Whether you want to cruise along the coastline, trek through the rainforests, or discover small villages throughout Costa Rica, having your own car to explore with is invaluable. With a rental car, you can stop as frequently as you like to capture photos, enjoy local cuisine, or simply soak in the breathtaking landscapes that make Costa Rica a popular destination.
Quick. Check these necessities off your prep list!
- There’s no one-size-fits-all travel insurance. Get a personalized quote from Yonder.
- The right luggage can make or break your trip. These luggage sets make traveling a breeze.
- Find your rental car on DiscoverCars.com. They search all major rental companies to find the best deal.
Before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how to rent a car in Costa Rica. It differs from some other countries due to local regulations and insurance policies. Understanding the essentials such as insurance coverage, driving laws, and rental terms will help you navigate the process smoothly.
You might also want to consider the places you’ll be driving to and choose your car based on the roads and accessibility you might need. We drove from San Jose up to La Fortuna and back through La Paz Waterfall, which was all very straightforward driving, with no need for a 4×4 vehicle, but your trip might look different than ours.
PRO TIP: We always rent through Discover Cars when we travel. It gets you the best deal on car rentals where you’re going and it’s always the same experience, so we know what we’re getting.
Rental Requirements
When renting a car in Costa Rica, it’s important you meet the eligibility criteria and have the required documentation ready. Failing to do so can result in delays or inability to rent a vehicle.
Eligibility Criteria
To rent a car in Costa Rica, the minimum age is generally 21 years. However, some rental companies may allow 18-year-olds to rent with an additional fee, while others may require you to be at least 25 years old for certain types of vehicles.
A credit card in your name is usually required for a security deposit, and sufficient credit is necessary to cover any temporary hold on funds.
One thing we ran into in Costa Rica that we haven’t seen elsewhere is the exceptionally large deposit amount they require if you use your own insurance. We often use our credit card/personal car insurance rather than buying theirs. They required us to put an $18,000 deposit on our credit card to do that. Which meant that we had to have that amount of available credit.
- Minimum Age: 21 years (varies by rental company)
- Credit Card: Mandatory for security deposit
Required Documentation
Before you can drive off in your rental car, you’ll need a set of documents. A valid Driver’s License from your home country is essential, and it’s recommended to have an International Driving Permit, although not always mandatory. Your passport is required as a secondary form of identification. Regarding insurance, Costa Rican law requires basic liability insurance, but additional options are often recommended for better coverage.
- Driving License: Must be valid and full
- Passport: Required for identification purposes
- Insurance: Mandatory liability; additional options recommended
- Credit/Debit Cards: Credit card preferred; debit cards may be accepted with conditions
Remember, debit cards are not typically favored because they do not provide the rental company the same level of security as a credit card. If you plan to use a debit card, check with the rental agency beforehand to confirm their policy, as many require a higher deposit or additional documentation.
Insurance Options
When renting a car in Costa Rica, understanding your insurance options is crucial.
Mandatory Insurance: By law, you’re required to have basic liability insurance, which may be referred to as SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) or TPL (Third-Party Liability Insurance). This insurance covers damages to third parties but not to the rental car itself. Costa Rican laws mandate this coverage, and it cannot be declined. The cost typically ranges from $10-20 per day.
Additional Coverage: You have the option to enhance your insurance coverage through the rental company. These are not mandatory by law but can add peace of mind. The options usually include:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Limits your financial liability for damage to the rental car.
- Theft Protection (TP): Covers loss due to theft of the rental vehicle.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Covers medical costs from accidents.
Credit Card Insurance: Many credit cards offer rental car insurance as a perk. Before relying on this, confirm with your credit card provider that their coverage is valid in Costa Rica. Be aware that credit card insurance might not be accepted by all rental agencies, and you may still be required to purchase their offered insurance.
Remember to carefully read through all insurance terms and conditions. This ensures you understand your coverage and responsibilities in the event of an accident or theft.
Selecting the Right Vehicle
When renting a car in Costa Rica, consider both the car category that suits your needs and the terrain you’ll be navigating.
Car Categories
- SUVs: Ideal for rough terrains and off-road adventures. They offer high clearance and are robust for traversing Costa Rica’s less developed roads.
- Mini/Economy: Best suited for budget travelers and short city trips. These vehicles are easier to navigate in tight spaces and consume less fuel.
- Compact: A good middle ground for those who need more space than a mini but prefer a vehicle that’s still manageable in size for easier parking and maneuvering.
- Passenger Van: Perfect for large groups or families. They have ample space for both passengers and luggage.
- Convertible: Enjoy the scenic routes with a convertible. While not the most practical for all terrains, they’re perfect for sunny coastal drives.
Considering the Terrain
- City and Well-Paved Roads: Economy, mini, and compact cars are sufficient.
- Mountainous Areas and Rough Terrains: It’s highly recommended to opt for an SUV for safety and comfort.
- Rural Areas: An SUV is also the best rental car choice here, due to the variability in road conditions.
- Beach Areas or Places with Seasonal Weather Changes: A convertible could add to your experience, weather permitting.
Your choice of vehicle from the fleet should align with both comfort and necessity, ensuring a pleasant driving experience across Costa Rica.
Navigating Costa Rica by Car
Renting a car in Costa Rica offers the flexibility to explore the country’s varied landscapes, from bustling city centers to serene beaches and lush rainforests. An optimal navigation experience requires awareness of key routes, and destinations, and adherence to road safety norms.
Main Destinations and Routes
To navigate effectively in Costa Rica, familiarize yourself with major destinations and their connecting roadways. San José, the capital, is a hub from which arterial routes branch out across the country.
Heading northwest from San José on Route 1, you’ll find the city of Alajuela, near which lies the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Further along the same route is the town of Liberia, a gateway to the beaches of Tamarindo and the Nicoya Peninsula.
If you’re venturing towards the Caribbean coast, Limon is accessible via Route 32, which offers scenic views en route to the vibrant town of Puerto Viejo. Traveling to the Pacific coast, you’ll discover Puntarenas, a starting point to reach the popular Santa Teresa and tranquil Uvita.
When you head south from San José, Dominical is a renowned coastal getaway, accessible via Route 34 or the more mountainous Route 243 through San Isidro de El General.
- San José to Liberia (via Route 1)
- Alajuela (via Route 1, near San José)
- San José to Limon (via Route 32)
- San José to Puntarenas (via Route 27)
- San José to Dominical (via Route 34 or Route 243)
When planning your route, using a GPS or a navigation app can help in real-time route adjustments and finding points of interest. Although you may have internet access in cities, you’ll want to download offline maps since coverage can be spotty in remote areas, especially near international borders. We also found that the app Waze was more accurate in spots than Google Maps.
Road Safety and Regulations
Driving in Costa Rica involves navigating diverse terrain and complying with local road regulations. The speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas and up to 80 km/h on highways, unless otherwise posted. The roads in cities like San José and Heredia can be congested; patience is key.
It’s essential to carry your driver’s license, passport, and mandatory car insurance documentation at all times.
Be mindful that roads can be narrow, with unexpected potholes and limited signage as you move away from main cities. Coastal towns like Coco, Nicoya, and Grecia can be reached on well-traveled routes but still require careful driving, especially during the rainy season when visibility and road conditions may worsen.
For a smooth journey:
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a GPS system or smartphone with a reliable navigation app.
- Have both physical and digital maps for backup.
- Keep an eye on the speed limit and adjust your driving to the road conditions.
- Keep your travel documents, like passports and driver’s licenses, accessible.
- Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially when driving in remote or rural areas.
Be Prepared For Travel
Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:
🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home
- Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
- Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner)
- Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
- Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)
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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.