Car rental Costa Rica

Central America might have a somewhat mixed reputation as a tourism destination, but the country of Costa Rica shines out as an undisputed gem. This was one of the first nations to really embrace ecotourism, and is still firmly focused on nurturing the incredibly beautiful natural environment which has made Costa Rica famous worldwide. Some head to this country for its breathtaking array of adventure activities, while others just want to unwind and forget the world at Costa Rica’s beaches and resorts. Whichever flavour of vacation you’re searching for, this is a country that will open your eyes to unparalleled experiences and show you what Mother Nature is really capable of.

Once you land in the country, one of the very first things you’ll want to sort out is renting a car in Costa Rica. Booking a car rental for Costa Rica well ahead of time is clearly the way to go, but hunting through dozens of car rental supplier websites desperately trying to find a decent deal is no way to spend your time. GoSee cuts out all that nonsense, allowing you to see all the best deals in one spot.

Finding your car hire for Costa Rica is quick and simple on GoSee. Just put a few details like where/when you’re wanting to pick up and drop off the vehicle into the search fields and click the Search button. You’ll then see a range of deals from different suppliers that fit the dates you need. All the cheapest options are at the top of the list by default, and you can narrow down the results even more by selecting things like rental brand, vehicle type and more. Once you’ve found a great deal, booking it will only take a couple more minutes.

Airport rentals around Costa Rica

There are two main centres that visitors fly into when taking a Costa Rica trip. One is the nation’s gritty yet vibrant capital city, while the other is the northern city most commonly used as a leaping off point for beach and rainforest exploration. Either way, getting a cheap car rental in Costa Rica to let you strike out beyond your initial destination is a cinch.

• San José car rental - It doesn’t always make a great first impression but if you have the patience to find out what this city is really like, it’s guaranteed to surprise and delight you. While you’re in town, try to catch a show at one of San José’s many beautiful theatres. Not only is the architecture a real treat, the performance itself will give you a firsthand insight into Costa Rican culture.
• Liberia car rental - Starting your journey in Liberia offers a very different vibe to landing in bustling San José. The north of Costa Rica is known for its ranching culture, sparkling tropical beaches and the richly exotic beauty of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. Your holiday options range from escape to adventure to relaxation with a car rental from Liberia, Costa Rica. 

Car rental suppliers in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a relatively small country but in spite of that there are quite a number of Costa Rica airport car rental suppliers. It will come as no surprise to know that major car hire companies such as Avis, Europcar, Budget and Hertz have a presence here, but there are also smaller brands which bargain hunting travellers will want to consider, like Adobe, Apex and EasyCar.

Costa Rica road rules

If you’re visiting from North America or mainland Europe, driving on the right hand side of the road in Costa Rica will be just like home. If you’re used to driving on the left, just take extra care at intersections and you shouldn’t find the transition too onerous. Speed and distances are measured in kilometres in Costa Rica (if you’re used to thinking in mph, don’t forget to take this into account!) and the default speed limits in Costa Rica are 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on secondary roads and 120 km/h on highways. These are just the default limits of course - always stay on the lookout for speed signs which will tell you the exact legal limit for the stretch of road you’re on. The legal blood alcohol limit in Costa Rica is just 0.05% - this isn’t enough of a tolerance to risk even one drink, so always try to find a sober driver if you’re planning on indulging in a drink or two. Always carry a valid driver’s licence and either your passport or a copy of your passport which includes your travel visa information. Copies may not always be accepted, but most of the time you should be fine.

Costa Rica driving tips

• Penalties for traffic infringements in Costa Rica tend to be pretty hefty, so it’s best not to push your luck. Speeding can set you back upwards of $600, and if you’re caught driving with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.075% (which is still lower than the UK legal limit) you’ll do prison time.
• Passing on the right and passing on yellow-lined road sections are both illegal maneuvers and could cost you between $200-$550.
• The quality of Costa Rica’s roads varies widely. Close to the cities you’ll generally find well maintained routes, but as you get further away from the main centres, roads tend to become narrower and less frequently repaired. Keep an eye out for potholes in rural areas and always drive to the conditions, especially in reduced visibility (e.g. nighttime, heavy rain, etc.)
• Always make sure to keep valuables out of sight when parking your car, especially in big cities, and opt for parking in a secure lot if possible.
• Pick up a GPS system with your Costa Rica car hire. Road signage can be unreliable here, so this provides a hassle free way to travel. A GPS will also help you figure out how close the nearest gas station is, key information in rural areas where they can be few and far between.

There are plenty of beautiful places to discover in Costa Rica such as the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific coast where you can roam through the native rainforest to spot native animals. In case you are looking to do some surfing or if you just want to relax on the beach, Tamarindo is your city of choice.