Car Rental
in Costa Rica

Yes, you’ll save time and money. You’ll also be able to visit destinations only accessible by car.

A 4×4 is necessary in Costa Rica if you are traveling to rural or mountainous areas where road conditions are unpaved or rugged. A 4WD is unnecessary for San Jose, Liberia, or the larger beach towns.

As of 2026, fuel prices in Costa Rica are regulated by ARESEP and are generally around ₡753–₡756 per liter for gasoline, while diesel is lower at approximately ₡670 per liter. This is equivalent to roughly US$5.45–US$6.20 per gallon, depending on the fuel type and the current exchange rate. When planning your trip, we recommend estimating your fuel budget based on the type of vehicle, your driving distance, and the destinations you plan to visit. This is especially important if you will be traveling to remote beaches, national parks, or mountain areas, where gas stations may be less frequent. For planning, remember that gas prices in Costa Rica can change monthly.

Conditions apply if you want to change your car rental reservation. Speak with an Adobe agent for more information.

You must be at least 23 years old to rent a car from Adobe.

Adobe is the best rental car company and guarantees no hidden fees. We have the newest and largest fleet of vehicles to choose from.

Upon arrival, most visitors rent a car at our SJO or LIR Adobe airport offices. However, you can rent a car from any of our 16 locations across Costa Rica.

Monthly rates depend on the type of vehicle and time of year you are renting. Ask an Adobe agent about our monthly and long-term rental packages.

Rental costs vary depending on the type of vehicle and time of year you rent. During the green season, getting a better deal for car rentals in Costa Rica is possible.

Adobe has 16 offices across Costa Rican territory, including at both international airports. Visit our website for office locations and contact information.

Driving in Costa Rica is much like in the U.S., but the road conditions aren’t as good. Be prepared for steep mountains, heavy rains, fog, gravel, and other hazards

A compact or mid-size SUV is one of the most popular rental car choices in Costa Rica, offering comfort, luggage space, fuel efficiency, and better ground clearance. Adobe Rent a Car offers options such as the Hyundai Tucson 4WD, Geely Coolray 2WD economy SUV, Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4WD, and Hyundai Grand i10 for city driving. For rural, mountain, or remote beach destinations, we recommend using Waze, driving during daylight, and choosing a high-clearance SUV or 4WD. With 16 full-service locations, a modern fleet, transparent pricing, and optional Extended Protection with zero deductible, Adobe Rent a Car helps you explore Costa Rica with confidence.

You drive on the right side of the road in Costa Rica

Weekly rental rates are determined by the type of car and time of year you rent, plus the mandatory third-party insurance, additional drivers, CDW coverage fees if applicable, and any extras

If you need to return the rented vehicle before 8:30 am, you can do so at the parking lot of Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO), by following these steps:

• Leave the rented vehicle in the parking lot of San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport on the 2nd floor, in front of the departures area of the terminal.
• Take a photo of the vehicle’s dashboard showing the mileage and fuel level.
• Take another photo of the parking spot where the vehicle is left.
• Send the photos to the following email: earlydrop@adobecar.com
• Leave the car keys in the glove compartment along with the parking ticket.
• Close the vehicle doors without locking them.

An additional charge of USD $10 will be applied to cover the airport parking fee.

For further assistance, you can contact:

• Adobe Alajuela Office, San José: +506 2442-2422
• Customer Service: +506 8499-6000
• Customer Service: +506 8598-2222

This service is exclusively for returns at Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO).

The best car rental company in Costa Rica is Adobe Rent a Car. With the largest and newest fleet in Costa Rica, no hidden fees, free shuttle service to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José (SJO), and competitive rates year-round, Adobe is the top-rated choice for travelers flying into San Jose. Corporate, long-term, and green season discounts available.

If you are wondering where to rent a car in Costa Rica, Adobe Rent a Car is a reliable and locally trusted option. Adobe offers 16 full-service locations nationwide, including convenient rental options near Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. With a modern fleet, clear pricing with no hidden fees, and optional Extended Protection with zero deductible, Adobe makes it easy to visit popular destinations such as Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, beaches, volcanoes, national parks, and more.

If you are looking for car rentals for 18-year-olds in Costa Rica, please note that Adobe Rent a Car requires drivers to be at least 23 years old to rent a vehicle. Drivers under 23 are not eligible to rent with Adobe. To complete a rental, the driver must be 23 or older and present a valid driver’s license that has been issued for at least two years.

Yes, you can rent a car in Costa Rica under the age of 25 with Adobe Rent a Car, as long as you are at least 23 years old. Adobe requires all drivers to be 23 or older and to present a valid driver’s license that has been first issued for at least two years. Drivers between 23 and 24 years old are eligible to rent, and Adobe does not apply an underage driver surcharge. Drivers under 23 years old are not eligible to rent with Adobe Rent a Car.

To rent a car in Costa Rica with Adobe Rent a Car, drivers must be at least 23 years old and have a valid driver’s license that has been first issued for at least two years. The main driver must also present a valid passport or ID and a physical credit card in their name for the rental payment and security deposit. Mandatory basic coverage is required, and additional protection options are available for extra peace of mind while exploring Costa Rica.