Car Rental Costa Rica San Jose Airport

Booking a rental car for your holiday in San José is easy and secure in just a few clicks with Airport Rentals. Thanks to our worldwide network of car hire suppliers and brands, you get to access all the best rental car options available to you at San José Airport.

Make a search by adding your desired travel dates, and hit ‘search’. Compare multiple car rentals, filter your search by brand, vehicle makes and models, group size or number of passengers, and more, to narrow down the options to find the perfect car rental deal for your trip. When you’re ready to book, you can enjoy instant confirmation on most vehicles, secure online booking, and no additional fees to be incurred. Airport Rentals is your one-stop shop for booking a car rental Costa Rica San Jose Airport.

Comparison of hire car prices and deals

How do you ensure that you’re getting the best car rental deals? The answer lies in comparing prices. When you make a search, you'll see up-to-date-availability and pricing of vehicles available to hire in San Jose Costa Rica. The results automatically apply available car rental deals, which will be displayed alongside the price.

Car rental prices at San Jose Airport fluctuate according to the season and the duration of the rental period. October is the most economical month to rent a car, while December is the most expensive. Longer rentals often come with lower costs, making it worth considering if you’re planning an extended stay.

Navigating San Jose Airport car rental locations

The car rental process at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport is designed with ease and efficiency in mind.

The Terminal at San Jose Airport SJO

The terminal at San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is a single structure serving both international and domestic flights. There isn't a dedicated rental car center at the airport, but most on airport rental car company counters are conveniently located in the arrivals terminal, as you exit the customs area. Just make sure to have your drivers license, major credit card and booking information ready to go.

On-airport vs off-airport car rental companies

When it comes to choosing a rental company, you have two main options: on-airport and off-airport car rental companies. On-airport companies, such as Alamo, National, and Europcar provide convenience as they are located within the airport terminal. However, off-airport companies like Economy Rent a Car, Avis, Budget, Payless, NU Car, U-Save, and a company called Dollar rental offer shuttle or pick-up services from the airport. Make sure you understand the pick up procedures for your chose car rental company before you arrive at the airport.

Protection and additional services

It’s important to understand the protection options and extra services before you start your journey. Protection coverage may include:

• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

• Rental Liability Insurance (RLI)

• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)

• Personal Accident/Personal Effects Protection

• Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP)

You can review your protection options when completing the booking process. Remember that protection provides peace of mind and helps make your car rental experience better.

In addition to protection coverage, rental companies also offer several additional services to enhance your travel experience. For instance, you can opt for a GPS system for easy navigation, or add an extra driver to your booking for a small fee. All additional drivers are required to meet the same eligibility criteria as the primary driver, including being at least 21 years old, holding a valid driver’s license, and having a major credit or debit card in their own name.

Driving tips and regulations in Costa Rica

While a rental car allows you to enjoy Costa Rica at your leisure, it also requires you to be familiar with the local driving laws and rules. Here are some key things to consider:

• Driving advice

• Road conditions

• Traffic regulations

• The requirement of an International Driving Permit.

Road conditions

Road conditions in Costa Rica can vary widely, including:

• Well-maintained highways

• Challenging dirt roads that may lack proper signage

• Frequent potholes

• Unexpected washouts along roadsides and road-beds

• Narrow bridges

• Unsafe overtaking maneuvers

• Poor road conditions in some areas

To navigate the roads safely, it is recommended to:

• Adopt a defensive driving approach

• Anticipate potential traffic irregularities

• Exercise heightened caution during nighttime driving due to reduced visibility and the possibility of wildlife crossings.

Traffic laws

In Costa Rica, both non-residents and residents are subject to the same traffic regulations. Non-residents are permitted to drive with a valid foreign license, and wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle.

Make sure you abide by all local traffic laws and stick to the speed limit to avoid any fines or issues with law enforcement.

International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit is a formal authorization that grants the holder the legal ability to operate a motor vehicle in foreign nations. It is commonly obtained through reputable organizations such as AAA and is utilized in conjunction with a valid drivers license. Although not mandatory, it is strongly advised to have one for driving in the country.

Exploring San Jose and beyond with your rental car

Having a rental car at your disposal opens up an array of opportunities for exploration. San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is brimming with attractions and interesting places to visit. Outside the city, there are numerous day trip destinations that are easily accessible with your rental car.

We will consider some of the top attractions in San Jose and popular destinations for day trips.

City attractions

San Jose offers a blend of urban attractions and cultural treasures. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including:

• Teatro Nacional Costa Rica

• Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

• Jade Museum

• Central Market

If you’re looking for free attractions, consider visiting the Museo de Arte Costarricense, Parque La Sabana, or simply take a leisurely stroll along Avenida Central. The city also offers several less mainstream attractions accessible with a rental car, such as the ‘hidden mecca of wildlife’ located near downtown San Jose.

Day trips

If you’re keen to venture beyond the city, there are several day trip destinations to consider:

• Arenal Volcano

• Manuel Antonio National Park

• Hacienda La Chimba (coffee groves)

• Parque Nacional (crater lake)

• Cartago

• Irazu Volcano

• Barva de Heredia Coffee Plantation

• Tamarindo (Pacific Coast)

• Monteverde (Pacific Coast)

These destinations are easily accessible by car.

When planning your day trips, it’s important to follow park regulations, stick to designated trails, and be conscious of the high altitude, which may necessitate a slower pace during activities.

If you have more time to visit Costa Rica in your rental car, some popular options include Liberia and Quepos.