Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Costa Rica
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What is the cheapest rental car agency in Costa Rica?
At the moment, the cheapest car rental agency in Costa Rica is NextCar, through whom users can find deals for as low as C$ 10 per day. Users who book a rental car with NextCar tend to find prices that are lower than the C$ 57 per day national average. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on where you are renting, how many days you rent for, and the type of rental car you choose.
What is the most popular rental car agency in Costa Rica?
If you plan to rent a car in Costa Rica, we recommend booking with Budget, one of the most popular rental agencies in the country. In the past month, 32% of our users selected Budget for their car rental needs. The agency also has a customer satisfaction rating of 5.5 out of 10 from 64 reviewers.
What car rental company in Costa Rica has the most locations?
The car rental company with the most locations in Costa Rica is Alamo. They currently have 62 locations that can be found within airports and cities across the country. If you haven’t chosen a city to travel to within Costa Rica, consider Liberia, which is the most popular destination in the country. Here you will find that Alamo has 3 locations throughout the area.
What is the most popular type of rental car in Costa Rica?
Travellers to Costa Rica usually opt for a SUV as their rental car of choice. This may be due to the weather during their stay, the activities they have planned, or their budget. In the past 30 days, 76% of our users rented a SUV for their trip to Costa Rica at an average cost of C$ 74 per day.
Costa Rica car rental deals found on momondo
Find the rental car in Costa Rica that's right for you
Small cars
C$ 20 - C$ 77
All Car Types
C$ 25 - C$ 92
The average price of a small car rental in Costa Rica is C$ 31. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Costa Rica is in May. The price is 38% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 20 per day. A small car rental is typically 32% less expensive than the average rental car in Costa Rica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Costa Rica can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Costa Rica small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a medium car rental in Costa Rica is C$ 40. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Costa Rica is in October. The price is 49% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 21 per day. A medium car rental is typically 13% less expensive than the average rental car in Costa Rica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Costa Rica can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Costa Rica medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a large car rental in Costa Rica is C$ 71. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Costa Rica is in October. The price is 54% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 33 per day. A large car rental is typically 34% more expensive than the average rental car in Costa Rica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Costa Rica can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.
The average price of a SUV rental in Costa Rica is C$ 38. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Costa Rica is in October. The price is 54% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 18 per day. A SUV rental is typically 18% less expensive than the average rental car in Costa Rica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Costa Rica can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Costa Rica SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a van rental in Costa Rica is C$ 105. The cheapest time to rent a van in Costa Rica is in October. The price is 53% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 50 per day. A van rental is typically 56% more expensive than the average rental car in Costa Rica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Costa Rica can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Costa Rica van rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a pick-up truck rental in Costa Rica is C$ 71. The cheapest time to rent a pick-up truck in Costa Rica is in October. The price is 53% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 34 per day. A pick-up truck rental is typically 35% more expensive than the average rental car in Costa Rica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Costa Rica can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Costa Rica pick-up truck rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a luxury car rental in Costa Rica is C$ 97. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in Costa Rica is in October. The price is 48% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 51 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 53% more expensive than the average rental car in Costa Rica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Costa Rica can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Costa Rica luxury car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
Car battery died and it wasn’t resolved for 4 days. Switched to Alamo and it was night and day. I’ll never use Avis again.
2.0
Poor|Apr 2023
I'll never use kayak to book a car rental again. Your price was a long way from what Avis charged.
2.0
Poor|Apr 2023
I ordered a 4 x 4 and they gave me a 2wd!! Without telling me. Trip ruined!
2.0
Poor|Apr 2023
I looked up the insurance policies prior to arriving in Costa Rica after receiving e-mails from AVIS stating that there are optional insurances and upgrades available. I'm covered with all the requirements of Costa Rica through my insurance, plus have additional coverage with my credit card and above and beyond that we have an umbrella insurance policy that covers far beyond any liability waiver that they provide. At the counter they required me to purchase their insurance for $38.99 a day!! I showed them my proof of insurance and then they told me they needed a personal letter from my insurance company to them (not AVIS, but to their office in Liberia). While in line there were two other couples contacting their insurance companies struggling to get a letter faxed to their office. Apparently a digital copy or e-mail wouldn't work either. It is off-airport and once they have you there they make it very inconvenient to leave you there without a car. Additionally they placed a $2,000 hold on my credit card (usually made for those who decline insurance) so that shouldn't have been necessary since I was made to purchase theirs. I later found out that the agents behind the counter are incentivized by commission to sell the insurance and upgrades. The car was suppose to be given to me full - it was 1/2 tank, the front tires were bald, I had to stop and put air in the rear tire. For this reason I will never rent with AVIS again.
2.0
Poor|Mar 2023
If you want to wait 2 hours for your vehicle to be ready despite making the appointment, this is the place to go to.
Enterprise in Costa Rica is top notch!! Typically I expect bad, questionable treatment from car rental companies. Not here!! Absolutely a pleasant experience all way around! Teach the world how It’s done CR!
10.0
Wonderful|May 2023
Excellent customer service!!
2.0
Poor|Jan 2023
Somebody crash me and leave it away. I call the insurance for nothing because at the finish I pay for all. The rob me 1000 USD
Great customer service and communication. The whole experience was seamless including having an agent bring the car to the airport. Nice, friendly employees.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Great truck !
8.0
Very good|Jul 2023
Confusing and a little stressful. It was no clear where or how to pick up or drop off the vehicle. One person told us there was a shuttle but then an employee showed up at the airport with the car. He was very helpful and friendly. He told us to drop off the car and give the keys to an employee at the check in desk. When I texted the day before our departure to confirm, we were instructed to come to the marina to drop off the car and we would have to figure out our own transportation to the airport. After we informed them we were told something quite different, they said they would make an exception and allow us to drop off the car. When we dropped off the keys, the lady at the check in desk told us it was routine.
6.0
Okay|Jun 2023
The staff was helpful, even though they charged me $18 for gas. The tank was almost full, it was at the full line, i guess it had to be over.
10.0
Wonderful|May 2023
The guys in puerto viejo didn’t pressure me into any additional purchases. Very professional
10.0
Wonderful|May 2023
Easy rental and got upgraded to a much nicer car for free. Unfortunately there are no rental cars at the airport, so it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride to the location for all cars.
RE: RA-578697501 This was my second car rental at Budget Escazu. The first rental was a good experience. The second was not. The car I was given had problems. The scratches and dents on the outside were properly noted. However the instrument and gage cover glass was so damaged I could not see the gas gage or other instruments. I complained to the customer service rep about the smeared glass and he said he would note the problem but the car would be ok to drive. Other problems I found once I left the Budget Avenida Escazu location were: the radio/entertainment center did not work, the child door locks engaged regardless of the switch position, the identification cap on the fuel door release was missing, the car smelled, the car engine has very poor acceleration. When I returned the car, and explained the issues, the representative at Budget ,Sr. Ronald Carajal told me that I needed to complain to Budget customer service
8.0
Very good|May 2023
Customer service was great. They didn't try to scam me with hidden fees or falsehoods about coverage. Another in my group rented through enterprise and they tried to make him pay all sorts of extras that aren't required (we rented in San Jose). I also had some car issues on the way back and they were helpful and understanding.
10.0
Wonderful|May 2023
The booking could not have been easier. The shuttle was waiting at the airport, the cars were there as promised and the staff were friendly and courteous. I highly recommend this Budget location.
4.0
Mediocre|May 2023
The ad never said that the insurance fee Is the doble of the rental. And the servir provide by the budget employee was unpolite and bad.
8.0
Very good|Apr 2023
Felt sort of corralled into the upgrade I got. Booked a 7p 4x4 online and was told in person it was only 2WD. Was then told the Land Cruiser I got was the only one left on the lot. 3 hours later my brother in law got a Land Cruiser and was told it was the last one on the lot.
Excellent staff, courteous, attentive, knowledgeable, and accommodating. Antonio made his the best rental car transaction ever! We will definitely be using Economy in the future.
10.0
Wonderful|Mar 2023
The location is about 2 to 3 miles offsite from the airport. But they had a van ready and waiting at the airport. The transactions fast, and the staff was great! Drop off was also a breeze. The vehicle was new and very clean.
2.0
Poor|Mar 2023
Worse car rental experience ever! After deciding to drop off the car sooner than originally planned, I have visited the office to discuss my refund options and was given a refund breakdown by the front desk person. However, on the day of the return, they gave me a completely different refund amount (HALF of what i was told originally), tried to threaten me, and challenged me to submit a claim with my CC company! After multiple emails back and forth with their "customer service team", they were still unable to provide me with the refund breakdown calculation, and then just ignored my emails all together. I am working through a CC claim at this point. STAY CLEAR, they are obviously struggling, and will rip you off without a second thought.
4.0
Mediocre|Feb 2023
Be prepared to pay $33 more per day than your rental price for fees and insurance as with most rental companies. Suv was ok. They didn’t seem to be busy at all which might be a plus.
4.0
Mediocre|Feb 2023
We booked a vehicle for set price. Flight delayed called and told them, got here to destination vehicle gone had to get a different one and it was 700.00 more than initially quoted. Way too expensive and will not be dealing with kayak again!!
Scam artists. Quoted one price, when I arrived at the location, they charged me over twice as much. They forced us to sign blank damage reports. When I asked for them to take me back to the airport, they refused.
8.0
Very good|Jan 2022
The car was not in amazing shape. But for us, that was totally fine. It got us up some steep hills and winding, rocky Costa Rican roads. Totally had enough power, got us everywhere but not much of a looker :) Certainly not a Toyota Land Cruiser. But completely funcional.
6.0
Okay|Jan 2022
Hidden Fees everywhere, try to rip you off.
6.0
Okay|Jan 2022
Hidden Fees galore at pick up as usual in Costa Rica.
10.0
Wonderful|Jun 2021
The staff were able to answer all of my questions quickly, whether over the phone or through their online messaging system. Make sure to ask about SLI, aka car insurance, as there are different options and it can be somewhat expensive. Overall, I had a great experience and will be returning to Dollar car rental the next time I'm in Costa Rica!
I cancelled this reservation before my trip and it took me three different people telling me they were not the right person and then I spoke to someone who said they were the right person but they couldn’t help me. I was finally able to cancel it online.
8.0
Very good|Mar 2023
Counter staff was very friendly.
10.0
Wonderful|Jan 2023
We had rental vehicles for 3 month stay in CR. Initially rented a small 4WD vehicle for wife and me, then traded for larger 4WD when 3 more family members arrived. Staff at main office made exchange smooth. Subsequently had some issues with the battery-controlled key device (for locking/unlocking doors), but office staff provided a replacement immediately and without question. While we never really needed 4WD (even while fording couple of shallow streams), high clearance was helpful on poorly maintained dirt roads. Whatsapp communication on several occasions with Jorge, my primary contact in main office, was quick and efficient. Senior agent provided his direct phone number to facilitate future rentals if we return. I strongly recommend this organization.
10.0
Wonderful|Feb 2022
Great customer service and no issues with the reservation. The front desk gave us an overview of Costa Rican traffic laws and helped us select the best insurance. They even gave us some other travel tips we used throughout our vacation! Will definitely use them again!
2.0
Poor|Jan 2022
They added an obligatory insurance that doubled the price!
3.9
Poor|Sep 2021
I purchased car insurance when I booked the rental and upon arrival I was notified that the Allianz insurance I purchased is not valid in Costa Rica and I had to purchase insurance directly there which added an additional $225 to our rental. Kayak shouldn’t offer car insurance if it’s not accepted in that country.
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Thrifty Locations in Costa Rica
Car rental in Costa Rica
Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Costa Rica so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
What side of the road do people in Costa Rica drive on?
Whether you rent or own a car in Costa Rica, you are required by law to drive on the right. Keep in mind that if you do not feel comfortable driving on this side of the road, you can always call a taxi or opt for a ride share.
How good are the roads in Costa Rica?
According to 2019 data, Costa Rica ranks 116 in the world for road quality. The country has a road quality score of 2.9 out of 7, where 7 is the highest possible score. Keep in mind that weather and construction can also affect road conditions during your visit.
What is the drinking and driving limit in Costa Rica?
The drinking and driving limit in Costa Rica is 0.05%. Regions and cities within Costa Rica might have their own local drinking and driving laws on top of the country-wide mandated law, so be sure to check before booking your rental car. Keep in mind that you must also be at least 18 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages, and it is not recommended to operate a motor vehicle under the influence.
How much does gasoline cost in Costa Rica?
On average, the price of gas last week in Costa Rica was C$ 1.80 per liter. In contrast, Kuwait currently has the lowest average gas prices at C$ 0.47 per liter. You should also consider visiting Hong Kong, though here you will find the most expensive average gas prices at C$ 5.13 per liter.
When did momondo last update prices for cars in Costa Rica?
Prices for cars in Costa Rica refresh daily.
How many operators does momondo search for cars in Costa Rica?
As of January 2026, there are 673 operators available to choose from for cars in Costa Rica.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Costa Rica?
Age requirements for drivers vary depending on the country, including Costa Rica. In several EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. Generally, to rent a car overseas, you must be at least 21 years old, and if you're under 25, you may be charged a young driver surcharge. It's recommended that you review the policy of your preferred rental company before booking.
What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
When renting a car in Costa Rica, all drivers must present a full valid driving license. An International Driving Permit is required if the driving license is written in a language different to that of the country of rental and may be necessary to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you are renting abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend checking with the individual rental company you are booking with.
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Costa Rica?
momondo finds and compares thousands of car rental websites to provide you with the best selection of policies and car rentals in Costa Rica. Finding a rental car is quick and free of charge, so using momondo for your booking makes sense.
How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Costa Rica?
momondo enables you to find the best car rental deal in Costa Rica by providing useful filters to narrow your search. Filters include, but are not limited to: price, body type, rental company and specific policies that you may want.
Does momondo show car rental deals in Costa Rica with free cancellation?
Yes momondo does have a filter to only highlight car rental deals which offer free cancellation. This filter is available for all car rental searches on momondo including those for cars in Costa Rica.
Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Costa Rica on momondo?
Yes, momondo has a filter for fair fuel policies on car rentals in Costa Rica.
Can I find a car rental in Costa Rica which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
Enhanced cleaning services can be found on all car rental locations on momondo including Costa Rica.
Can I search for rental cars in Costa Rica with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Absolutely. You can specifically filter for rental car deals in Costa Rica with unlimited mileage on momondo.
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