Car Rental in Costa Rica - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Costa Rica is generally recommended for tourists planning to explore beyond San José, particularly for visiting national parks, beaches, and rural areas where public transportation options may be limited. A rental car provides flexibility for road trips along both coasts and access to remote destinations. However, car rental is typically less practical in San José itself, where traffic congestion can be challenging and parking difficult to find. Costa Rica drives on the right side of the road. Road conditions vary considerably—main highways connecting major cities are generally well-maintained, while rural and mountain roads may be unpaved, narrow, or poorly marked. During rainy season, some roads can become difficult to navigate. Four-wheel drive vehicles are often recommended for reaching certain destinations, particularly in mountainous regions or during wet conditions. Tourists should be prepared for different driving conditions than they may be accustomed to, including occasional potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and varying road signage. GPS or navigation apps are useful tools. For those staying primarily in urban areas with good bus connections, renting a car may not be necessary.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Costa Rica's specific IDP requirements. Check with Costa Rican authorities or your rental agency for current regulations.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old, though specific age requirements vary by company. Verify age restrictions when booking.

Insurance Coverage

Costa Rica generally requires mandatory local liability insurance. Additional coverage options are typically available and recommended for comprehensive protection.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is typically accepted for tourist rentals. Verify acceptance period and requirements with your rental agency.

Credit Card

Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not be accepted by all providers.

Passport

Valid passport is generally required for identification and rental documentation. Keep a copy with you while driving.

Rent from international agencies at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airports for convenience, or compare with local agencies in cities for potentially better rates - always verify full insurance coverage is included as Costa Rica's roads can be challenging.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos/video and check that the spare tire, jack, and warning triangles are present - these items are legally required and you'll be charged if missing upon return.

Download offline maps (Google Maps or Waze work well in Costa Rica) before your trip as GPS signal can be unreliable in rural areas, and note that road signs may be minimal outside major routes.

Fill up with fuel in larger towns before heading to remote areas as gas stations become sparse, and for parking, use attended lots (parqueos) in cities rather than street parking to avoid break-ins.

Return the car with the same fuel level as pickup and allow extra time for the return inspection - agencies typically require 2-3 hours before flight departure, and keep all fuel receipts as proof of refueling.

Road conditions vary dramatically in Costa Rica - paved highways can suddenly turn into potholed or unpaved roads, especially in rural areas and during rainy season (May-November), so reduce speed and stay alert for sudden surface changes.

GPS and road signs can be unreliable as many locations use informal landmarks rather than street addresses; always verify directions with locals and allow extra time for navigation, especially outside major cities.

Heavy rainfall creates serious hazards including flooding, landslides, and river crossings on mountain roads - avoid driving at night during rainy season and never attempt to cross flooded roads as water depth is deceptive.

Police checkpoints (retenes) are common throughout the country; always carry your driver's license, passport, vehicle registration, and insurance documents, and be prepared to show them when requested by traffic police.