San José car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in San José
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pickup truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San José
- When visiting Costa Rica you won’t want to miss some of its most scenic destinations like its waterfalls, forests, and volcanoes. Renting a car will let you be able to travel to some of the best hidden gems that are far off the beaten path. Additionally, you can drive to some of San Jose’s most popular tourist attractions like the San Jose Central Market or the Precolumbian Gold Museum.
- San Jose International Airport serves San Jose and many other cities in and around central Costa Rica. When flying into this airport, you’ll find many car hire agencies just outside of the international flight arrival hall. Some of the agencies located here include Alamo, Avis, and Economy.
- You won’t need an international driver’s license to legally drive in Costa Rica. All you’ll need is a pictured license from your country. If you are driving through rural areas, you’ll have to contend with dirt roads and lots of potholes. Note that, when it rains, the streets can get even worse -- possibly resulting in washouts -- so always be on the alert in rainstorms.
- San Jose is a lively city with a large population, so traffic can get heavy at times. This is especially true during the peak hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. during the morning commute, and in the evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. To avoid getting caught in a traffic jam, you should plan your travel around these times.
- Book your rental car in San José at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini rental cars in San José are around 29% cheaper than other car types, on average
San José car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in San José
What type of car is recommended for driving in San José?
To get to some towns close to San Jose you just might need a 4x4. This is definitely a necessity if you are traveling to the forest or visiting the country during the rainy season. Depending on where you want to go, a compact car might be more comfortable because of the tight, curvy roads. Diesel vehicles might also be more appealing because of the lower cost of fuel.
What’s the speed limit in San José?
Speed limits in San Jose might be lower than you are used to. On the freeway you may only drive at a maximum speed of 50 mph (or 80 km/h). When you are on a main highway, the speed limit may go up to as much as 62 mph (100 km/h). However, when you get close to the city, the speed limit will go down quickly -- so always pay attention to signs you might be passing.
Where are the best places to park in San José?
In downtown San Jose you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and museums. Consequently, there are numerous paid parking lots in which you can safely leave your hire car. One popular area for parking is around the Central Market. If staying downtown, you might also get free parking at your hotel.
How much is gas price in San José?
The average gas price in San José is 19.99 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 240 ﷼ and 320 ﷼, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in San José?
Mini (Suzuki Jimny or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in San José.
How can I find car rentals near me in San José?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in San José?
A Mini car rental in San José costs 127 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in San José?
An Economy car rental in San José costs 149 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in San José?
An Intermediate car rental in San José costs 187 ﷼ per day, on average.
San José car rental reviews and directory
Economy Rent a Car
4.9
Mediocre
115 reviewsCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.1
Value for money
4.1
3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Downtown San Jose
+506 2299 2000
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport
+506 2299 2000
Tobias Bolanos International Airport
+506 2299 2000
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Worst value. Clearly has no concept of customer service or friendliness. Exceedingly overpriced.8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.Cons:
The price of the insurance is three times the price of the rental. Very different from the US and Canada. I found it quite absurd. I still haven't received the safety deposit!!2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
I never picked up the car? I asked for it to be canceledCons:
Cancelation of the car rental like the email said would happen4.0 Mediocre
Feb 2021
Pros:
The extra charges for insurance were NOT transparent and more than doubled the cost of the rentalCons:
See above2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
NOTHINGCons:
EVERYTHING THESE PEOPLE ARE RIP OFF ARRISTS2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
Get insurance before you get down thereThrifty
6.8
Okay
42 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
5.7
3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Centro Comercial Guachipelin
+506 4052 5210
Juan Santamaria Intl Apo
+506 4052 5210
Paseo Colon, Calle 36-38
+506 4052 5210
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
5.6 Fair
Mar 2020
Cons:
When I arrived at the counter to pick up the car I was told purchasing the rental car's insurance was NOT optional, I had to purchase one of two plans, otherwise they would not rent the car to me. If the insurance was not optional, then it should have been shown in the original price of renting the car. A definite bait & switch which I didn't appreciate. $300 for the car, $250 for the insurance, kind of changes the value of the rental.6.8 Okay
May 2018
Pros:
Car was nice, good on gas.Cons:
If someone is renting from Costa Rica, you should tell them about the mandatory insurance purchase. My rental went from $63 to ~$400, by far my biggest expense this trip.5.6 Fair
Feb 2018
Pros:
New car and easy drop offCons:
When I booked the car and chose Thrifty the price was 175. At the end it cost me 540 with all taxes fees etc. There was no way to get it for 175. I feel I was misled and will not recommend10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2018
Pros:
Very friendly service. Threw in a GPS for $53.2 Poor
Jan 2018
Cons:
I had already bought insurance but was told it didn't work in Costa Rica and that I had to buy the insurance they provided. Nothing I said could change this. The insurance ended up doubling the price of the rental. I had also asked about the size of the SUV we were renting prior to arriving and was told it would hold 5 adults comfortably. Not hardly! Ended up having to pay an additional amount to have a somewhat larger SUV. Then on top of all that, they put a $950 deposit amount on my credit card making it unusable to me the rest of my trip. I have NEVER had a car rental company put that large of a deposit on my credit card. NEVER!! That pretty much wiped out my spending money as I only brought two credit cards with me for this trip. It really would have been nice to know all this additional expense before I arrived so I could have adequately planned.Budget
5.3
Fair
64 reviewsCleanliness
6.1
Comfort
5.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.2
Value for money
4.9
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Juan Santa Maria Intl Apo
+506 2436 2010
Paseo Colon
+506 2436 2015
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Jun 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2021
Pros:
Drop off was excellentCons:
Would have liked a better explanation of the insurance coverage and not a hard sell.2.0 Poor
Apr 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
They refused to give back my deposit despite the trip. Ring cancelled due to Covid-19 A disgrace4.8 Mediocre
Mar 2020
Cons:
Don’t use this car rental. A lot of hidden fees. They are crooks.2.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Pros:
Nothing, did not like anything about this experienceCons:
Staff was extremely unhelpful. Was the worst experience in Costa Rica. Outrageous price for a beat up old car with 150,000 miles on it, manual transmission, radio had been taken out, fog lights missing, horrible car, took us 3 hours to check in and get car, staff is inept and we stood in line for hours while no one could give us a clear answer on when we would get a car even though we had a reservation.Europcar
4.3
Mediocre
40 reviewsCleanliness
5.2
Comfort
4.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.2
Value for money
4.0
3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Hotels Delivery And Collection
+506 2519 9308
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Feb 2024
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
It was a total scam, they end up charging you just as much as name brand companies through forcing you to buy unnecessary insurance which is not disclosed when I made my non-refundable reservation.4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Cons:
Didnt have our reservation. Had to wait for hours.10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2021
Pros:
Staff was super friendly!Cons:
The advertised price is not what you end up paying when the mandatory insurance is added on. BEWARE!4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2021
Cons:
The car was fine, but I left feeling like I was scammed. I had to pay for Liability insurance, which I was prepared for, but Europcar’s cost for this was twice as much as other rental places for no reason. And they wouldn’t accept my credit card’s CDW coverage (a first) and made me pay for that as well. Overall, it more than doubled the cost of the rental de me. A nasty surprise at the counter, but at that point, they know they’ve got you. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone.7.6 Good
Feb 2020
Pros:
The staff is very nice and helpful. Taking the shuttle to the car rental was pretty easy.Cons:
The insurance the is quoted by kayak versus what they charge at the car rental is much higher. We rented a car for one week for about 50 USD, which is very cheap, but the medium level for the insurance ran 450 USD.National
9.2
Wonderful
5 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
9.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.4
Value for money
8.5
5 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Avenue 18th
+506 2242 7901
Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio
+506 2220 2034
Km 3 General Canas Highway
+506 2242 7878
La Asuncion De Belen
+506 2242 7878
Paseo Colon
+506 2242 7878
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jan 2018
Pros:
Car and experience was fine, but....Cons:
After all was stated very clearly on the confirmation.... The agent at the desk required that I add insurance or not be able to rent the car. Of course, my credit card covers insurance, and this was a shock and dismay (and an extra hundred dollars!). Foul!!!!!!2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Cons:
they did not have the car ready and told us to call within 4 hours. this delayed our trip and exhausted us. Instead of waiting, we decided to go to their site and there were a multitude of cars available. They claimed that they did not have cars available, because many people had not returned them from the day before. Customer service was slow and it lagged the promptness needed to get in and out. Also, if you prepay insurance from the US, it will not work. You are obligated to purchase their insurance. Our reservation was worthless.2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Cons:
When I came there was no SUV's. So I had to wait more 5 hours to get one.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.7
Very good
4 reviewsCleanliness
9.3
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.9
Value for money
8.0
5 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Avenue 18th, Between 11th
+506 2242 7901
Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio
+506 2220 2034
La Asuncion De Belen
+506 2242 7800
Paseo Colon
+506 2242 7800
Plaza Irazu, Robledal
+506 2242 7800
Filters
Reviews
6.4 Okay
Oct 2016
Pros:
Guys at the office were greatCons:
Radio not working!! Insurance purchased from Alianz not relevant (had to cancel)6.4 Okay
Sep 2016
Pros:
We were happy with the service and the vehicle in general was good. We did find our vehicle a bit squeaky and the shocks could have been replaced. Having seen the roads though, we understand why the vehicle was in the condition it was. The service was great and he took pity on us when he realized we weren't expecting the extra $800 in insurance and he threw in a GPS, which was a total life saver.Cons:
Please be aware that the cost of the vehicle rental does NOT include the insurance. The rental was estimated at $150 but when we got there, the mandatory insurance coverage took the total cost to $920 CAD. We had read about this, but we thought the credit card insurance covered it. With all the information printed out and in hand, we realized no cards will cover third party liability - which is mandatory there. The options were to put thousands down as a deposit and pay for any / some damages, or get full coverage for MUCH more per day. Please keep this in mind when booking a vehicle. And a 4 wheel drive is an absolute must if you want to drive any of the 'roads' in hard to reach but beautiful places.Dollar
8.0
Very good
12 reviewsCleanliness
8.2
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
7.5
4 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Carr John F.kennedy St, Centro
+506 4052 2000
General Canas Hgy Nxt To Total
+506 4052 2000
Juan Santamaria Intl Ap
+506 2431 4865
Paseo Colon Ave, 36 & 38 St
+506 4052 2000
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2021
Cons:
Good service and reasonably priced. There are extras added to what kayak shows, but these are legitimate fees.3.6 Poor
Mar 2018
Cons:
We got stuck in traffic because of construction in Monteverde. It was beyond our control. They shut down the only street in or out for hours. We called Dollar Rental to let them know and they told us NOT TO WORRY and that we would NOT BE CHARGED EXTRA for running late as long as we got there before they closed at 11:30 PM. We got there at 10:30 PM and the guy that was checking us back in said, "Don't worry, you won't be charged extra for being a few hours late." However, when we went to pay, the guy at the front desk charged my credit card for an additional $60.51 for the few hours we were late. I told him that both the guy on the phone and the guy who checked us back in told us we would not be charged extra. He gave me a funny look and said, "Oops, they didn't tell me that and I already ran your card, so I can't reverse the charge now. You'll have to email corporate when you get back to the US and they will fix it for you." I emailed corporate over a week ago and never heard back from them. I will never be using Dollar Rental again.4.8 Mediocre
Jan 2018
Pros:
No restrictions on where I could go with the car. Air conditioning worked. Offered WiFi device for $5/day, and that worked great.Cons:
Reserved an automatic, but their computer didn’t show it, so I was forced to upgrade. Paid for insurance via Kayak, but told that was no good and that we were required to get additional insurance that cost more than $100. The shuttle to/from airport is slow, and we waited almost an hour to get to the airport after drop off. Car’s brakes stuck and needs new shocks.2.0 Poor
Apr 2017
Pros:
Dollar lured my family in with a low price listed on the internet. BUT it was only an empty promise as they made us pay nearly twice that amount upon our arrival to pick up our reserved vehicle.Cons:
My family paid in full online prior to my trip. We received a confirmation of both our payment and reservation. After arriving in our destination (Costa Rica) Dollar made us pay additional insurance and fees to obtain our car. With our young children in tow and after pleading with them for 2 hours we had to pay the additional money to drive away. A formal credit discard dispute has been filed. Stay away from this dishonest company.7.2 Good
Oct 2016
Pros:
Customer service at DollarCons:
Kayak misrepresented the vehicle. I booked a vehicle that could fit 7 with insurance. When I got there I found out the vehicle only seated 5 and the insurance I paid for through Kayak wasn't even basic insurance for this country. Ended up paying 400 more than originally quoted!! Could have saved almost 200 going directly through Dollar.10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
Pros:
The staff were able to answer all of my questions quickly, whether over the phone or through their online messaging system. Make sure to ask about SLI, aka car insurance, as there are different options and it can be somewhat expensive. Overall, I had a great experience and will be returning to Dollar car rental the next time I'm in Costa Rica!Cons:
More transparency with SLI rates and options.Alamo
7.7
Good
3 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.4
4 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Avenue 18
+506 2242 7733
Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio
+506 2220 2034
Paseo Colon
+506 2221 4700
Plaza Irazu Robledal
+506 2242 7733
Filters
Reviews
7.2 Good
Apr 2017
Pros:
We rented an SUV from Alamo for three months in Costa Rica. The first SUV had a transmission problem and Alamo replaced it with a maintenance free vehicle. The vehicle ran fine for the remaining 2 1/2 months.Cons:
Our contract with Alamo was in dollars. However, Alamo in Costa Rica converted the charges to colons at the a favorable exchange rate for Alamo. This ruse is a way for Alamo to squeeze more money from unsuspecting Gringos. To resolve this problem I had to contact Alamo's corporate office in the U.S.2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Pros:
Nothing, they didn't even have a car for usCons:
After traveling from Boston for 9 hours we arrived to San Jose, CR. We had a whole vacation planned out and these people told us they had no car. They offered us a shuttle to San Jose and promise to call us the next day with a car. It never happened. We end up renting a car with budget but this services was a nightmare. DO NOT, DO NOT USE THEIR SERVICE!!!Avis
5.8
Fair
6 reviewsCleanliness
6.4
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.5
Value for money
5.2
4 locations in San José
Locations in San José
400 Metros Oeste Del Curce
+506 2202 8380
Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici
+506 2296 0167
Intercontinental Hotel
+506 2208 2243
San Jose Sabana Norte
+506 2509 5980
Filters
Reviews
6.4 Okay
Feb 2019
Cons:
AVIS added a mandatory fee for insurance that was equally high as the advertised rental price. It doesn't make much sense to advertise a price for a rental if it's not possible to rent the vehicle for that price or anything close to it.8.0 Very good
Mar 2023
2.0 Poor
Jan 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
Payless
4.9
Mediocre
1 reviewCleanliness
5.3
Comfort
4.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.8
Value for money
4.4
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Paseo Colon
+506 2256 0101
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
Ace
4.6
Mediocre
1 reviewCleanliness
5.6
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.8
Value for money
3.6
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Between Street 30 and 32
+506 4036 7420
Filters
No reviews available
Routes Car & Truck Rentals
3.6
Poor
1 reviewCleanliness
4.8
Comfort
3.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.2
Value for money
3.6
One location in San José
Locations in San José
500 Mts East
+506 2430 0629
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Aug 2022
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Juan Santamaria Intl Apto.
+506 4002 0713
Paseo Colon & Calle 38 Street
+506 4002 0707
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
2.0 Poor
Mar 2024
6.0 Okay
Feb 2021
Cons:
Hertz pick up was awful. I don’t recommend hertz in Costa Rica. Our bill was double the quoted price due to Costa Rica specific insurance (and this is after fighting to wave other liabilities). The staff also made “errors” that included additional charges that they had said were removed... be very cautious when reviewing your bill especially before signing anything.2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Cons:
Surprise insurance charge when we got there. Also they said rental was in terminal and it was a shuttle ride away.6.0 Okay
Jan 2018
Pros:
Car was in good shapeCons:
The reservation price didn't include a $30/day mandatory insurance fee that is required I'm Costa Rica. So, my quote was for $7xx, and total cost was actually $1100. AND, the guy at the ciunter was a total dick and kept trying to sell us on the optional insurance to make us pay EVEN MORE. UGH.5.2 Fair
Jun 2017
Cons:
We were given a very good rate when we booked but when we showed up we not given an option of taking out additional insurance. We discussed at length- the entire process of renting the car took a very long time. They tried to charge me over $500. After much discussion they wouldn't let us take the car for an amount that was over 3x the quoted rate. We really needed to get going and the Hertz facility is away from the airport so reluctantly signed. The front desk employee was rude and found VERY small print to justify the increase in the rate. I will not use Hertz again at this location.One location in San José
Locations in San José
Rio Segundo
+506 2443 4645
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Nov 2021
2.0 Poor
Feb 2022
3.9 Poor
Jul 2021
3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús , Hospital, San José, San José - , Costa Rica
+506 2542 4848
San Jose Intl Airport
+506 2442 2422
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
One location in San José
Locations in San José
San Jose International Airport - Europcar
+506 2440 9990
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Calle 43, 50m sur del Bar Rio
+506 4000 7498
Edificio Galicia Avenida 39
+506 4000 7498
Frente Indoor Club Curridabat
+506 4000 7498
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Rio Segundo
+506 2430 4648
Filters
No reviews available
5 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Centro Comercial Plaza Carolina, Rotonda de La Bandera, Mercedes
+506 2542 4848
Edificio Adobe, 34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús Hospital, San José, San José -
+506 2542 4800
Route 3, Río Segundo Río Segundo, Alajuela, Alajuela - Costa Rica
+506 2442 2422
\\\"Edificio Adobe, 34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús , Hospital, San José, San José - , Costa Rica
+506 2542 4848
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Tobias Bolanos Airport
+506 2255-2200
next to the Ambassador Hotel
+506 2255 2000
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Hotels Delivery And Collection Service Only
+506 2519 9308
Paseo Colón Centro de San Jose
+506 4002 3857
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
300 meters east from the Purdy Motor building in Paseo Colon San Jose
+506 2542 4865
30th Street
+506 2105 3400
Edificio Adobe, Calle 34 Barrio Corazon De Jesus
+506 2542 4865
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Dr R.A. Grillo, Coca Cola
+54 11 6009 3539
Filters
No reviews available
7 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
4 locations in San José
Locations in San José
3Rd Street, 13Th Ave., Barrio Amón San José.
+506 2523 3200
Calle 3 Ave. 13, Barrio Amón / 3rd Street, 13th Ave, Barrio Amón Apartado Postal: 750-1007 Centro Colón./ P.O Box: 750-1007 Centro Colón.
+506 2523 3200
San Jose Airport
+506 2442 8585
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Edificio Adobe, 34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús Hospital
+506 2667 0608
From the Hotel Holiday Express Inn, 1.4 Km. East
+506 2667 0608
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Paseo Colón, San Bosco, centro de San Jose, Costa Rica
+506 7085 6570
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Europcar, Paseo Colon Centro De San Jose
+506 4002 3857
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
3rd Street, 13th Ave., Barrio Amón San José.
+506 2523 3200
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
La Uruca 5 Blocks West From Hospital Mexico
5-062-294-2354
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
San Jose airport
+506 8885 8626
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
San Jose Airport Juan Santamaria SJO
+506 2436 2070
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near San José
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
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