Car rental in
Costa Rica
Places to start your journey in Costa Rica
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SIXT Car Rental in Costa Rica
From standard SUVs, sedans or luxury cars, SIXT offer premium vehicles at affordable prices, flexible booking policies, and English-speaking branch agents. Look no further than Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or other convenient locations for our branches.
Whether you want a one-day rental or a long-term rental, booking a SIXT rental car in Costa Rica is the best way to experience this tropical country. From the misty cloud forests to the turtle-friendly beaches of Tortuguero National Park, SIXT will get you where you need to go.
With SIXT, you can count on top-quality vehicles backed by transparent pricing—what you see is what you pay, with no hidden fees. Whether you're driving along scenic coastal routes or exploring off-the-beaten-path rainforests, you’ll enjoy a smooth rental experience supported by convenient locations and fast, reliable service.
Driving Tips for Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica might be different than you’re used to, but our driving tips will make you feel safe and confident on the roads.
- Speed Limits: Expect speed limits of 40 kph (25 mph) in urban areas, 60 kph (37 mph) outside the cities, and 120 kph (75 mph) on highways.
- Safety First: Keep your windows closed and door locked when driving.
- Addresses: Addresses in Costa Rica are often determined from the proximity of a landmark, like a church. Adding a GPS to your SIXT car rental is a great solution.
- Gas: Despite the many gas stations, you might find it difficult to find gas stations outside of a city area. Make sure to keep your tank full.
- Mountain Driving: Take it slow on winding roads and watch out for animals warming themselves on the pavement. It's also a good idea to plan your driving time when the road is well lit during the day.
- Night Driving: Some areas don't have street lights, so you should drive with extra care during the night.
- Toll roads: Toll roads are common near San José and on main routes like Route 27. Please check with our rental agent for payment details and tips.
Before you start your trip, read more of our tips for driving in Costa Rica.
Best places to visit in Costa Rica
Booking a SIXT car rental in Costa Rica allows you to see areas outside the cities and make the most of your itinerary. Add these places to your must-visit list:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: The drive to this ecological reserve takes you through heritage forests and misty mountains. It allows you to experience this reserve in a way limited to only those with their own transportation.
- Tamarindo: Whether you’re a surfer or a beach bum, booking a car rental in Costa Rica with SIXT is the best way to experience this stretch of coast. Golden sand beaches, water sports, wildlife watching, and relaxing accommodations await.
- Arenal Volcano: You can’t visit Costa Rica without driving to this towering volcano and its hot springs. Don’t worry – the drive is easy and there’s parking at all the main attractions.
Customer reviews & feedback
What our customers are saying
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Costa Rica. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Costa Rica
The minimum age for a SIXT rental in Costa Rica is 18, with a driver’s license held for at least 1 year. Some car categories have a higher minimum rental age, and a young driver surcharge applies to those under 21.
Cash payment in the local currency or US dollars are accepted for the rental, but you will also need to present a credit card as a guarantee. SIXT does not accept prepaid or debit cards in Costa Rica.
Everyone will need a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year. Costa Ricans also need an ID, while foreign renters will need their passport.
It is not allowed to take your SIXT rental outside of Costa Rica. Doing so will void your vehicle’s protection. For complete details, please visit our rental information page, select the relevant link, and choose your rental country from the drop-off list to view the applicable terms.
We allow one-way rentals between SIXT stations in Costa Rica, depending on the tariff.
If your travel plans might change, don’t worry. Select the Pay Later option when booking and cancel your SIXT reservation for free.
