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Car Rental Costa Rica
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Why rent a car in Costa Rica?
What are the best ways to enter Costa Rica?
- By Air: Costa Rica has two international airports, one in San Jose and one in Liberia.
- By Land: Costa Rica has land borders with Nicaragua and Panama.
- By Sea: Cruise ships and private yachts can enter the country through its various ports.
- By Train: Costa Rica has a railway system that runs from the Pacific to the Caribbean.
Top Cities and Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Top 5 Cities to Visit in Costa Rica
- San Jose - San Jose is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, located in the Central Valley. It is the country's political, economic, and cultural center, and is home to a variety of museums, theaters, and parks.
- Tamarindo - Tamarindo is a popular beach town located in the Guanacaste Province. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, surfing, and nightlife. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from snorkeling and diving to zip-lining and horseback riding.
- Arenal Volcano - Arenal Volcano is an active stratovolcano located in the northern part of Costa Rica. It is surrounded by lush rainforest and is known for its incredible views and hot springs. Visitors can explore the area by hiking, rafting, and fishing.
- Manuel Antonio - Manuel Antonio is a stunning beach town located on the Pacific Coast. It is home to Manuel Antonio National Park, which is known for its lush rainforest and stunning beaches. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from surfing and snorkeling to zip-lining and horseback riding.
- Monteverde - Monteverde is a small town located in the northern part of Costa Rica. It is home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which is known for its lush rainforest and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking and zip-lining to bird watching and horseback riding.
Other cities worth mentioning include Puerto Viejo, Jaco, Puerto Limon, and La Fortuna. Each of these cities offer something unique and are definitely worth exploring.
Popular Costa Rica car rental and rent a car locations
Airport Car Rental
City Car Rental
- Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest: This route is perfect for nature lovers, as it takes you through the Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal Lake, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
- San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park: This route takes you through the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica, the vibrant city of San Jose, and the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Tortuguero National Park to Puerto Viejo: This route takes you through the lush rainforests and beaches of Tortuguero National Park and Puerto Viejo, an exciting beach town with plenty of activities.
- Guanacaste to Tamarindo: This route takes you through the stunning Guanacaste region, with its beautiful beaches, and the vibrant surf town of Tamarindo.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country with many diverse driving routes to explore. From the Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park to Puerto Viejo, and Guanacaste to Tamarindo, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
How are car rental prices in Costa Rica?
Car rental prices in Costa Rica vary depending on the type of car you are looking for, the time of year, the location and the length of the rental. Generally, car rental prices in Costa Rica start from around $30 per day for a small economy car. Prices increase depending on the size of car you require and the type of vehicle. For example, a luxury SUV or 4x4 can cost up to $100 per day.
The time of year can also affect car rental prices in Costa Rica. During peak holiday seasons such as Christmas and Easter, prices tend to be higher. During the low season, prices can be lower. It is also important to note that prices can vary depending on the location. For example, car rental prices in San José can be more expensive than in other regions of Costa Rica.
Finally, the length of the rental can also affect car rental prices in Costa Rica. Generally, the longer the rental period, the lower the daily rate. It is also worth noting that many car rental companies offer discounts for long-term rentals. Therefore, it is advisable to shop around to find the best deal.
How can I save money on my car rental in Costa Rica?
- Book Early: Booking your car rental in advance can help you get the best possible rate.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices from different rental companies to ensure you get the best deal.
- Opt for a Smaller Car: Smaller cars are often cheaper to rent than larger ones.
- Choose a Manual Transmission: Manual transmission cars are usually cheaper than automatic cars.
- Look for Discounts: Look for discounts or promotional codes that can help you save money on your rental.
By doing some research and planning ahead, you can save money on your car rental in Costa Rica. Booking early, comparing prices, opting for a smaller car, choosing a manual transmission, and looking for discounts can all help you get the best deal on your rental car.
General information on driving in Costa Rica?
- Driving License: A valid US or Canadian driver's license is sufficient to drive in Costa Rica.
- Speed Limits: The speed limit is usually 80 km/h (50 mph) on highways and 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas.
- Parking: Parking is usually free in Costa Rica, but it is best to check local signs for any restrictions.
- Tolls: Some roads in Costa Rica require payment of a toll.
- Fuel: Gasoline and diesel are widely available in Costa Rica.
Driving in Costa Rica is generally an easy and safe experience. Drivers must be aware of the speed limits and tolls, as well as local parking restrictions. Fuel is widely available, and a valid US or Canadian driver's license is sufficient to drive in Costa Rica.
What most people know about Costa Rica?
The following questions and answers are a selection of the most popular questions for Costa Rica. If you do not find the answer to your question, have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.
Parking in Costa Rica can be difficult, especially in larger cities. The best place to park is usually in a designated parking lot or garage. Most cities have plenty of parking garages available and they are usually well-lit and secure. Some larger cities may have parking meters as well. You may also be able to find free parking on the street, but it can be hard to find and may not be as secure. It is also important to remember that parking in Costa Rica is not always free, so make sure to check the signs before parking.
Yes, there are toll roads in Costa Rica. These roads are called autopistas, and they are usually only found in larger cities like San Jose and Alajuela. Toll roads are usually marked with a blue sign with the letter “P” on it. When driving on these roads, you will need to pay a toll at the toll booth, usually with cash or a credit card. The cost of the toll varies depending on the length of the road and the type of vehicle you are driving.
In Costa Rica, they drive on the right side of the road.
The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon.
Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time Zone (CST). It is UTC-06:00, meaning it is 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time, meaning it does not change its clocks for the summer months.
- Highways: 80 km/h (50 mph)
- Urban Areas: 50 km/h (30 mph)
- Rural Areas: 80 km/h (50 mph)
- School Zones: 25 km/h (15 mph)
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. Costa Rica is part of the Central American region and has a population of around 5 million people. Spanish is the primary language spoken in Costa Rica, with English being the second most commonly spoken language. In addition, there are several indigenous languages spoken in the country, including Bribri, Cabécar, and Maléku.
Costa Rica frequently asked questions
The most frequently asked questions for Costa Rica are shown below. If you can't find an answer to your question, check the faq page.
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Last month, the average car rental length in Costa Rica was 20 days.
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The average rental car length in Costa Rica is 20 days.
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The most booked rental car type currently in Costa Rica is SUV cars.
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Last year, the most booked rental car type in Costa Rica were SUV cars.
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How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica? Last month, the average car rental price was
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Last year, how much did it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica? Last year, the average car rental price was
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What is the current average daily price to rent a in Costa Rica? Last month, the average rental price was
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How much did it cost to rent a car in Costa Rica over the past 12 months? Last Year, the average rental price was
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The car rental companies available in Costa Rica are:
- Easycar
- Alamo
- Enterprise
- Amigo Rent a car
- Jumbocar
- Europcar
- NÜ Car Rentals
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Avis
- Sixt
- Payless Car Rental
- Solid Car Rental
- Green Motion
- Thrifty
- Budget
- U-Save Auto Rental
- Keddy By Europcar
- Routes
- ACE Rent A Car
- Mex Rent a Car
- Costa Rent
- Adobe Rent A Car
- Hertz
- National Car Rental
- Street Rent a Car
- Apex
- Economy
- Nextcar