We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Santa Cruz CR. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz CR so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


location image

Why rent a car in Santa Cruz CR?

Renting a car in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, offers unparalleled freedom to explore the region's diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to lush forests, at your own pace. With a personal vehicle, you can access remote areas and hidden gems that are often inaccessible by public transportation, enhancing your travel experience.

Additionally, having a car allows for flexible itineraries, enabling spontaneous detours to local attractions, markets, and eateries. This autonomy ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of the Guanacaste province without the constraints of tour schedules or limited transit options.

Car rental tips for Santa Cruz CR

  • Reserve your rental car well in advance, especially if travelling during the high season from December to April, to ensure availability and better rates.
  • Be aware that Costa Rica requires mandatory liability insurance for all rental vehicles, which is not typically included in the quoted price. Confirm the total cost, including all insurance fees, before finalising your reservation.
  • Upon receiving your rental car, thoroughly inspect it for any existing damage, and document it with photos or videos. This practice helps avoid disputes over damages upon return.
  • Utilise navigation apps like Waze, which are popular among locals and provide real-time traffic updates, road conditions, and directions, aiding in efficient travel planning.

FAQs about renting a car in Santa Cruz CR

What is the recommended car type/category?

Given the varied terrain around Santa Cruz, including coastal roads and occasional unpaved paths, renting a compact SUV or a vehicle with higher ground clearance is advisable. This choice ensures comfort and safety when navigating both urban areas and more rugged landscapes.

What are the parking options?

In Santa Cruz, parking is generally accessible, with options including street parking and designated lots. However, during peak tourist seasons, parking near popular attractions and beaches can become limited. It's recommended to use official parking areas and avoid leaving valuables in the vehicle to ensure security.

What's the speed limit?

In Costa Rica, speed limits are typically 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas, 60 km/h (37 mph) on secondary roads, and up to 100 km/h (62 mph) on highways. Always adhere to posted signs, as limits can vary, and be cautious of road conditions that may necessitate slower driving.

Popular attractions

  • Playa Tamarindo: A vibrant beach town known for its excellent surfing conditions, lively nightlife, and diverse dining options.
  • Rincón de la Vieja National Park: A geothermal wonderland featuring hot springs, mud pots, and diverse wildlife, ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
  • Santa Rosa National Park: A historic park preserving the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa, offering rich biodiversity and pristine beaches.
  • Playa Conchal: A unique beach famed for its crushed shell sand and clear turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.
  • Las Baulas National Marine Park: A vital nesting site for leatherback turtles, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and conservation tours.

More places to visit

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: A renowned reserve offering canopy tours and rich biodiversity, located approximately 3 hours from Santa Cruz.
  • Arenal Volcano National Park: Home to the iconic Arenal Volcano and hot springs, about a 4-hour drive from Santa Cruz.
  • Nicoya Peninsula: A region known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, accessible via a scenic drive from Santa Cruz.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Santa Cruz 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.

National Car Hire

View more

Alamo Car Hire

View more

SIXT Car Hire

View more

Enterprise Car Hire

View more

Budget Car Hire

View more

Hertz Car Hire

View more

Europcar Car Hire

View more

Keddy Car Hire

View more

Thrifty Car Hire

View more

AVIS Car Hire

View more

Firefly Car Hire

View more

: 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!

Car image for small and economy car category

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.

Car image for hybrid and electric car category

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.

Car image for prestige car category

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.

Car image for stationwagon and minibus car category

Santa Cruz 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.