Cheap Car Hire Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica: Nature’s Paradise
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is a tropical haven that boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforests, volcanoes, and an incredible diversity of wildlife. Whether you're headed to the cloud forests of Monteverde, the surf towns of the Nicoya Peninsula, or the vibrant capital of San José, a hire car is your key to unlocking the best of this beautiful country.
Most visitors begin their journey at Juan SantamarĂa International Airport (SJO) near San JosĂ©, or Daniel Oduber QuirĂłs International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, both offering a wide range of rental car options. A compact car is ideal for cities and highways, while a 4x4 is highly recommended for rural areas, especially during the rainy season (May to November).
Imagine driving through lush jungles where toucans soar overhead, or along winding coastal roads with ocean views at every turn. From exploring volcanic landscapes in Arenal to relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches of Manuel Antonio, a rental car allows you to discover Costa Rica’s beauty at your own pace.
Costa Rica is a country of contrasts: surf the Pacific in the morning and watch the sunrise on the Caribbean coast the next day. Wander through colonial towns like Cartago, take a dip in the natural hot springs of La Fortuna, or hike through the biodiverse Osa Peninsula—one of the most untouched regions on Earth. Each region offers a different experience, all easily accessible by car.
Driving in Costa Rica
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Costa Rica's diverse regions. The country has a good network of paved roads in and around major cities, but many rural roads are gravel or dirt, especially in beach towns and mountain areas. During the green season, heavy rains can make these roads challenging, making a 4WD vehicle the best option for remote adventures.
Costa Ricans drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Speed limits are generally 40 km/h in towns, 60–80 km/h on rural roads, and 80–100 km/h on highways.
Toll roads are common near San José—carry some cash in local currency (colones), though many accept USD and cards. Fuel stations are widely available, but it’s wise to top off the tank when heading into national parks or coastal areas.
Navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps work well in Costa Rica, but cell signal may be weak in remote areas, so download offline maps if needed.
Costa Rica
Size of country: 51,100 km² (19,730 sq mi)
Population: 5.2 million
Population density: 102 people per km² (264 per sq mi)
Total length of roads: Approx. 39,000 km (24,230 miles)
Major road networks: Route 1 (Interamericana), Route 27 (San José–Pacific Coast), Route 32 (San José–Caribbean Coast)
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