Car rental in Costa Rica
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Places to start your journey in Costa Rica
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* The prices were calculated on 05/29/2023 for a 4 days prepaid rental at San Jose (Costa Rica) Airport starting on 06/05/2023. Our prices fluctuate daily and this offer is not guaranteed.
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Car rental in Costa Rica
With your SIXT car rental in Costa Rica, you’ll be ready to tour the countryside in style. Pick the perfect car category for your trip and drive a new vehicle from luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. With our affordable rates, you won’t have to sacrifice comfort to keep to your budget. Rent an SUV to tour the rugged mountainsides and volcanoes surrounding San Jose or book a premium sedan for a beachside adventure. SIXT has convenient locations at the Liberia and San Jose airports as well as in cities like San Jose, Guapiles and Penas Blancas. If you have any questions along the way, our friendly, English-speaking customer service agents are ready to assist you 24/7.
SIXT services in Costa Rica
Choose from a wide range of vehicle categories when you rent a car in Costa Rica with SIXT. Our options include standard and premium sedans, pickups, passenger vans and SUVs. Don’t let getting lost ruin your adventure; add GPS to your rental to keep your trip on track. Adding an additional driver allows you to share the driving duties. And don’t forget child safety seats for the littlest adventurers in the family. Whether you’re seeking a weekend rental for a quick getaway or a long-term rental for an extended Costa Rica vacation, SIXT can accommodate your travel needs.
Best places to visit in Costa Rica
- Corcovado National Park: With a SIXT car rental in Costa Rica, you can explore the secluded beaches, mangrove forests, and highland cloud forests of this 160-square-mile wilderness area along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. The park features a wide variety of ecosystems where visitors can encounter squirrel monkeys, macaws, red-eyed tree frogs, and other native plants and animals.
- Tamarindo: This vibrant beach town along Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast is known for its great surfing, sailing and sunbathing. Beachgoers can enjoy fishing, snorkeling or just lazing the day away on beautiful white sands. If you want a break from the beach, you can go bar hopping or ziplining, or spend the day hiking at the nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
- San Jose: Costa Rica’s capital city boasts museums and art galleries, beautiful parks, endless shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife. Located in Costa Rica’s central valley, San Jose is a great base for popular day trips to nearby towns and eco-adventure parks as well as the national parks and volcanoes that the region is known for.
Driving Tips for Costa Rica
There are a few important rules of the road to know when driving in Costa Rica. You’ll drive on the right side of the road and are required to wear a seat belt. If you go to the beach, know that you are not allowed to drive on the sand. Road conditions can also vary and be in disrepair in places. Speed limits are 40 km/h in cities and 60 to 120 km/h on roads outside of cities. When driving through cities like San Jose, watch out for pedestrians in the road and keep your doors and windows locked while driving and parked.
Summer in Costa Rica
Winter may be the high tourist season, but Costa Rica is beautifully verdant and much less crowded during the summer rainy season. The Pacific coast tends to be drier in May and again in July and early August when visitors can enjoy many sunny days on the quieter beaches. In contrast, September and October are typically drier along the Caribbean beaches. This is also a great time to visit Tortuguero National Park to observe the nesting green sea turtles.
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Good to know when renting in Costa Rica
Car rental under 25 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.
Car rental without a credit card in Costa Rica
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.
Documents you need to rent a car 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.
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Long Term Rental
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Get everything you need from car seats to prepaid tolls.
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FAQs about rentals in Costa Rica
Border restrictions
It is not allowed to take your SIXT rental outside of Costa Rica. Doing so will void your vehicle’s protection.
One-way car rental in Costa Rica
We allow one-way rentals between SIXT stations in Costa Rica, depending on the tariff.
Flexible rental options
If your travel plans might change, don’t worry. Select the Pay Later option when booking and cancel your SIXT reservation for free.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Costa Rica?
To rent a car with SIXT at Costa Rica you need to be at least 18 with a valid license. Some car categories have a higher minimum rental age, and an underage driver fee may apply.
Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?
At SIXT you can either pay online or when you pick up your car in Costa Rica.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
You need a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year, depending on the car category. You might also need an International Driving Permit or official translation of the license.
Can I book a long-term car rental in Costa Rica?
Whether you’re planning to stay in Costa Rica or travel beyond, it’s easy to reserve a long-term rental. Enter your trip dates and pick-up/drop-off locations and we’ll find you affordable long-term car rental deals.
Do I need to purchase insurance or protection packages with my rental in Costa Rica?
A damage waiver is included with your car rental. You can add other protection products to reduce your excess.
Explore our car rental locations in Costa Rica
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