Car rental in Costa Rica

Car rental in Costa Rica lets you experience the country the way locals do. You can reach places that tourist buses and taxis simply don't go. This matters especially in Costa Rica, where distances may be short but roads are winding and public transport schedules are unpredictable.

Localrent offers competitive car rental conditions. The service guarantees transparent pricing with no hidden fees, a selection of vehicles across different classes, and reliable rental partners.

Benefits of Renting Through Localrent

Thanks to a user-friendly website interface, booking takes just a few minutes. Customer support is available throughout the entire rental period.

Here's what else the car rental aggregator in Costa Rica offers:

1. Wide range of vehicle classes. The service provides everything from compact economy models to spacious luxury SUVs. Every driver can find the right fit.
2. Convenient search filters. Easily find a car in your preferred category by specifying the make, transmission type, insurance coverage, and other criteria.
3. Low advance payment at booking. When placing your reservation, you only need to pay 15–20% of the rental cost by card — the remaining balance is paid upon arrival in Costa Rica.
4. Prices with no hidden charges or taxes. You see the final rental cost upfront along with the price of each included service.
5. Direct contact with the rental company. The service shares your details after payment. You coordinate pickup arrangements directly, cutting out long chains of intermediaries.

Rental Requirements

To book a rental in Costa Rica through Localrent, you'll need to prepare the following documents and meet certain conditions that vary by listing:

What you'll need:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license
• Bank card for the advance payment
• Localrent voucher (sent after booking confirmation)

Minimum driver age and experience requirements depend on the selected vehicle. All requirements are listed in each car's listing card.

Traffic Rules in Costa Rica

Driving in Costa Rica is on the right-hand side. All passengers must wear seatbelts, and using a phone while driving is prohibited. Drivers should always carry their passport and license.

Vehicles have an unofficial priority over pedestrians — people tend to yield to traffic even at crosswalks. However, drivers should still slow down near pedestrian zones for safety and legal compliance. Flashing headlights is a warning about police checkpoints ahead, while hazard lights on the car in front signal danger on the road.

Drivers are required to use low-beam headlights after dark. This rule applies from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Headlights should also be switched on during the day if visibility deteriorates.

Standard speed limits in Costa Rica:

• 100–120 km/h on major highways
• 60–80 km/h on rural roads and narrow highways
• 40–60 km/h in urban areas

A strict 25 km/h limit applies in school zones and near hospitals.

Police enforce speed limits by setting up checkpoints along popular routes. Fines should be paid at bank branches — attempting to bribe an officer will only make things worse.

Children over 12 years old and at least 150 cm tall may ride using standard seatbelts. In all other cases, an age-appropriate child restraint system is required.

Gas Stations

Stations in Costa Rica offer full service: attendants pump your fuel and wipe your windshield. Customers typically leave a small tip for the staff. Fuel prices are government-regulated, so they remain fairly consistent across the country. Payment is accepted in cash or by bank card.

Key tip: plan your refueling stops in advance. Stations are located along main highways, but infrastructure is less developed in remote mountain areas.

Parking

Major cities in Costa Rica have paid, guarded parking lots, while smaller towns often rely on street parking. Municipal spaces can be paid through apps such as Parso.

Informal parking attendants are common in tourist areas — they watch your car for a small tip. Regardless of parking type, always take valuables out of the vehicle.

A yellow curb line means no parking. Blocking driveways is also prohibited and may result in a fine.

How to Book a Rental Car

The entire booking process happens online. You choose from available listings, and it takes just a few minutes with no phone calls required.

Step-by-step guide to a quick and affordable booking:

1. Select dates and times. Start by choosing the city in Costa Rica where you'd like to pick up the car. Set the rental period and your preferred pickup time.
2. Use filters. Search by the parameters you need: transmission type, drivetrain, model year. For example, if you're traveling with a large family, choose a spacious minivan with air conditioning.
3. Review your options. Check each car's rental terms: cost, insurance, mileage limits, and extras. Pick the offer that matches your expectations and budget. Add any optional extras.
4. Book online. Enter the primary driver's personal and contact details, confirm the order, and pay the advance by card.
5. Receive confirmation. Immediately after payment, you'll receive a voucher with your booking details. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to present it when picking up the car in Costa Rica.
   

Top Destinations to Explore by Car

Traveling around Costa Rica in a rental car, don't miss the chance to visit the country's natural landmarks. Here are the top five locations easily accessible by car:

1. Poás Volcano. An active volcano with a striking crater and surrounding landscape, about two hours' drive from the capital. For safety reasons, visitors are allowed only 20 minutes at the crater viewpoint. Concrete bunkers line the route in case of a sudden eruption. For mountain driving, rent a vehicle with a more powerful engine.
2. La Fortuna Waterfall. One of Costa Rica's iconic sights, surrounded by jungle, with water plunging 75 meters into an emerald pool. Visitors descend to the water via 500 steps carved into the hillside. A restaurant and showers are available at the upper platform.
3. Monteverde. Home to nature reserves and adventure parks enveloped in misty vegetation. Activities include zip-lining and nighttime nature tours. Visitors also explore coffee and chocolate production or go horseback riding. A vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended.
4. Manuel Antonio. This national park sits on the Pacific coast. Forbes magazine once named it one of the most beautiful parks in the world for its harmony of tropical forest and ocean. Guests enjoy hiking trails, coastal kayaking, and mangrove excursions.
5. Jacó Beach. A 4 km stretch of coastline. The entry looks gentle, but ocean surf produces powerful waves that can knock even an adult off their feet. The nightlife scene thrives with clubs and bars. Tourists also head out for deep-sea fishing or ATV tours through the nearby tropical forest.

Important: When driving around Costa Rica in a rental car, stick to paved roads only. Insurance coverage does not apply on unpaved roads.

Pickup Locations

When renting a car in Costa Rica, you can choose your pickup point. Use the "Specify Location" filter to do so.

Some rental companies offer delivery to your hotel or any address you specify in the city, such as the central bus terminal. Others operate from their own offices or airport terminals in San José or Liberia. Before booking, make sure the pickup location is convenient and close to where you're staying or arriving.

Rental Tips

Before your trip to Costa Rica, it helps to familiarize yourself with local rental and driving specifics. Here are a few practical recommendations based on traveler experience:

Choose the right vehicle class

Costa Rica has plenty of speed bumps and steep driveways. Sedans can scrape their undercarriage on uneven surfaces, so crossovers and SUVs are the better choice — they handle obstacles without damage.

Keep the rainy season in mind

The wet season runs from May through November. Roads become slippery during heavy downpours, so opt for all-wheel-drive vehicles with strong traction.

Document the car's condition

Photograph and video the body, tires, and undercarriage before driving off, then make sure all existing damage is recorded in the rental agreement. This documentation prevents disputes when returning the car.

Frequently Asked Questions