Costa Rica
Car hire in Costa Rica: how to rent and drive safely
A hire car is the easiest way to see Costa Rica, and the most misunderstood. The price you see online is rarely the price you pay at the desk. Here is what to know before you pick up the keys.
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In short: should you hire a car in Costa Rica?
Yes, if you want to see more than one place. Collect the car at San José airport if you are heading for Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, or at Liberia if you are going to the beaches of Guanacaste. Choose four-wheel drive, check which insurance is included and drive only in daylight.
Collect your car in San José: Check car hire and prices
Picolo has been to Costa Rica, and the advice below draws on our own trips.
How to choose the right hire car
Four-wheel drive: needed for Monteverde, the Nicoya Peninsula and many gravel roads in the rainy season.
Ground clearance: a small SUV copes with potholes and streams better than an ordinary car.
Insurance: the law requires liability cover that is often not included in the price you see online. Check this before you book.
Navigation: Waze is widely used in Costa Rica and has up-to-date information on roads and traffic.
Collect your car in San José
The airport at San José is the starting point for most round trips. From here it is around three hours to Arenal and three hours to Manuel Antonio.
Car hire in San José: Check car hire and prices
Where to stay at Arenal: The Springs Resort and Spa
The first stop for many is Arenal, around three hours from the airport. The Springs has 15 outdoor pools and views of the volcano, and more than a thousand guests rate it 9.8.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
Sea views
Heading south along the Pacific coast, the views over Manuel Antonio are waiting.
Collect your car in Liberia
The airport at Liberia in the north-west is closest to the beaches of Guanacaste. From here it is around half an hour to the Papagayo Peninsula and around three hours to Arenal.
Car hire in Liberia: Check car hire and prices
Where to stay in Guanacaste: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo
Andaz overlooks Culebra Bay, a short drive from Liberia airport. Guests rate it 9.4.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices
What to know about driving in Costa Rica
Drive in daylight: it gets dark around six in the evening all year, and many roads are poorly lit.
Allow extra time: winding roads and lorries mean three hours on the map often becomes four.
Leave nothing in the car: theft from parked cars is the most common problem for visitors.
Tolls on the motorway: the road from San José towards the Pacific coast has toll booths, so carry some cash.
Full service at the pump: at petrol stations an attendant fills the tank for you.
When should you book?
Book the car at the same time as your flight if you are travelling in the dry season from December to April. Demand is highest then, especially for four-wheel drive. More on the seasons in our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Costa Rica
Do you need four-wheel drive in Costa Rica?
Not everywhere, but it is recommended for Monteverde and gravel roads in the rainy season. A small four-wheel-drive SUV covers most needs.
Why is car hire in Costa Rica more expensive than the online price?
The law requires liability insurance that is often added at the desk. Check what is included before you book to avoid surprises.
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?
Yes, as long as you drive in daylight, take your time and do not leave valuables visible in the car.
Which airport should you hire a car from?
San José suits a round trip inland and down to Manuel Antonio. Liberia is closest to the beaches of Guanacaste.
How long does it take to drive around Costa Rica?
Allow three to four hours between the popular places. See the driving times in our Costa Rica itinerary.