Car Rental in Costa Rica

Learn about parking rules and fees in Costa Rica to avoid fines or towing during your rental period.

Many rental companies require payment by credit card and may not accept debit cards. If you only have a debit card, check the rental company's payment policies in advance and look for suitable options.

If you are travelling to Costa Rica and considering hiring a car, choosing an in-terminal car rental supplier can save you time and hassle. Find suppliers with locations right at the airport, allowing you to avoid shuttle buses or meet-and-greet services and ensuring a quicker and more convenient pickup.

If you're looking for more comfort or features, inquire about upgrade options at the rental desk. Sometimes, upgrades are offered at a discounted rate at pickup.

When renting a car from Costa Rica, choose a car rental deal with a “Full-to-Full” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy from suppliers like Ace, Dollar, Sixt,Alamo, These policies ensure you only pay for the fuel you use, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. While a “Full-to-Empty” policy might seem convenient, it can often be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.

Make sure you know which type of fuel your rental car uses to avoid costly mistakes at the pump.

In Costa Rica, car rental options are billed on a daily basis. Renting for over 24 hours will incur a charge for an additional day, so be sure to plan your rental duration to avoid extra costs.

Research any local driving restrictions, such as tolls, road types, and restricted zones, to avoid fines.