Costa Rica Car Rental??

[TX03RUBI]

I’ve only been to Costa Rica once, but with thats aid no way I would drive a car over there. I drive in the “Big City” everyday and still wouldn’t try it. Roads are narrow, lots of traffic, and people walking up and down the sides of the road. I was surprised we didn’t have a wreck or hit a pedestrian every time we took a ride.

I drive in the Permian Monday through Friday. I felt right at home except I was in a little high revving 4 banger lol

[TX03RUBI]

Where will you be staying? That would be my first consideration on car rental, or not.

I have driven in Costa Rica a few times in the past, and have had no issues. However, this year, we stayed in Manuel Antonio to fish in Quepos. We did not rent a car because the hotel we were staying at was tough getting in and out of since it was right next to the gate of the park. I knew this in advance and just had the hotel pick us up at airport. You can taxi everywhere you need to go very easily.

I bet I’ve had a few Mojitos at the hotel you stayed at. They had a great bar if I’m correct.

[TX03RUBI]

Just be careful on what you are actually renting. We reserved a 4 wheel drive SUV. Landed, got to national car rental. They gave me the keys. Go out back and it was a Suzuki Jimny. Our luggage barely fit in the back, it was a stick and every time I shifted, I hit my wife in the knee because it was so small, lol. We made the most of it and it was actually pretty fun to drive. Just was not what I was expecting at all! If you go up to Arenal, just be careful. Roads are narrow and those tour buses absolutely fly around corners and take up the whole road.


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We rented a Toyota Hi Lux (on purpose). It was a piece of sh**. Took it back and got the Zum in return. They did however refund me a couple hundred dollars, so I wasn’t too mad. That little Zuk in 4 low would go through some chit though. I had a creek crossing that turned to a river crossing in the evenings, and I had it about 3-4 inches below the windshield in water every evening. Surprised the heck out of me.

[BlackoutRam2500]

If you have Chase Sapphire Reserve you don't need the rental insurance. I got lied to and was upsold by car rental place that told me I needed it (extra $300). Spent 10 days there and drove from San Jose to La Fortuna over to Papagayo coast and back to San Jose.

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[SM69]

We have always rented with Vamos. In both San Jose and Liberia. Have had no issues. If you have CDW insurance through your credit card provider, you can decline theirs but you must have written proof of this from your credit card, we’ve typically had to call the CC company and request it. Found the driving outside of San Jose to be fine. Enjoy and Pura Vida.


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[HOOKNBULLET2]

I make a half dozen trips to Costa Rica a year. I fly into San Jose and drive to Los Suenos or Quepos. I have rented from just about all of the companies. Budget is my goto and use them as long as they have cars available. Toyota Rent a car is my backup. Buy the insurance. I have seen the results when people haven’t and it’s not pretty. This isn’t the USA. Your credit card will be hit for thousands of dollars if you are involved in a fender bender.

The shuttle option is not a bad option. Friends of mine have flown in to fish with me a couple days after I have arrived and using the shuttle has worked well.

[knighttime]

We fly into SJO and first leg of the journey is in La Fortuna area at the base of Arenal. Two nights here and then we move to Secrets Papagayo for 2 nights then fly out of LIR.

In our trip currently we have the trips from La fortuna to Secrets and Secrets to LIR paid for already by shuttle bus but my wife gets super car sick so I'm looking at alternatives.

Thanks for the comments guys, looking into some options.

[Raider-Red]

We used Vamos rental a year ago and drove from san jose to quepos Airbnb. We got in late so drove late in the night there which was nice, hardly any traffic. Was convenient to have a vehicle for everything we did, drive back was easy just a lot more traffic during the day. I was unsure about Vamos but it was about half the price and we had zero issues and a cell phone it came with for internet and calls if needed. Id definitely use them again.

[medic911]

Watch out for the signs that say "REDUCTOR" they will rearrange your spine.

[Huntingfool]

not to throw cold water but I am pretty sure that Costa Rica is under a travel warning - see article below

Travel Advisory: Costa Rica Announces Nationwide Daily Driving Restrictions. Entry and Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens. - U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica

[3rdCoastHunter]

Car rentals in Costa Rica, I’d say it depends on where you're planning to go. Sticking to the main roads, most rentals should be fine. Heading into more remote or rugged areas, like the rainforest or mountains, you might want something sturdier, like an SUV or even a 4x4. People recommend renting through local agencies because they tend to offer more flexible terms and a good variety of vehicles. Also, if you’re thinking about splurging, I’ve heard renting a G wagon rental Dubai is a great experience – maybe a similar treat in Costa Rica could be fun. Anyway, just make sure to read the terms, as some rental companies have specific rules for certain vehicles.

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[Cola Blanca]

I’ve only been to Costa Rica once, but with thats aid no way I would drive a car over there. I drive in the “Big City” everyday and still wouldn’t try it. Roads are narrow, lots of traffic, and people walking up and down the sides of the road. I was surprised we didn’t have a wreck or hit a pedestrian every time we took a ride.

X2 no way