How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Jose
Pick up a cheap rental car in San Jose and be on your way for around Rs42,736 a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.
Rs13,787 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in San Jose.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from Rs22,794 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
If you want to time it just right, book about three weeks ahead to grab the best price on a San Jose car hire.
Check out the offers available with NextCar, Dollar and Europcar. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage NextCar or another supplier includes with your San Jose car hire can differ, so remember to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in San Jose.
Save money on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average Rs24,334 a day.
Offering daily rates of around Rs26,685, this provider is next in line.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly Rs32,712 a day.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're not sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in San Jose.
Flying to San Jose? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car hire at Juan Santamaria International Airport. If you're flying to San Jose through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 18 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in San Jose
Small: These cheap rental cars in San Jose may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this San Jose car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in San Jose big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group excursions, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your San Jose car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Make life easier when you rent a car in San Jose by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Costa Rica may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Kids coming with you? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your San Jose car hire booking.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
Driving in Costa Rica may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Costa Rica. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
Best hotels in San Jose for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Hotel Santo Tomas / Historical Property adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is about 0.80 kilometres from central San Jose and also comes with car hire options and a laundry.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Sheraton San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica. The city centre is roughly 8 kilometres from this option, which also features a fitness centre and a bar.
Browse the selection of hotels in San Jose for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
Once you've found a car hire deal in San Jose and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to explore first. Start your trip with must-see attractions such as National Park (Parque Nacional), Jurassic World and Central Park (Parque Central).
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Jose
Alajuela should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Doka Estate Costa Rica Coffee Tour & Plantation and Botanical Orchid Garden. This city is about 18 kilometres northwest of central San Jose.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica and Terrazas de Golf Boutique Hotel are recommended accommodation options with parking in Alajuela.
Add Paraíso to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car hire in San Jose and drive around 26 kilometres southeast to discover top spots such as Paraíso Park and Tour Valle de Orosi.
Hotel y Restaurante El Guarco and Coffee Pickers Village by Hacienda Orosi are comfy places to stay in Paraíso if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Book one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
