Our Car Rental Agencies in Costa Rica

The best place to pick up a rental car in San José, Costa Rica, is undoubtedly at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Here’s why:

• The Jumbo Car agency is just 2 minutes by car from the San José airport terminal.

• It’s open 7 days a week, perfect for any arrival time.

• You can even book a rental car last minute, hassle-free.

• All vehicle categories are available—from compact cars to 4x4s.

• If you start your trip at the airport, it automatically becomes your return location.

To rent a car in Costa Rica, you’ll need:

• A valid driver's license from your home country (US/Canada is fine) - In the case of a digital driver’s license, the customer must present the official version (PDF, image, or link) at the counter, including a code or QR code that allows its authenticity to be verified

• Your passport

• A credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit

No need for an international driving permit if you’re staying less than 60 days. However, an international driving permit is necessary for stays longer than 60 days and for drivers whose licenses are not in Latin characters.

To rent a car in San José, every driver listed on the rental agreement must be at least 18 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least 12 months. For certain vehicle categories, the minimum age is 21 years old with 2 years of driving experience, and for our most powerful models, drivers must be at least 25 years old.

• Drivers under the age of 25 are required to purchase our young driver insurance.

• Drivers over the age of 75 must purchase our senior driver insurance.

Absolutely. Roads can be narrow or bumpy in rural areas, but driving is generally safe and rewarding.

Yes, one-way car rentals are available between most major cities and airports (a fee may apply).

It might cover collision damage, but it won’t exempt you from buying the required local liability insurance.

The most popular car rental agency in San José is Jumbo Car, located at San José Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

A 4x4 is highly recommended for mountainous areas or rainy season. For city travel, a compact or 4x2 is fine.

Yes. Basic liability insurance is required by law for all rental cars in Costa Rica.

No. A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.

Most rental cars run on regular gas or diesel. Always confirm at pick-up.

Gas Prices in Costa Rica:

When planning your Costa Rica adventure, it’s essential to budget for fuel. Gas prices here can vary depending on where you are and the type of fuel you need. On average, a liter of gasoline costs around ₡550-₡650 (approximately $0.90-$1.05 USD). Diesel is generally cheaper, with prices ranging from ₡450-₡550 per liter (about $0.70-$0.90 USD). Keep in mind that gas prices in Costa Rica can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check the current rates before you hit the road.

The cheapest car rental agency in San José is Jumbo Car, located near the international airport, with rates starting at $17 per day.

Here’s a list of car rental companies with offices at San José International Airport: Jumbo Car, Alamo Rent a Car, Avis, Dollar, Easycar, Europcar, Hertz, National Car Rental, Sixt, Budget, Routes Car & Truck Rentals, Apex, Economy, and more.

There’s a short grace period, but extra hours may be billed as a full day.

Yes, picking up a rental car in San José is very convenient, especially if you are arriving at San Jose International Airport (SJO). Many car rental agencies are located near the airport, making it easy for travelers to pick up and drop off their vehicles.

Yes, flexible cancellation options are available: Life happens, and sometimes plans change. If you need to cancel your car rental in Costa Rica, it’s crucial to understand the cancellation policies of your car rental company. Some companies offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your rental start date, while others may charge a fee. Policies can vary based on the type of vehicle or rental period, so review your rental agreement carefully. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your rental car company for clarification.

At Jumbo Car Costa Rica, all of our locations offer unlimited mileage. You can drive as many kilometers as you like anywhere in the country.

Do not move the vehicle. Make sure you’re safe, but leave the car exactly as it is. Call Jumbo Car immediately and provide your details, the location of the accident, and the type of incident. We’ll guide you through the next steps. We’ll also take care of notifying the police, the insurance company, and, if needed, emergency services like the fire department or the Red Cross in case of injuries.

If no other party is involved, call us anyway so we can report the damage to the insurance company as quickly as possible.

No, a valid US, european or Canadian driver’s license is all you need to rent a car in Costa Rica.

In the case of a digital driver’s license, the customer must present the official version (PDF, image, or link) at the counter, including a code or QR code that allows its authenticity to be verified

Planning to hit the road in San José or beyond? Here are a few key things to keep in mind before you start driving in Costa Rica:

• Driving rules are generally similar to those in the U.S. or Canada, but with a few differences. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour, and distances are shown in meters. Most road signs are in Spanish—some have English translations. Right of way usually goes to the right, unless otherwise indicated.

• Use a GPS or smartphone navigation app to get around San José and other regions. It’ll save you time and stress.

• Driving in San José can be chaotic. Be alert. Honking is common, traffic is dense (especially during rush hours), and downtown streets are often narrow, crowded, and poorly lit. Watch out for potholes, random animals on the road, and sudden moves from pedestrians, cyclists, or motorbikes.

• Getting stuck behind a slow-moving truck? Wait for the driver to use their left turn signal—in Costa Rica, that usually means it’s safe to pass. But always double-check: sharp turns or oncoming cars can come out of nowhere.

• Traffic lights are usually placed in the middle of intersections, not before them like in Europe. So stop before the intersection, not in front of the light itself.

• Police checkpoints are frequent. Respect solid lines, crossing them can get you a fine. Penalties can be steep and must be paid at a bank or COSEVI office within 10 days. Never pay a police officer directly. And don’t forget: if you’re driving with a foreign license, you also need to carry your passport and the entry stamp you received when arriving in Costa Rica.

Is It Safe to Drive at Night in Costa Rica?

It’s not recommended to drive at night outside of major cities like San José or Liberia. Why?

• Roads are rarely lit.

• Lane markings and reflectors are often missing.

• You’ll likely encounter unlit pedestrians or cyclists.

• Potholes and obstacles are harder to spot.

Night driving can be more than just challenging—it can be dangerous. FYI: the sun sets around 6:00 PM year-round in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is not known for corruption, and San José is no exception. Police officers are generally well-paid and professional. You won’t be asked for bribes or “tips” to avoid a fine.

If you commit a traffic violation, do not pay the officer directly. Fines must be paid at a local bank. The officer will give you a written report with the offense details, the fine amount, and the bank account information for the payment.

Renting a car? Let your rental agency (like Jumbo Car) know immediately. They can help process the fine and simply add the amount to your final bill—no stress for you.

Traffic laws are mostly respected in Costa Rica, and penalties can be serious. In cases of major violations, your vehicle may even be impounded.

Examples of Common Traffic Fines in Costa Rica:

• Not wearing a seatbelt: $185 USD

• Using a cellphone while driving: $185 USD

• Speeding: $575 USD

Child Safety Rules

Children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.45 meters (4’9”) must be in an appropriate child seat or booster. Failure to comply can result in a fine of approximately 459,000 colones (about $875 USD).