Costa Rica – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Costa Rica?

The minimum legal age for driving in Costa Rica is 18, but car rental agencies impose their own minimum age thresholds. The majority of companies require renters to be at least 25, while others will accept drivers from the age of 21 for an extra fee. Since policies differ between operators — with some setting their own threshold at 23 — it is worth checking directly with the company you intend to use before completing a booking.

Where a young driver surcharge applies, it is typically collected at the counter when you collect the vehicle, and local taxes are added on top. The surcharge generally falls somewhere between USD $6 and USD $10 per day, though amounts as high as USD $20 per day have been reported (as of 2025). Confirm the precise figure with your rental company prior to booking.

Every driver must produce a valid driver’s licence, a passport containing a current tourist visa entry stamp, and a credit card for payment and the security deposit. The licence must generally have been in the holder’s name for more than two years from the original issue date, although some companies accept one year — check this with your provider.

Liability insurance sourced from the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is a statutory requirement in Costa Rica and cannot be replaced by any form of credit card coverage. This distinguishes Costa Rica from many other destinations where card-based insurance is routinely accepted in lieu of locally purchased cover.

A major credit card is required both to pay for the rental and to cover the security deposit hold — cash payments are not accepted for this purpose. A small number of companies may permit a debit card for the base rental cost but will still insist on a credit card for the deposit, so it is important to clarify this before arrival.

Costa Rica’s traffic laws include a national requirement to wear seat belts at all times, and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited by law, though hands-free devices are permitted. Children under 12 years of age, subject to specific height and weight thresholds, must travel in appropriate child seats or booster seats.

If you are stopped and issued a traffic fine, do not attempt to pay it on the spot to a police officer. While such informal arrangements may once have been tolerated, they are no longer acceptable, and attempting to offer money to a tránsito officer risks serious consequences. Fines can be settled at any branch of Banco de Costa Rica, or the ticket can be handed to the rental company upon returning the car.

For the most authoritative and up-to-date requirements, consult the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI), Costa Rica’s national road safety authority, or the transport ministry directly before your trip.

Which major car rental companies operate in Costa Rica, and where can I find them?

The majority of international travellers arrive at one of two airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) serving San José, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) serving Liberia. Both airports are served by a range of car rental agencies, either on-site or in close proximity.

If you are collecting a vehicle from one of the international airports, it is worth knowing that rental companies do not maintain full offices within the terminal buildings themselves. Instead, they station representatives or desk staff who will greet you on arrival and escort you to a complimentary shuttle van. This van, which accommodates your entire group and their luggage, transports you to the company’s actual office a short distance away — typically five to fifteen minutes down the road.

The following companies are among the most widely used in Costa Rica:

• Adobe Rent a Car — one of the largest fleets in the country and a Costa Rican-owned operation. Adobe maintains 14 locations across Costa Rica, including at both international airports. Website: adobecar.com
• Vamos Rent-A-Car — a well-regarded local operator known for comprehensive customer information. Website: vamosrentacar.com
• Alamo / National / Enterprise — international brands with operations at both major airports. Website: alamo.com
• Hertz — established global brand with a presence in Costa Rica. Website: hertz.com
• Budget — another recognised international operator serving both SJO and LIR. Website: budget.com
• Avis — globally known brand operating within Costa Rica. Website: avis.com
• Sixt — international company with Costa Rican operations. Website: sixt.com

The number and spread of a company’s locations is an important factor when selecting a provider. Some operators work exclusively from the two international airports, which can create real difficulties if problems arise while you are in a remote part of the country. In a location like Uvita, for instance, where a 4WD vehicle is frequently essential, the nearest branch of a limited operator could be a 3.5-hour drive away in San José. Smaller agencies may also lack round-the-clock emergency assistance, which becomes a significant concern if something goes wrong outside business hours.

Quotes generated by large international booking websites frequently exclude Costa Rica-specific costs such as mandatory insurance. The same issue applies to third-party aggregators like Priceline, Expedia, and similar platforms — their displayed rates can appear competitive but rarely reflect the final amount you will pay. Always book directly with the rental company or obtain a fully inclusive quote before committing.

How does car rental pricing work in Costa Rica, and what should I watch out for?

Be ready for rates that may be higher than you are accustomed to, particularly during peak travel months. Additional costs including mandatory insurance, fuel charges, and road tolls can add meaningfully to the total. Unlike many other markets where a headline rate broadly represents what you will pay, Costa Rica’s pricing structure tends to present the base rate, compulsory insurance, optional coverage upgrades, taxes, and surcharges as separate line items that accumulate quickly.

Many visitors approach car rental in Costa Rica with the same expectations they bring from renting at home. While the process itself is not unduly complicated, several factors make it distinct — the country’s own statutory insurance obligations, firm rules around security deposits, the way prices are advertised online, and road conditions that directly influence which category of vehicle is appropriate for your journey.

As a general guide to pricing (as of 2025):

Always verify current rates directly with rental companies, as prices vary considerably by season and availability.

Security deposit holds can reach USD $1,000 or more depending on the agency and the level of coverage you select. Travellers accustomed to smaller holds in other markets may be taken aback. Depending on the insurance tier chosen, a hold of anywhere between USD $100 (minimum) and USD $2,000 (maximum) will typically be placed on the renter’s credit card — in much the same way a hotel holds a deposit against incidental charges.

To avoid unnecessary fees, aim to collect and return your vehicle at the same location. One-way rentals — such as picking up in San José and dropping off in Liberia — usually attract a significant additional charge, so ask about this when you make your booking.

Some companies levy an airport collection fee, so include this in your cost comparisons. Other items that may appear on your final bill include airport surcharges, tourism taxes, and administrative fees.

Costa Rica’s national tourism body, the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), publishes guidance for visitors and can assist with tourism-related consumer concerns. For formal complaints regarding pricing disputes or rental issues, the relevant authority is the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio (MEIC), Costa Rica’s consumer protection body.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Costa Rica?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a requirement in Costa Rica unless your driver’s licence is issued in a script other than Roman. If the licence you present is written in a non-Roman alphabet — such as Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, or Mandarin — a rental company has no straightforward way to verify its validity, and an IDP must accompany it in that case.

An IDP serves essentially as a certified translation confirming that the driving licence issued in your home country is genuine and legally valid there. It does not grant you any additional right to drive — it simply validates the legitimacy of your domestic licence. Many companies do not specifically request an IDP, but if you carry one, both documents must be presented together.

While an IDP is not a statutory requirement for most visitors, having one available can make interactions with both police officers and rental agency staff smoother. In some situations in Costa Rica, not carrying an IDP may result in a higher deposit requirement being imposed. Obtaining one before travel is a low-cost precaution that can prevent unnecessary complications.

An IDP must be obtained in the same country where your domestic driving licence was issued, and it must always be carried alongside the original domestic licence — it has no validity on its own. Be cautious of unofficial websites purporting to sell international driving permits; only agencies holding FIA/IAT accreditation are authorised to issue valid permits.

Requirements can change over time, so always confirm the current position with COSEVI or your rental company directly before you travel.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s landscape is extraordinarily varied, ranging from towering mountain ranges and misty cloud forest to coastal plains and agricultural flatlands. While a standard car is perfectly adequate in many parts of the country, there are plenty of destinations where four-wheel drive and higher ground clearance are not optional. Research the specific areas on your itinerary before deciding which vehicle type to book.

Drivers should be prepared to encounter steep gradients, heavy rainfall, fog, gravel surfaces, and other hazards. Many secondary roads are unpaved, stony, narrow, or winding, and road narrowing to a single lane at bridge crossings is commonplace. Construction zones can also appear with little warning.

Costa Rica experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season typically runs from May through November and can render tracks and back roads in less-visited areas impassable. The dry season generally offers considerably easier driving conditions. During the wetter months, watch out for road washouts and landslides — some routes are particularly susceptible to these events, so asking staff at your accommodation about current conditions before setting out is sensible practice.

Driving norms and traffic regulations in Costa Rica may differ from what you are used to in North America or Europe. Lane markings can be faded, signage is sometimes ambiguous, and the behaviour of traffic changes in heavy rain. Driving at night outside of urban areas is not advisable due to poor lighting and unpredictable road conditions.

Costa Rica operates a network of toll roads. Tolls are collected to fund road maintenance, and you should keep cash or a card available for designated toll points. On the busier routes around San José, toll charges are typically in the region of USD $0.60–$1.30 (as of 2025). Keeping small coins handy will help avoid delays at toll booths.

On secondary roads, the speed limit is 60 km/h (37 mph), dropping to 25 km/h (15 mph) in the vicinity of schools and hospitals. Speed limits are displayed in kilometres per hour. Signs are posted, though not always as frequently as drivers may be used to elsewhere, so sustained attentiveness is required.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, call 911 and contact your rental company straight away. Crucially, it is illegal to move the vehicle after a collision, even if it is obstructing traffic — the vehicle must remain in position to allow authorities to carry out a proper investigation.

The primary security risk with rental vehicles is theft of belongings from inside the car rather than theft of the vehicle itself. Never leave valuables visible in a parked car, whether at a beach or a roadside café. Wherever possible, choose parking areas with security attendants.

Petrol stations in Costa Rica are not self-service — a member of staff fills the tank on your behalf and you pay once the fuelling is complete. It is normal practice to tell the attendant the amount you wish to spend rather than simply asking for a full tank. Three fuel grades are available: Plus 91, Super, and diesel. Plus is the most affordable and suits most rental cars, while many SUVs require diesel. Ask the rental company to confirm the correct fuel type when you collect the vehicle.

The Waze navigation app is widely used by local drivers because it accounts for traffic and construction in real time. Costa Ricans rely on it heavily, which means the information tends to be current and reliable.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Costa Rica?

Understanding Costa Rica’s car rental insurance framework is one of the most important steps you can take before making a booking. The country has its own legally mandated insurance obligations that differ considerably from the norms in many other destinations, and the various layers of cover available can add substantially to the overall cost of your rental.

There are typically three tiers of insurance offered:

1. Third-Party Liability Insurance (SLI / SOA) — Liability cover sourced from the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is required under Costa Rican law and cannot be replaced by any form of credit card insurance. This compulsory coverage costs approximately USD $10–$20 per day depending on the vehicle (as of 2025). It pays for damage or injury caused to other people, their vehicles, or their property — but it provides no cover for damage to the rental car itself.
2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW / LDW) — an additional product underwritten by the rental company that limits your financial liability for damage to the rental vehicle to a deductible amount (typically USD $1,500–$3,000 depending on the company and vehicle) in the event of a collision. This cover costs approximately USD $15–$40 per day (as of 2025).
3. Extended / Full Protection — an optional upgrade that eliminates the deductible on both liability and vehicle damage cover, extends protection to up to USD $4,000,000 per incident, and includes coverage for vandalism, glass, tyres, 24/7 roadside assistance, and towing costs.

In Costa Rica, most rental companies require you to take out local insurance regardless of whether your credit card offers collision coverage. While not every form of car rental insurance is strictly mandated in every circumstance, all drivers must carry liability insurance that covers third-party damages and injuries caused while operating a vehicle.

CDW insurance is required by most rental agencies but can sometimes be waived if you hold a credit card that offers equivalent protection. Many major credit cards — including certain Visa and American Express products — include CDW coverage as a cardholder benefit. To decline the agency’s CDW, you will usually need to provide a letter from your card issuer confirming the cover.

Bear in mind that your credit card agreement may contain exclusions — for instance, regarding what counts as off-road driving, which vehicle categories are eligible, and how long a rental period is covered. These conditions can complicate claims. In particular, many cards exclude driving on unpaved roads, which they classify as off-roading — ensure your policy clearly addresses this before travelling to Costa Rica.

Always confirm the precise scope of any credit card travel insurance directly with your card issuer before departure, and obtain written confirmation that the cover is accepted by your specific rental company in Costa Rica. The Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is Costa Rica’s national insurance authority and the body responsible for underwriting compulsory liability cover.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Costa Rica?

Legislation passed in April 2024 extended the period during which a person may drive on a foreign licence to match the duration of their visa — now up to 180 days. This is a significant development for longer-stay visitors and for those in the process of establishing residency in the country.

Foreign nationals are permitted to drive using their home-country licence, but this right is subject to specific conditions. Key institutions including COSEVI (Consejo de Seguridad Vial) and BCR (Banco de Costa Rica) play important roles in overseeing driving permissions and issuing relevant documents. Expats should take the time to understand these rules before getting behind the wheel on Costa Rican roads.

One important exception applies: holders of licences issued by Venezuela, Central American countries, and Colombia are subject to a shorter validity window of a maximum of 30 calendar days from the date of entry into Costa Rica (as of 2025). If your licence falls into this category, check the current rules with COSEVI directly before driving.

Driving on a foreign licence that has exceeded its permitted validity period means that any vehicle insurance will be void, and the law imposes two separate fines for this offence. The implications are serious, making it essential to track your entry date and remaining licence validity carefully throughout your stay.

Once you have been granted approved residency status in Costa Rica, you will at some point be required to convert your foreign licence to a Costa Rican one. The conversion process is relatively manageable once residency has been obtained. You will need to attend the nearest COSEVI branch with your residency card, passport, a valid foreign driver’s licence, and proof of address in Costa Rica. A medical certificate from an authorised doctor is also required, and having your documents translated into Spanish is advisable to make the process smoother.

Once residency has been approved, applicants must wait a further 90 days before becoming eligible to apply for a Costa Rican driving licence, as this waiting period allows the initial 90-day tourist status to expire before a local licence can be issued.

For the most current official guidance on licence validity periods and the conversion procedure, contact the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI) directly, as the relevant legislation has been subject to change and the figures cited above should be verified before making any decisions.

How do I rent a car in Costa Rica step by step?

1. Choose your rental company and vehicle type — Think carefully about the roads you expect to travel. Costa Rica’s varied terrain makes vehicle selection more consequential than in many countries. A compact car works well in urban areas and on straightforward routes, but a large number of popular destinations lie at the end of rough or unpaved tracks. A mid-size 4×4 SUV is by far the most commonly chosen option for good reason.
2. Get a fully inclusive quote — Ask for a quote that covers all compulsory insurance, taxes, and any surcharges for airport collection or drop-off. Rates shown on large international booking websites and third-party aggregators frequently omit Costa Rica-specific costs such as mandatory insurance and rarely reflect the true total.
3. Prepare your documents — Make sure you have a valid driver’s licence that has been held for at least two years, your passport bearing a valid entry stamp, and a major credit card in your own name with enough available credit to cover both the rental cost and the security deposit hold.
4. Arrive at the pick-up point — At the international airports, rental companies have representatives or desk staff who will meet you and guide you to their complimentary shuttle van, which takes you to the company’s office a short distance away — typically five to fifteen minutes from the terminal.
5. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly — Photograph the interior and exterior of the car before accepting it and leaving the premises. These images serve as evidence of the vehicle’s condition at the time you signed the rental agreement. Look closely at any pre-existing marks, scratches, or dents and ensure they are all noted in the contract to avoid disputes on return.
6. Review and sign the rental agreement — Carefully check all insurance options, the fuel policy, any fees for one-way returns, and the process for reporting accidents or breakdowns before you drive off.
7. Return the vehicle — Bring the car back with the same fuel level as when you collected it (confirm the fuel policy at pick-up), allow adequate time for the return inspection, and ask for written confirmation that the vehicle has been returned in satisfactory condition.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Costa Rica?

While the legal driving age in Costa Rica is 18, rental agencies set their own minimum age requirements. Most require drivers to be at least 25, though some will rent to drivers from 21 years of age subject to an additional daily surcharge. Age policies and associated fees differ between operators, so always verify the specific rules with your chosen company before making a booking.

Can I drive a Costa Rican rental car into Panama or Nicaragua?

Cross-border travel in a Costa Rican rental vehicle is almost never permitted. Rental cars may not be driven across the border into Panama or Nicaragua. Travellers wishing to continue their journey by road must return the car at the border crossing, walk across, and arrange a separate rental on the other side. Always confirm cross-border policy with your rental company before finalising your travel plans.

What should I do if I have an accident in a rental car in Costa Rica?

Contact 911 and your rental company immediately after any accident. Under Costa Rican law, you must not move the vehicle following a collision, even if it is obstructing other traffic — the scene must be preserved for the authorities to conduct their investigation. Police and an insurance representative will attend to assess the situation and document the damage, and the rental company will provide assistance and arrange a replacement vehicle if necessary. Save the rental company’s emergency contact number before you begin driving.

What happens if I return the car with less fuel than when I collected it?

The standard fuel policy at most Costa Rican rental companies is full-to-full: you receive the car with a full tank and are expected to return it full. If the tank is not full on return, the company will charge for refuelling — usually at a rate above the standard pump price. Confirm the fuel policy in writing when you collect the vehicle and hold onto your fuel receipts. Remember that Costa Rican petrol stations are attendant-operated — you do not pump the fuel yourself, and payment is made after the tank has been filled.

Does my credit card insurance cover rental cars in Costa Rica?

Third-party liability insurance provided by the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) is a legal requirement in Costa Rica and cannot be replaced by credit card coverage. In some cases, companies will allow you to decline the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) if you hold a credit card that provides comparable protection — but the card must be valid, must specifically cover rentals in Costa Rica, and must be in the name of the person renting the vehicle. Confirm the details with your card provider and the rental company before travel, and obtain written confirmation that the coverage is accepted.

Do I need a 4×4 vehicle to drive in Costa Rica?

Given Costa Rica’s exceptionally diverse landscape, the need for four-wheel drive depends entirely on your itinerary. Many areas can be explored comfortably in a standard car, but a significant number of popular destinations require 4×4 capability and adequate ground clearance. A mid-size 4×4 SUV is the rental vehicle of choice for most visitors to Costa Rica. If your plans include remote beaches, jungle lodges, or elevated areas like Monteverde, a 4×4 is strongly advised.

How long can I drive on my foreign licence in Costa Rica?

Under legislation updated in April 2024, visitors may drive using their foreign licence for a period aligned with the length of their visa — now up to 180 days. An important exception applies to holders of licences issued in Venezuela, Central American countries, and Colombia, for whom the maximum validity period is 30 calendar days from the date of entry into Costa Rica (as of 2025). Check the rules that apply to your specific licence with COSEVI before you travel.

Are there toll roads in Costa Rica, and how do I pay?

Yes, Costa Rica has a network of toll roads, with the revenue used to maintain road infrastructure. Payment can be made in cash or by card at designated toll points. It is worth keeping small change readily available for toll booths. The toll charges on the main routes around San José are typically in the range of USD $0.60–$1.30 (as of 2025).

When do I need to convert my foreign licence to a Costa Rican one?

Once you have obtained Costa Rican residency, you will eventually need to convert your foreign licence to a local one. The conversion process involves visiting your nearest COSEVI branch and presenting your residency card, passport, a valid foreign driver’s licence, and proof of address in Costa Rica. Note that you must wait 90 days after residency is approved before you are eligible to apply. Check the current procedural requirements directly with COSEVI, as processing rules are subject to change.