access to remote areas that are often inaccessible by public transportation. A 4×4 vehicle is ideal for unpaved rural roads and mountainous regions, especially during the rainy season.

2. What are the road conditions like in Costa Rica?

Road conditions in Costa Rica vary. Highways like Route 27 and Route 1 are well-paved and maintained, while rural and mountain roads can be unpaved, narrow, or muddy during the rainy season. Some roads may lack signage, so GPS is essential.

3. What are the speed limits in Costa Rica?

Speed limits in Costa Rica differ by road type. Highways typically allow 80–100 km/h, while urban areas have limits of 40–60 km/h. Always adhere to posted limits as traffic laws are strictly enforced.

4. Can tourists drive in Costa Rica with a foreign driver’s license?

Yes, tourists can drive in Costa Rica using their home country’s valid driver’s license for up to 90 days. After that period, a Costa Rican driver’s license is required.

5. Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica at night?

Night driving in Costa Rica is not recommended due to poorly lit roads, potential hazards like stray animals, and limited visibility. It’s safer to drive during the daytime.

6. What should I do if I encounter bad weather while driving?

If you encounter bad weather, reduce your speed, turn on headlights, and proceed cautiously. Avoid driving through flooded areas as flash floods can render roads impassable.

7. Are rental cars in Costa Rica expensive?

Rental cars in Costa Rica cost between $30 to $75 per day, depending on vehicle type and season. Mandatory third-party liability insurance adds $10 to $25 daily. Credit card rental insurance can help reduce costs.

8. What documents are required for driving in Costa Rica?

You’ll need a valid driver’s license, passport, car rental agreement (if applicable), and third-party liability insurance documents. Keep these in the vehicle while driving.

9. What are the most common driving hazards in Costa Rica?

Common hazards include stray animals, fallen branches, landslide debris, and narrow roads without clear signage. Be extra cautious in rural or mountainous areas, especially during the rainy season.

10. Do I need a 4×4 vehicle to drive in Costa Rica?

A 4×4 is recommended for rural areas, unpaved roads, and mountainous regions, especially during the rainy season. For urban and highway driving, a standard car should suffice.

11. How do I navigate in Costa Rica while driving?

Using GPS or a reliable navigation app is essential, especially in rural areas with unclear signage. Familiarize yourself with basic Spanish road signs for an easier driving experience.

12. Are there specific traffic laws tourists should know?

Yes, seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and there’s zero tolerance for driving under the influence (legal limit is 0.05% BAC). Follow speed limits and always carry required documents.

13. What should I do in case of a roadside emergency?

In case of a roadside emergency, call 911 for assistance. Most rental agencies also provide 24/7 roadside support. Keep emergency contacts and your rental agency information handy.

14. What are the best times to drive in Costa Rica?

Daytime is the best time to drive in Costa Rica due to better visibility and safety. Avoid driving during heavy rains or at night when hazards are harder to spot.

15. Are there toll roads in Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica has toll roads, primarily on highways such as Route 27. Tolls are inexpensive but must be paid in cash or with a prepaid card. Keep small denominations ready.

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