The mighty Arenal Volcano is among the most popular attractions in Costa Rica–and for good reason. Nestled in the northern lowlands, the town of La Fortuna serves as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park and its myriad natural hot springs, hiking trails, and vibrant rainforests.
From hiking and wildlife spotting to soaking in thermal springs, this region has it all. And the best way to explore Costa Rica—especially Arenal—is by renting your own vehicle.
Whether you’re planning a day trip to Lake Arenal or exploring the jungle roads, renting a car in Arenal, Costa Rica, gives you freedom, flexibility, and total control over your itinerary.
Key Points
- Renting a car in Costa Rica: Freedom to explore at your own pace
- Choose the right car for the road: the Adobe fleet
- Top places to visit around Arenal Volcano
- Booking your Adobe Rent a Car
- Before You Go: Driving in Costa Rica
There are dozens of attractions in and around the Arenal Volcano National Park. With your Arenal Costa Rica car rental from Adobe Rent a Car, it’s easy to explore at your own rhythm.
Renting a car in Costa Rica: Freedom to explore at your own pace
Flying into San Jose Airport or Liberia? Both offer a scenic 3-hour drive to La Fortuna. Pick up your vehicle at either airport or from another Adobe Rent a Car location for a smooth and picturesque start to your adventure.
Adobe makes the process easy with transparent pricing, clear coverage options, and a helpful team ready to assist with your car hire in Arenal, Costa Rica.
Tip: Planning a longer road trip? Ask about our long-term rental and one-way rental options to continue your journey across Costa Rica with ease.
Choose the right car for the road: the Adobe fleet
At Adobe Rent a Car, we offer the best car rental in Arenal, Costa Rica, with a wide selection of vehicles to choose from, local support, and no hidden fees.
Check out our Adobe fleet to find the right car to suit your group size and travel plans. As Costa Rica’s oldest and largest rental car company, we know the country’s roads best.
Compact or Sedan vehicles
Great for short stays or budget travelers sticking to town and the main paved roads in La Fortuna and its surroundings.
SUV Rental La Fortuna
Perfect for extended stays, dirt roads, and rainy season adventures. The added clearance, power, and space take the worry out of navigating unpaved roads.
4×4 Rental Arenal Costa Rica
If you’re visiting during the green season (May–November) or planning to explore remote areas, consider going with a 4×4.
Top places to visit around Arenal Volcano
Arenal is full of natural beauty and incredible experiences. Here are some of the top places you can visit with your La Fortuna car hire:
La Fortuna Waterfall
Just a short drive from town, this 70-meter waterfall is surrounded by lush jungle. Go early to beat the crowds and swim in the natural pool at the waterfall’s base.
Arenal Volcano
Drive to the Arenal Volcano National Park and hike one of the many scenic trails. You’ll see old lava flows, native wildlife, and unforgettable volcano views.
Lake Arenal
The largest lake in Costa Rica is perfect for windsurfing, kayaking, and relaxing by the water. It’s a beautiful drive from town with scenic stops all around.
Mistico Hanging Bridges
Walk through the treetops on 16 bridges and jungle trails. Drive just 25 minutes from town and spend a morning or afternoon exploring.
Arenal Hot Springs
A must-do! From upscale retreats like Tabacón to budget-friendly options, your rental car makes it easy to visit multiple springs..
Arenal Observatory Lodge Trails
This lesser-known spot offers amazing volcano views and fewer crowds. Drive through forest roads and enjoy quiet, wildlife-rich hiking trails.
Ecocentro Danaus
This small ecological reserve near La Fortuna has a butterfly garden, sloths, birds, and medicinal plants. You can easily reach it with your rental car.
Peñas Blancas River
Take a gentle river safari by raft or canoe. Drive to the river access point in less than 30 minutes from La Fortuna.
El Salto Swimming Hole
Popular with the locals, this free riverside spot is perfect for a refreshing dip and rope swing fun—just minutes from town.
Booking Your Adobe Arenal Car Rental
When you rent a car in Arenal, Costa Rica with Adobe, you’re choosing a Costa Rican company with decades of trusted service. With 16 full-service offices across Costa Rica, there’s always an Adobe Rent a Car nearby.
Why Choose Adobe?
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
- Wide selection of vehicles (from sedans to SUVs, minivans, and 4WDs)
- Local support and an English-speaking team
- Complimentary airport shuttle service
- Complimentary vehicle drop-off within certain limits
- Fair fuel and security deposit policies
- Unlimited mileage and zero deductible options
Book your Arenal car rental now and get ready to explore Costa Rica on your own terms!
The Adobe team will walk you through the rental process at pickup. That’s why they’re one of the most trusted rental car companies in Costa Rica. And if you are looking for a cheap car rental, La Fortuna, we are your best choice.
Car rental locations
Need a car rental, La Fortuna, Costa Rica, as soon as you arrive? You can rent from our San José Airport or Liberia Airport offices and drive to Arenal. Unlike other rental car companies, we do not charge an airport pickup fee.
Upon arrival, you can take the free Adobe shuttle to one of our nearby airport offices.
Before You Go: Driving in Costa Rica
Make sure your license is valid.
You can drive in Costa Rica with your home country’s driver’s license for up to 180 days. An international driving permit is needed if your license is in a non-Roman alphabet.
Book a 4×4 if you’re heading off the beaten path.
Some dirt roads near beaches, waterfalls, and parks can be bumpy or muddy when it rains. Even during the dry season, a 4×4 gives you more freedom and peace of mind.
Double-check insurance and coverage.
Learn more about our Adobe coverage requirements and options.
Download offline maps.
Signal can be spotty in remote areas. Apps like Google Maps and Waze work well in Costa Rica, but download offline maps just in case.
Don’t rely on street signs.
Addresses in Costa Rica are often based on landmarks rather than street names. By renting an Adobe Wi-Fi hotspot, you can stay connected to Google Maps or WAZE throughout your trip.
Keep small cash for tolls.
Some highways have toll booths. Carry a few coins or small bills (colones or dollars) when you travel.
Fuel up before remote drives.
Gas stations are easy to find in cities and towns, but less common in remote areas. Top off before heading into national parks or coastal zones.
All gas stations are full-service. Your attendant will gladly accept tipping, usually 500 colones, or $1 USD, which is customary.
Adobe FAQs
If you’re planning to explore rural areas or visit during the rainy season, a 4×4 rental in Arenal, Costa Rica, is a smart choice. Otherwise, a compact SUV should be enough for most main attractions.
Yes! We are a local rental car company known for our transparency, no hidden fees, and great customer service. We offer some of the best car rental options in Arenal, Costa Rica.
It’s about a 3-hour drive. With your Adobe La Fortuna car hire, you can drive in comfort, stopping along the way for views and snacks.
Yes, Adobe Rent a Car offers long-term rentals. Contact us to get all the details.
