Car hire Costa Rica
105+ countries
Renting cars globally for over 109 years
Premium fleet
Market leaders with electric vehicles
New cars
Exciting new bespoke offers
Fully digital
Enjoy ultimate flexibility
Places to start your journey in Costa Rica
Discover Costa Rica
Sixt Car Hire Deals in Costa Rica
Explore this stunning region of Central America, with great car hire deals in Costa Rica from Sixt. To get you off to the best possible start, we have a superb range of vehicles for every type of trip, surprisingly affordable rates, and a friendly customer service team. So whether you'll be heading to the beach with family, visiting a remote rainforest location or simply getting from A to B for business, we'll help you find the right vehicle. Read on for tips on getting around by road and how to really enjoy your car rental while you're here.
Sixt car rental in Costa Rica
We have a number of branches located throughout Costa Rica, including one which serves the busy San José airport, so we can be there as soon as you arrive to ensure you begin your journey in style. The most convenient way of finding our best car hire deals in Costa Rica is by booking online through our user friendly website, if your plans have to change, you can also cancel here which is usually free. You can use the information on this page to start planning your trip. We included sections about the country's largest cities and airports, along with some unmissable sights, film locations, and architectural wonders to visit when you rent a car in Costa Rica.
Our Service
When you book with Sixt car rental in Costa Rica there's no compromising on quality. Specify your preference for an automatic, then add to your package with child seats, a mobile phone with a local sim, an internet hotspot, or additional driver coverage. After choosing your vehicle and dates, just pick any extras you might need for your car hire in Costa Rica, such as surf board and luggage racks.
Which class of vehicle should I go for?
- 4x4 vehicles give you plenty of room to relax on a road trip, as you will be able to fit in five people with ease, along with luggage. They are also ideal for driving in more remote locations where their superior handling will come into its own.
- Saloons are better suited to long road based journeys and have a luxurious feel.
- Convertibles are perfect for couples who plan to cruise around in the warm sun, they look incredible and perform well over long distances too.
- Vans are an excellent choice if you'll be moving larger items or equipment around.
Driver's licence requirements in Costa Rica
When you book car hire in Costa Rica, both the person renting and the driver have to present a valid driving license. If one of you has been in Costa Rica for three months or more, that person will also be obliged to present a driving license which has been issued in Costa Rica. For driving licenses from other countries, the print should be in a Roman alphabet. If it is not, you must also show an International driving license.
What are the age restrictions?
In Costa Rica the minimum age for drivers is 18 and you have to have held a valid driving license for at least a year before you can drive a rental car. For drivers under 21 years of age a daily surcharge will usually be added to the booking. For certain models of rental vehicle the age restriction is 21, you will be able to check if this applies to the car you are hiring on the booking page.
Making Credit Card Payments
To pay for your car rental you can use all major international credit cards, including Diners Club, American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. Unfortunately we are unable to accept debit cards or prepaid cards. If you would prefer to pay in US Dollars, or local currency, or using traveller's cheques, you can, but for the purposes of your guarantee, you will still be asked to present a credit card when you arrive to pick up your car.
If you have a Sixt Car Express Service Card you will still need to present a valid credit card as well. The person renting the vehicle must be the owner of the credit card presented, their details will be confirmed when they make a reservation.
Accidents
If you have an accident when you rent a car in Costa Rica, you should always contact the police on 911. They usually have bilingual operators, so even if you are not able to speak Spanish there will be someone there who can help. You can also reach us on +506-2431-3803 for further assistance.
Driving Tips
Driving in the remote regions of Costa Rica is very different to driving a rental vehicle in the larger metropolitan areas. In cities the roads are well maintained and extremely busy, especially during the normal rush hour periods, but in the countryside, there are many more pedestrians, animals, and people on scooters using roads which can be extremely narrow.
Driving in Costa Rica
- Costa Ricans drive on the right side of the road, road signs are in Spanish and speeds are in kilometres.
- Parking by the roadside is common, but in the cities there are many paid parking lots
- Be extremely alert for both animals and pedestrians on the highway
- Not all roads are marked with lines, if you are on such a road always assume that it is two way
- Toll roads run between major cities like San Jose and Puntarenas, and also to airports. The cost is usually low, and can be paid in local currency or US Dollars.
- Random checks are carried out by the police at security points, these are perfectly normal, just be prepared to open your boot and show them your passport.
Speed limits in Costa Rica
- The minimum speed on a highway is 40kmph, the upper limit can vary, so always check nearby road signs
- On large highways it's 120kmph
- Smaller secondary roads have a limit of 60kmph, unless the road signs indicate otherwise
- In populated areas the limit is 40kmph, unless road signs indicate otherwise
- Around hospitals and schools the limit is 25kmph
Traffic law
Traffic enforcement is are becoming stricter in Costa Rica and some infractions carry heavy fines:
- Traffic tickets can result in a fine of up to $800, so keep within the speed limits
- Each passenger should wear a seatbelt, or risk a fine of up to $500
- Failure to present a passport when you are stopped can result in a $200 fine
Places of Interest
Top 4 Architectural Sites
- Teatro Nacional, San José de Costa Rica
- Hacienda Santa Rosa, Guanacaste
- Ruinas de la iglesia de Ujarrás
- Casa Fait, Puntarenas
In the centre of San Jose, the spectacular Teatro Nacional, San José de Costa Rica entertains audiences with numerous theatrical productions throughout the year, whilst the more modest Hacienda Santa Rosa in Guanacaste provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the country's history. Situated within a beautiful garden, the Ruinas de la iglesia de Ujarrás present a pretty 16th century Spanish colonial church that's certainly worth a visit. But for a more modern architectural marvel, head to the quirky Casa Fait in Puntarenas.
Top 4 Natural Sites
- Área de Conservación Guanacaste (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Parque Nacional Corcovado
- Cerro Chirripó, Cordillera de Talamanca
- Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
Learn more about the country's diverse marine and terrestrial habitats at the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, and experience a vast unspoilt rainforest at Parque Nacional Corcovado. On the Panama border, the Cerro Chirripó mountain range is unforgettable, and the cloud forests of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo are just a short drive northeast of San Jose.
Film locations in Costa Rica
Back in 2012, Will Smith was in town filming scenes for what would become the blockbuster After Earth around the picturesque Arenal volcano. The opening scenes of Suicide Squad with June Moone, played by Cara Delevingne, were shot on a reserve at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and many natural wildernesses here provided the backdrop for Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. Spy Kids 2 also briefly showcases the vast expanse of water at Lago Arenal.
Crossing Borders
Cross border car rentals are not allowed in Costa Rica.
Show more
Good to know when renting in Costa Rica
Flexible Car Hire
With our Flexi Return guarantee, you can return your car at a date different to the initial rental contract. Simply let us know and we can adjust it for you free of charge.
Under 25 Car Hire
In Costa Rica, you can hire from as young as 18 years old however please be aware you must hold a valid licence for at least a year and there are charges when under 25.
Added Extras
We can provide extra protection packages and added miles, as well as a sat nav system for getting around, extra drivers, and child seats.
Show more
See All FAQs
Customer reviews & feedback
4.7
Based on 1610 reviews
Vehicle handover
(4.9)
Vehicle return
(4.8)
Service during and after the rental
(4.7)
More SIXT for you
App
RENT. SHARE. RIDE. ALL IN ONE APP - The future of mobility begins today!
Car subscription
YOUR NEW CAR SUBSCRIPTION - Brand-new cars, all-inclusive package for a 6, 9 or 12 month term
Rental Information
Find terms & conditions and our rental guidelines
Show more
FAQs about car hire in Costa Rica
One-Way Car Hire
Choose from a list of different domestic drop-off locations to check the availability, this must be organized beforehand, international drop-off is prohibited.
Crossing Borders
It is not allowed to cross international borders with your Costa Rica car hire, if you do there will be an additional fee.
Driving Tip
Use the right-hand side of the road when driving in Costa Rica and always wear a seatbelt. Be wary of passing motorbikes both on small and large roads.
What's the minimum age to hire a car in Costa Rica?
To rent a car with SIXT at Costa Rica you need to be at least 18 with a valid license. Some car categories have a higher minimum rental age, and an underage driver fee may apply.
Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?
At SIXT you can either pay online or when you pick up your car in Costa Rica.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Costa Rica?
You need a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year, depending on the car category. You might also need an International Driving Permit or official translation of the license.
Can I book a long-term car rental in Costa Rica?
Whether you’re planning to stay in Costa Rica or travel beyond, it’s easy to reserve a long-term rental. Enter your trip dates and pick-up/drop-off locations and we’ll find you affordable long-term car rental deals.
Do I need to purchase insurance or protection packages with my rental in Costa Rica?
A damage waiver is included with your car hire. You can add other protection products to reduce your excess.
Explore our car hire locations in Costa Rica
Show more
Check out our airport locations in Costa Rica
Show more