We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in San Jose CR. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in San Jose CR in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in San Jose CR and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in San Jose CR and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in San Jose CR so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in San Jose CR?

Renting a car in San José, Costa Rica, offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city's rich cultural landmarks and the surrounding natural beauty at your own pace. With a personal vehicle, you can easily visit attractions like the National Theatre, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and La Sabana Metropolitan Park without the constraints of public transportation schedules.

Beyond the city limits, having a car allows you to embark on day trips to nearby destinations such as the Poás Volcano National Park or the picturesque town of Sarchí, renowned for its artisan crafts. This autonomy enhances your travel experience, enabling spontaneous detours and the discovery of hidden gems along the way.

Car rental tips for San Jose CR

  • San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport hosts several car rental agencies, allowing travellers to pick up vehicles upon arrival. It's advisable to reserve your car in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and better rates.
  • Driving in San José can be challenging due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, and limited parking. Plan your routes ahead of time, consider using navigation apps, and be prepared for one-way streets and unexpected road conditions.
  • If you plan to explore beyond San José, be aware that many rural roads are unpaved and can become difficult to navigate, particularly during the rainy season. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for such excursions to ensure safety and comfort.
  • Costa Rica requires mandatory liability insurance for all rental vehicles, which cannot be waived even if your credit card offers coverage. Be sure to understand the insurance options and associated costs when booking your rental car.

FAQs about renting a car in San Jose CR

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized SUV is recommended for navigating San José's urban environment and the varying road conditions in surrounding areas. If planning to visit mountainous regions or rural destinations, a 4x4 vehicle is advisable, especially during the rainy season when roads can become challenging.

What are the parking options?

Parking in San José can be limited, particularly in the city centre. Public parking lots and garages are available, and some hotels offer guest parking. It's advisable to use secure parking facilities and avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle.

What's the speed limit?

In Costa Rica, speed limits are typically 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways, 60 km/h (37 mph) on secondary roads, and 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas. Always adhere to posted signs, as limits can vary, and be cautious of road conditions and local driving habits.

Popular attractions

  • National Theatre of Costa Rica: A neoclassical architectural gem inaugurated in 1897, renowned for its exquisite interior and cultural performances.
  • Pre-Columbian Gold Museum: Houses an extensive collection of gold artefacts dating from 300 to 1550 AD, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient Costa Rican civilisations.
  • La Sabana Metropolitan Park: The largest urban park in San José, offering green spaces, sports facilities, and the Costa Rican Art Museum within its grounds.
  • San José Central Market: Established in 1880, this bustling market features over 200 shops and eateries, offering local goods and traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
  • Museo del Jade: Boasts the world's largest collection of American jade artefacts, providing insights into pre-Columbian cultures.

More places to visit

  • Poás Volcano National Park: Home to one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes, featuring a massive crater and accessible hiking trails.
  • Sarchí: A charming town famed for its vibrant oxcarts and artisan workshops, reflecting Costa Rica's rich craft heritage.
  • Irazú Volcano National Park: Offers panoramic views from the country's highest volcano, with a lunar-like landscape and multiple craters.
  • Cartago: The former capital city, known for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and its historical significance.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in San Jose CR

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

10 / 10

JumboCar Car Hire

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10 / 10

Enterprise Car Hire

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10 / 10

National Car Hire

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9.86 / 10

E.C Car Hire

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9.61 / 10

Costa Car Hire

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9.34 / 10

Green Motion Car Hire

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9.15 / 10

Alamo Car Hire

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9.1 / 10

Easycar Car Hire

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9.06 / 10

Dollar Car Hire

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9.03 / 10

FlexWays Car Hire

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9.01 / 10

SIXT Car Hire

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8.84 / 10

Firefly Car Hire

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8.81 / 10

Payless Car Hire

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8.06 / 10

Budget Car Hire

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8.05 / 10

AVIS Car Hire

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7.81 / 10

AmiGO Car Hire

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7.40 / 10

Europcar Car Hire

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7.17 / 10

Hertz Car Hire

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4.94 / 10

Carwiz Car Hire

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4.5 / 10

Keddy Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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San Jose CR: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.