Local and official car rental company
Operating license from ICT and affiliated with CANATUR since 2020
Free cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your car rental start date
The best value for money
Quality and service at the best price and without intermediary
Availability 7/7
Our agents are available 7/7 in agency or by phone and speak English
Automatic car Rental in Costa Rica
Explore Costa Rica, Stress-Free
Driving in a foreign country can be overwhelming. Shifting gears on unfamiliar roads? Even more so. That’s why most travelers heading to Costa Rica prefer automatic vehicles, and with Jumbo Car, you can rent one in just a few clicks. Easy to drive, comfortable, and available across all our vehicle categories. Whether you're flying into San José or Liberia, we make your automatic car rental experience simple, transparent, and hassle-free.
Our Fleet of Automatic Vehicles
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, our fleet includes a variety of automatic vehicles to match your itinerary:
Suzuki Jimny auto 4x4, 3 doors
Energy: Gas
Seats: 4
Suzuki Jimny auto 4x4, 5 doors
Energy: Gas
Seats: 4
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross auto 4x4
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Kia Sportage auto 4x4
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Mitsubishi Montero auto 4x4 Sport, 7-seater
Energy: Dies
Seats: 7
Ford Explorer auto 4x4, 7-seater
Energy: Dies
Seats: 7
Geely Coolray auto 4x2
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Geely GX3 auto 4x2
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Kia Sportage auto 4x2
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Kia Soluto auto
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Kia Rio auto
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Kia K3 auto
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Toyota Corolla auto
Energy: Gas
Seats: 5
Suzuki XL7 auto 4x2
Air Condit: A/C
4x4 Automatics: These are built for adventure. Great for mountainous terrain, jungle tracks, and rainy-season travel. If you're wondering whether you need a 4x4 rental in Costa Rica, the answer is often yes (Suzuki Jimny, Kia Sportage, Suzuki Vitara).
4x2 Automatics: Smooth, comfortable, perfect for paved roads and coastal towns. Ideal for driving in Costa Rica if you're staying around Tamarindo, Jaco, or San José (Geely Coolray, Geely GX3, Kia Sportage).
Family SUVs (7-Seaters): Room for everyone and their luggage. Ideal for families or small groups looking for a spacious automatic SUV (Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Ford Explorer).
Sedans & City Cars (Small or Large Trunk): For quick trips and city breaks, easy to park and fuel efficient. Great for those searching for cheap car rental options or long-term automatic car hire (Kia Soluto, Kia Rio, Kia K3, Toyota Corolla).
How Much Does It Cost?
Looking for Costa Rica car rental prices? Here’s a breakdown of our automatic vehicle rates:
Vehicle Type | Starting Price/Day |
City Cars | $25 |
4WD SUVs | $31 |
7-Seater SUVs | $44 |
All our rentals include unlimited mileage. No hidden fees. Transparent pricing every time.
Which One Should You Choose?
Planning to explore national parks like Corcovado or Monteverde? Go for a 4x4 rental.
Staying around San José or Tamarindo? A 2WD or compact is just fine.
Need extra room for family and gear? A 7-seater automatic SUV is ideal.
Whether you're looking for the best car rental in Costa Rica or a reliable option for short trips, we have what you need.
FAQ - Renting an Automatic Car in Costa Rica
Automatic or Manual? What’s Better in Costa Rica?
Driving in Costa Rica isn't quite like cruising through the streets of Paris or downtown Toronto. You've got winding mountain roads, unpaved paths, sudden traffic jams, and unexpected detours. If you're not confident with a manual transmission, things can get complicated, fast.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Feature | Automatic | Manual |
Comfort | Great for city and long drives | Less fluid on hilly roads |
Driving in steep areas | Easier, no stalling on inclines | Requires experience |
Fatigue on long trips | Less tiring | More physically demanding |
Rental cost | Slightly more expensive | Cheaper per day |
Availability | Widely available with Jumbo Car | Fewer models available |
Never driven a stick shift before? Costa Rica isn’t the best place to learn. Go automatic and keep it simple.
Want maximum comfort? Make sure you pick a vehicle that fits your group size and luggage, especially for longer road trips or mountainous routes.
Can I take an automatic 4x4 rental to Monteverde or La Fortuna?
Yes, and we highly recommend it. These areas have steep, uneven roads where a 4WD automatic vehicle offers better safety and comfort.
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent an automatic car in Costa Rica?
No. If you have a valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license, you’re good to go.
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
Can I pick up my automatic car rental at San José Airport and return it at Liberia?
Yes, one-way rentals between Jumbo Car agencies are available for added flexibility.
Does Jumbo Car offer unlimited mileage on automatic rentals?
Absolutely. All our automatic car rentals include unlimited mileage across Costa Rica.
Are automatic cars suitable for Costa Rica’s mountain roads?
Definitely. In fact, most travelers prefer automatic SUVs or 4WDs for places like Monteverde, Nosara, or Osa Peninsula.
How early should I book my automatic rental, especially in high season?
For the best selection and rates, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance during peak travel months (December-April).
What forms of payment do you accept for car rental in Costa Rica?
We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX) and payments in USD.
1. Are automatic cars more expensive to rent in Costa Rica?
A bit. Automatic rental rates vary more by vehicle type (SUV, 4WD, compact) than by transmission.
What insurance do I need when renting a car in Costa Rica?
Basic third-party liability insurance is mandatory. We offer full coverage options for peace of mind.
Why Rent an Automatic with Jumbo Car?
Because peace of mind matters. At Jumbo Car, we don’t just hand you the keys, we give you confidence. From the moment you book, everything is clear: no hidden fees, flexible cancellation, and friendly, bilingual support 7 days a week. Our automatic vehicles are recent, reliable, and ready for any road, whether it’s your first trip to Costa Rica or your fifth. You just land, drive, and enjoy the ride.
Why Choose Jumbo Car Costa Rica?
At Jumbo Car, you’ll enjoy the trust and know-how of a local rental specialist, combined with the convenience and service standards you’d expect from a major brand, but at a fair price.
✅ Clear rates, no surprises: What you see is exactly what you pay. 🔁 Total flexibility: Free cancellations, unlimited mileage, and a range of insurance packages. 🚘 A car for every traveler: From budget-friendly compacts to rugged 4x4s, pick the vehicle that matches your trip. 🌎 Bilingual assistance: Our English and Spanish-speaking team is on hand every day of the week. 📍 Airport service & one-way options – Pick up your car at San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), then return it at the location that suits your itinerary. 🛡️ Drive worry-free: With full coverage options, no deposit on premium insurance, and round-the-clock roadside support.
Whether your plans take you to the Pacific beaches, the misty trails of Monteverde, or a colorful local town, Jumbo Car helps you get there smoothly.
👉 Book your Costa Rica rental car today and start your adventure with confidence.
Rent an Automatic car with Jumbo Car Costa Rica - Customers reviews
Why Rent an Automatic car in Costa Rica?
Whether it’s your first time in Costa Rica or your tenth, driving here is part of the adventure. But shifting gears on unfamiliar terrain, in mountain villages or traffic-heavy city streets, can quickly turn fun into stress. That’s where automatic cars make all the difference. They're easier, safer, and allow you to focus on the stunning landscapes instead of stalling on a hill. From the Pacific coast to the cloud forests, renting an automatic means fewer worries and more freedom. It's the go-to option for tourists who want to enjoy the road without distractions.
Ease of use: No clutch, no gear shifting. Focus on the road and the scenery.
Perfect for tourists: If you're not used to driving manual, automatic is the stress-free choice.
Great for hilly or uneven roads: Especially helpful in places like Monteverde, La Fortuna, or Nosara.
Traffic-friendly: Driving in San José or other urban areas is simpler with an automatic.
Safer for long drives: Reduces fatigue on road trips across the country.
Where to Pick Up Your Automatic Vehicle
Wherever you land, Jumbo Car is nearby. Our two main agencies are located just minutes from Costa Rica’s busiest airports:
San José Airport (SJO) Easy airport pickup and drop-off, ideal if you're starting your trip in the capital or heading toward the Caribbean coast.
Liberia Airport (LIR) Convenient for visiting Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and the Nicoya Peninsula.
But we're not limited to the airports. Need your automatic rental delivered to your hotel or Airbnb? We offer flexible delivery and pick-up options in popular tourist destinations like:
La Fortuna: Perfect base to explore Arenal Volcano and hot springs.
Tamarindo: Surf, sun, and nightlife on the Pacific coast.
Santa Teresa: Remote beach vibes and 4x4-worthy backroads.
Puerto Viejo: Laid-back Caribbean charm, close to nature.
Wherever your trip begins, we’ll get you behind the wheel without delay. Contact us for more information.
Where Can You Go with an Automatic?
Costa Rica is incredibly accessible with an automatic vehicle. Here's a quick guide:
Tamarindo & Santa Teresa: Easy access, smooth roads, SUV recommended for comfort.
La Fortuna & Arenal: Some rougher roads; 4WD preferred, especially in rainy season.
Manuel Antonio: Paved access and compact-town feel. 2WD or city car is ideal.
Monteverde: Steep climbs and gravel roads, go 4x4 without a second thought.
San José & Central Valley: Fully paved roads. Any automatic car works.
Puerto Viejo: Long paved stretches, occasional potholes. 2WD or SUV works well.
Ready to Drive?
Rent your automatic car in Costa Rica now with Jumbo Car. Comfort, confidence, and coast-to-coast adventures await.
Check available vehicles now