Costa Rica is such a fantastic place to vacation!
With its gorgeous beaches, exciting rivers, national parks, and breathtaking volcanoes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure in nature or love hanging out at the beach, this country has it all.
When you rent a car in San Jose, you can explore beautiful rural areas, drive along winding mountain roads, and visit charming small towns. You can find fruit vendors on the side of the road and enjoy scenic paths in every national park.
Adobe Rent a Car in San Jose
In addition to our 14 national offices, Adobe Rent a Car has a full service San Jose International Airport office located just a few minutes from the airport gates.
Adobe Rent a Car is the preferred option for San Jose Costa Rica car rentals. Renting a car at San Jose International Airport is easy.
Once you land, clear customs, and gather your luggage, our Adobe shuttle bus will pick you up in front of the airport parking lot and transport you to the nearby rental office.
Make sure to give the Adobe agent your flight details when making your rental reservation to ensure a shuttle bus is waiting when you arrive.
Our Adobe headquarters are located in downtown San Jose. This office also serves as a full-service rental hub as well as the location of our fleet of corporate and business vehicles.
Safe Driving in Costa Rica
In order to navigate safely and efficiently in Costa Rica, we recommend using one or more of the following devices. You can rent these devices from Adobe at a competitive daily rate.
- Internet Hotspot
San José vehicle rental tips
Driving tips San José rentals: Driving in Costa Rica can be exciting, but it’s important to stay alert. Local drivers often follow closely and may try to pass on curves or over double yellow lines.
In these cases, it’s best to let them pass by moving to the side. Take safety measures like driving slowly, staying alert, and avoiding travel at night whenever possible.
#1 – Respect the speed limit
Do not exceed the speed limit by more than 10 km/h, or you may receive a citation.
#2 – Use the WAZE app with your car rental in San Jose
Navigating the roads in Costa Rica is sometimes challenging. The geography is diverse, and road signs are few or nonexistent.
For these reasons, we highly recommend using a navigational app like WAZE or Google Maps.
In Costa Rica, WAZE is the most popular app among locals and travelers alike. WAZE gives accurate, real-time directions and driver tips to help users find their way.
#3 – Fuel up
There are gas stations all over Costa Rica. However, in rural areas and beach towns, stations can be scarce. When traveling outside the Central Valley, it’s best to top off the tank and fill up frequently.
All gas stations are full-service, meaning an attendant will fill the tank for you. This includes checking the engine fluids, ensuring tire pressure, and washing the windshields.
If you receive excellent service, feel free to give the attendant a tip (500 colones or about $1.00 USD is plenty).
#4 – Have some cash on hand for tolls.
Be prepared to pay tolls on Costa Rica’s major highways. Make sure to have some Costa Rican colones or US dollars on hand to pay the tolls in case credit cards are not accepted.
#5 – Drive during daylight hours
Rain and poorly lit roads can obscure road hazards, so it’s best to avoid driving at night. Keep the long distance road trips to the early mornings and daylight hours. You won’t regret the chance to admire the beautiful scenery.
#6 – NO U-Turns
No U-turns are allowed, unless a sign indicates otherwise.
#7 – Be attentive of motorcycles
On Costa Rican roads, motorcycles often navigate through traffic by weaving between lanes, on the shoulder, and into oncoming traffic lanes. Always check your rearview mirror before changing lanes – even when driving on a simple two-lane road.
Be vigilant and expect the unexpected motorcyclists. Your diligence can save lives.
#8 – Beware of Potholes and Road Hazards
After the rainy season, you’ll often encounter potholes when driving. This applies to the city and rural areas alike. Most will be unmarked so remember to drive slowly and expect the unexpected.
#9 – Avoid River Crossings
At Adobe, we want you to have a safe car rental, San José. Remember that all vehicle coverage rental agreements are nullified by driving on terrain that is not a nationally recognized road.
To ensure your vehicle coverage is valid, do not drive through rivers, on the beach, or “off-road.” Use a navigational app like Waze, or ask a local for an alternate route.
#10 – Pay close attention to One-Lane Bridges
Two- and multi-lane highways can suddenly narrow to one-lane bridges. Watch for Puente Adelante (bridge ahead) signs. If your lane has a yield sign, stop until all oncoming traffic has passed, then proceed cautiously.
If you don’t see a yellow Ceda (yield) sign, the vehicle that arrives first has the right of way. Regardless, always exercise caution when crossing one-land bridges.
#11 – Be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists
Stay vigilant for possible cyclists and pedestrians walking on the roads after dark. They may not be wearing reflective clothing or accessories.
#12 – Check the weather and road conditions
Fog occurs frequently due to the high humidity and temperature changes at night and early morning.
Be especially careful during the rainy season, which lasts from May to November. Hazards like washouts and landslides can occur on steep or narrow roads and highways.
#13 – Be on the lookout for police checkpoints
You may encounter police checkpoints when driving in Costa Rica. If so, have your valid driver’s license, rental agreement, and passport ready to show the official.
These stops are routine. If stopped, cooperate immediately for a quick resolution.
#14 – Protect Your Valuables
Always keep valuables out of sight and lock the doors. If you need to leave something, make sure to park in an official or guarded parking lot.
In touristy areas you’ll often find a street guard offering to watch your car for a tip (500 to 1,000 CRC). These “informal security guards” are usually legitimate. Nonetheless, make sure to ask a local or nearby shop owner to confirm the guard is trustworthy before leaving your vehicle unattended.
#15 – What to do if you have an accident
- Do not move the vehicle until authorized by the traffic police, even if you interrupt traffic flow. This is for insurance purposes under Costa Rican law.
- Position the red emergency triangle on the road about 15 feet before the accident scene to alert other drivers.
- Call our ADOBE hotline IMMEDIATELY: Report the incident to the attending agent. Call +(506) 2542-4800 during office hours between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After office hours call +(506) 2542-4888.
- Call 911 and report the incident.
Driving regulations in Costa Rica – Laws & Regulations
For San José car rental regulations, check out our blog to learn more. Rental car advice San José.
Adobe’s FAQs
Costa Rica has highways, freeways, city roads, and plenty of dirt roads. Because of the country’s terrain, you will find many narrow, winding roads weaving through beautiful mountains.
Yes, driving in San Jose’s downtown is possible. Only certain shopping areas are closed to vehicle traffic. There are plenty of private parking areas to leave your car in a safe spot when visiting the museums.
You can drive with your US driver’s license for up to 90 days if the license has been valid for at least two years.
Tourists often inquire -Is driving in Costa Rica safe? With care and attention, driving in Costa Rica is safe. Most tourists rent a car in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Adobe rental car company is Costa Rica’s largest and oldest operating of the country’s car rental companies.
The most popular rental car to get around is a 4×4 SUV.
No, weekly driving restrictions to enter downtown San Jose do not apply to San Jose car rentals.
