What is the most popular car rental provider in Costa Rica?

When renting a car in Costa Rica, the most popular provider of rental cars among Cheapflights users is Budget, and with prices around C$ 35/day, it’s easy to understand why. The most popular car type from Budget is SUV, which starts as low as C$ 23/day.

What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in Costa Rica?

When visiting Costa Rica, it is typically cheapest to rent your car in Liberia where rental cars typically will cost around C$ 28/day (23% less than the country average). The absolute cheapest rental car price in Costa Rica was found in San José for just C$ 13/day.

What side of the road do you drive on in Costa Rica?

Cars travel on the right side of the road in Costa Rica.

What are the car hire rental for popular cities in Costa Rica?

Out of all the popular cities in Costa Rica, Liberia is the cheapest city to rent a car in at just C$ 5/day. Renting a car in Liberia is 91% cheaper than renting one in La Fortuna where the per day rate is around C$ 58. Other fairly inexpensive cities in Costa Rica to get a rental car in are: San José (C$ 7/day), Tamarindo (C$ 33/day), and La Fortuna (C$ 58/day). While these cities typically have cheaper prices than the rest of the country, travelers looking to rent a car in Liberia should expect to spend around C$ 5/day on their transportation. The most popular city to rent a car in Costa Rica is Liberia.

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Costa Rica car rentals in 2025

Most popular company	Budget
Most common car type	Intermediate
Average price per day	C$ 28
Cheapest price per day	C$ 7

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Popular car types in Costa Rica

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small car is the cheapest car type you can rent in Costa Rica this past week from 627 rental locations out of 58 rental agencies. Prices for a Costa Rica small car rental start from C$ 7/day. Check out available deals for 3 car types currently offered at listed car rental agencies here:

Economy

C$ 7+

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Compact

C$ 7+

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Intermediate

C$ 7+

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SUV

C$ 7+

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Full-size SUV

C$ 7+

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Mini

C$ 7+

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Premium SUV

C$ 35+

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Compact SUV

C$ 7+

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Compare car rental deals in Costa Rica by type

Here are the best Costa Rica small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Costa Rica medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Here are the best Costa Rica SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Ford FiestaC$ 7/day

A/C

Hyundai VelosterC$ 7/day

A/C

Toyota CorollaC$ 8/day

A/C

Best car rental deals found in Costa Rica

These are some the most attractive deals we've found on rentals cars within the Costa Rica region, including options close to Liberia, San José and Jacó. Make sure to examine important information for each deal, including price, car type, and pickup location.

Nissan QashqaiC$ 7/day

A/C

Jeep RenegadeC$ 7/day

A/C

Toyota CorollaC$ 7/day

A/C

Cheapflights insights for Costa Rica car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Costa Rica, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I rent a car in Costa Rica?

To get the best deal on a rental car in Costa Rica, book about 77 days before your trip. At that point, average daily prices are around C$ 39, which is about 16% cheaper than the typical rate.

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What is the cheapest rental car company in Costa Rica?

Economy Rent a Car is currently the cheapest rental car company in Costa Rica with deals as low as C$ 6.29/day found in the past two weeks. Fox is another inexpensive option with rates as low as C$ 6.39/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Costa Rica?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Costa Rica is September, when you can expect to pay C$ 19/day on average. The most expensive month to rent a car in Costa Rica is December (C$ 113/day on average). The average daily rental price for each month is shown below. Keep in mind that prices will vary based on availability, when you book, and the type of car you rent.

January

C$ 64

February

C$ 57

March

C$ 52

April

C$ 42

May

C$ 26

June

C$ 30

July

C$ 42

August

C$ 33

September

C$ 19

October

C$ 24

November

C$ 34

December

C$ 113

What car do most people rent in Costa Rica?

Open-air all-terrain rentals (Jeep Wrangler or similar) are the most popular option for those visiting Costa Rica. Standard rentals (Jeep Wrangler or similar) are also a popular choice, followed by Intermediate rentals (Toyota Corolla or similar).

Which car rental company has the most locations in Costa Rica?

Alamo has 63 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has the second-highest number of locations in Costa Rica at 60.

What are the car rental prices for popular cities in Costa Rica?

Out of all the popular cities in Costa Rica, Liberia is the cheapest city to rent a car (C$ 5/day). Other popular cities in Costa Rica to get a cheap rental car are: San José (C$ 7/day), Tamarindo (C$ 33/day), and La Fortuna (C$ 58/day).

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Top rental agencies in Costa Rica

Rent a car with one of the top providers serving the Costa Rica region, including those located within the Liberia, San José and Jacó area. Make sure to read through user feedback, confirm pickup locations, and check the fine print before choosing.

Avis

5.1

Fair

111 reviews•22 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

8.0

Very good|Jan 2025

Friendly easy pick up. But only open 9-5 so difficult to return.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2023

un desastre, nunca mas contrato ni con uds ni con avis nos quisieron cobrar cualquier cosa, me retuvieron 500 dolares que no me estan devolviendo, no pudimos contratar el auto perdimos mas de dos horas, malos modos y malos tratos una verguenza, nunca los voy a recomendar

2.0

Poor|Mar 2023

The Avis in Liberia sent us off the lot with an old, dilapidated tire that came apart in pieces as we were driving. The office did not pick up the phone or respond to us when we called in with the problem, but thankfully we were able to get in touch with the insurance provider who sent someone to change the tire. He was shocked at how old and rundown the tire was compared to the three others on the vehicle and told us we were very lucky it didn’t cause an accident. When I returned to Liberia and was finally able to connect to the Avis service people in person, they told me it was my fault for driving the car off the lot and charged me $280 for the tire. I have a report filed to try and resolve this, but this was one of the worst car rentals AND customer experiences I have ever had.

4.0

Mediocre|Mar 2023

Probably the worst condition rental car ever. Rusted, bad tires, high mileage. Yet expensive.

8.0

Very good|Mar 2023

Pretty happy with the service including the shuttle to the airport. The location has a coffee machine on site which is nice for travelers, however, the trash can was way too full and the table where the sugar and cups were kept wasn't wiped. This area could be kept cleaner. All the rest was good.

2.0

Poor|Mar 2023

Price ended up being 3x what was quoted on your website. Had to pay over $40 a day for insurance. $12.50 a day for a phone that did not work. Also charged $100 for a 1/4 tank of gas. The staff was rude on pickup and drop off. I will never use Avis again. Very disappointed.

1 out of 37

Avis Locations in Costa Rica

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.2

Very good

30 reviews•60 locations

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Overview

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in Costa Rica

Alamo

7.9

Good

70 reviews•63 locations

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Overview

Alamo Locations in Costa Rica

Budget

5.7

Fair

48 reviews•20 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jun 2023

I had 2 cars reserved with my brother, our plane was delayed by 6 hours, once we arrived there was no staff at budget. When I tried the following day, they only have 1 car available but needs a $3000 security deposit.... that was mever mentioned anywhere durong the booking. terrible experience and would never try to rent a car from budget ever again.

2.0

Poor|May 2023

I booked my car , I bought extra insurance as suggested and when I got there they told me the extra insurance $65000 worth didn’t cover third party damages and therefore required a $3000 damage deposit . Why was this only brought to my attention upon arrival ?! I’m in Costa Rica at 8 pm and stuck with no car . I plan to make a lot of noise on social media about this experience and I will recommend everyone not ever use budget in any country !!

1 out of 16

Economy Rent a Car

4.9

Mediocre

89 reviews•26 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

4.0

Mediocre|Aug 2024

The cost was exponentially higher than listed on Kayak.

2.0

Poor|Mar 2023

Before you make plans to go to Costa Rica, be aware of the countries car insurance scam. Our car insurance was over $100 per day. Stay away! It's not Economy, it's everyone.

4.0

Mediocre|Dec 2021

Do not rent from Economy in LIR.

2.0

Poor|Nov 2021

Bait & Switch. Forced you to take their vastly overpriced insurance. Links in email to provide your own insurance don’t work. At counter,the requirements kept escalating as we provided proof of insurance via credit card and domestic policy. Will be asking credit card co for help. To top it off, windshield was massively screwed up and we had to use a non standard cleaner just to be able to see out of it at night.

1 out of 30

Economy Rent a Car Locations in Costa Rica

Europcar

4.5

Mediocre

52 reviews•9 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Feb 2023

Booked on kayak and company didnt have a car available for me upon arrival. Also paid for insurance in advance and never heard back from them to attempt to receive a refund. 0/5 for them and for renting a car via kayak

2.0

Poor|Feb 2023

Fraud and not reliable. We were 3 different customer with the same problem. They take reservation but does not have any vehicle available. Poor service. Staff appared annoyed and were not helpful. They tell customer they dont have car. Very dissapointed. This issues cost me a complete day of vacation. Very upsetting

2.0

Poor|Feb 2023

Although I received an email saying that the car rental was confirmed, when I showed up to pick up my vehicle, the rental company had no cars available at all. In fact, I went back to the airport to see if other companies had cars and no one had any rentals available. I lost my money on the 2 nights pre-paid hotel accommodations. I will likely never use Kayak’s service again.

6.0

Okay|Feb 2023

Service ok Car wasn’t in the best condition, hiding fees like insurance was more them double of what kayak offered,

8.0

Very good|Dec 2021

More transparency regarding Extra mandatory charges, exclusive to Costa Rica

2.0

Poor|Dec 2021

Overall Awful

1 out of 18

Europcar Locations in Costa Rica

National

8.8

Very good

19 reviews•59 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2024

From when we were greeted by the shuttle driver on arrival,to being served by Alex at the company, and receiving our car, to the final return with Ricardo and the young lady, everything was perfect! The price could be a bit lower, but we were very satisfied.

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2024

You guys do what promise and that's usually what counts. No hidden surprises or secret up charges.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2024

Our experience with National was very good. The check out was quick and easy. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The car was new, clean and comfortable. Check in was easy and quick and we were on our way back to the airport in no time. Shuttle service to and from airport was easy and quick. Overall, I would recommend National Car Rental if visiting Liberia and Costa Rica.

6.0

Okay|May 2023

I had rented a car previously in Costa Rica and was able to wave the added protection as I am covered through other insurance and credit cards at national they would not let me so add an additional $15 a day to the price

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2022

All good

1.9

Poor|Aug 2021

I bought car insurance from Kayak before the trip. National insisted that it was useless and that I had to repurchase car insurance from them for $ 24/ day minimum. I went to Atlas car rental where the service was excellent.

1 out of 7

Sunnycars

58 locations

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Sunnycars Locations in Costa Rica

Car rental FAQs

What is the most popular car rental provider in Costa Rica?
When renting a car in Costa Rica, the most popular provider of rental cars among Cheapflights users is Budget, and with prices around C$ 35/day, it’s easy to understand why. The most popular car type from Budget is SUV, which starts as low as C$ 23/day.
What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in Costa Rica?
When visiting Costa Rica, it is typically cheapest to rent your car in Liberia where rental cars typically will cost around C$ 28/day (23% less than the country average). The absolute cheapest rental car price in Costa Rica was found in San José for just C$ 13/day.
What side of the road do you drive on in Costa Rica?
Cars travel on the right side of the road in Costa Rica.

Car rentals by fuel type in Costa Rica

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Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in Costa Rica. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Gas/Diesel being the cheapest (C$ 5+).

Electric

C$ 20+

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Gas/Diesel

C$ 5+

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Hybrid

C$ 18+

View Deal

Culebra

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Costa Rica car rentals in 2025

Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car rental in Costa Rica. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on 12 June 2025.

Most popular company

Most common car type

Average price per day

Cheapest price per day

Popular car types in Costa Rica

Explore the most popular car models available for rent in Costa Rica and choose the one that suits your needs. The price data is sourced from various car rental companies and was last updated on 12 June 2025.

Compare car rental deals in Costa Rica by type

Best car rental deals found in Costa Rica

Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car rental deals in Costa Rica. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect rental option for your needs. There are currently 8 rental car agencies in Costa Rica with an average daily rate of C$ 17. Data was last updated on 12 June 2025.

These are some the most attractive deals we've found on rentals cars within the Costa Rica region, including options close to Liberia, San José and Jacó. Make sure to examine important information for each deal, including price, car type, and pickup location.

Cheapflights insights for Costa Rica car rentals

Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in Costa Rica, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.

How far in advance should I rent a car in Costa Rica?

What is the cheapest rental car company in Costa Rica?

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Costa Rica?

What car do most people rent in Costa Rica?

Which car rental company has the most locations in Costa Rica?

What are the car rental prices for popular cities in Costa Rica?

Top rental agencies in Costa Rica

Explore the leading car rental agencies in Costa Rica known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car rental companies in Costa Rica. Reviews were last updated on 12 June 2025.

Rent a car with one of the top providers serving the Costa Rica region, including those located within the Liberia, San José and Jacó area. Make sure to read through user feedback, confirm pickup locations, and check the fine print before choosing.

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Overview

Car rental FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in Costa Rica, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 12 June 2025.

What is the most popular car rental provider in Costa Rica?

What is the cheapest city to get a rental car in Costa Rica?

What side of the road do you drive on in Costa Rica?

Car rentals by fuel type in Costa Rica

Browse car rentals by fuel type in Costa Rica. Currently, Gas/Diesel cars are the cheapest to rent in Costa Rica. Deals were last updated on 12 June 2025.

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