Car hire in Cartago, Costa Rica

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Choose from 15 pick-up spots

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Cartago?

Our data shows that August is the cheapest month to rent a car in Cartago. It’s around Rs21,210 per day in August, compared to the yearly average of Rs23,561 per day.
Cheapest month avgAugust • Rs21,210
Yearly avg priceRs23,561

Select your Cartago pick-up location

There are 15 car hire providers in Cartago. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Cartago

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Cartago. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Cartago

What's the most popular car to hire in Cartago?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Hyundai i10 is the most popular car to hire in Cartago, with prices starting from Rs3,946 per day. The Toyota RAV4 and similar models are also popular drives in Cartago.
Hyundai i10
Hyundai i1016% chose this
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV416% chose this
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Kona11% chose this
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson8% chose this
Most popular carHyundai i10
Why?Small, practical, easy to park

Cartago's cheapest car hire providers

Avis has the cheapest car hire in Cartago right now, with prices from Rs3,949 per day. You'll save an average of Rs9,352 per day when you book with them.
Avisfrom Rs3,949 per day
Fireflyfrom Rs10,091 per day
Alamofrom Rs13,894 per day
Economyfrom Rs15,918 per day
Cheapest providerAvis
Book with them to save aroundRs9,352 per day

Hiring a car in Cartago: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyEconomy
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRs21,735
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Cartago

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Cartago car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cartago

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Cartago and hit the road for around Rs21,750 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.

  • Daily rental prices in Cartago start from just Rs3,949.

  • Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from Rs27,640 and explore beyond the usual highlights.

  • To score the best price on a Cartago car hire, try to book ahead. Rates generally rise as your travel dates get closer, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.

  • Check out the offers available with Amigos, Alamo and Hertz. They're some of the top providers in the city.

  • The coverage Amigos or another company offers for your Cartago car hire can differ, so always read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at Rs31,659 a day.

  • Next in line is [this provider]([this provider), offering daily rates of around Rs32,409.

  • The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly Rs19,278 a day with this supplier.

  • If you can't decide what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Cartago.

Compare car hire types in Cartago

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Cartago may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for city driving.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Cartago car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Cartago makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Cartago car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so take the time to shop around.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Cartago by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your car rental in Costa Rica.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Make sure you add the right one to your Cartago car rental booking.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.

  • Driving in Costa Rica might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph through built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.

  • In Costa Rica, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, pass the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.

Best hotels in Cartago for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time relaxing at Cabañas & Mirador Secret Garden Costa R.. Around 10 kilometres from central Cartago, it comes with parking, a games room and internet access.

  • Grandpas Hotel & Restaurante is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, along with a bar and a garden. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Explore the full lineup of hotels in Cartago and choose the stay that suits your travel style. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.

  • Once you've found a car hire deal in Cartago and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to head to first. Kick things off with major attractions like VOLCAN IRAZU, Santuario Nacional Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles and Iglesia de Los Ángeles.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cartago

  • San Jose should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit National Park (Parque Nacional) and Central Park (Parque Central). This city is about 21 kilometres west of central Cartago.

  • Go-to accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Barceló San José and Costa Rica Guesthouse.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Cartago and then set out for Limon. Roughly 97 kilometres east of Cartago, Veragua Rainforest Park and Playa Bonita are among the highlights that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Limon has some great accommodation options including Park Hotel and Hotel Playa Westfalia. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Cartago will set you back around Rs21,750 per day or Rs145,787 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Cartago is an intermediate pickup. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.

The cheapest car hire companies in Cartago are currently Alamo and Enterprise.

Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Cartago is currently November.

On average, around Rs145,787. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Cartago is Rs27,640.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Cartago for a whole month is Rs636,276. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!

If you're looking for freedom to explore Cartago, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Cartago that have free cancellation

Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.

Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Cartago.

Most places – Cartago included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 

The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs14,176 per day. The average price per day is around Rs21,513.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like Economy, Enterprise and National offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated Enterprise as the best overall in terms of experience.

We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Cartago.