Costa Rica is one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Its beaches and volcanoes are popular with all types of tourists, from sun lovers and spa-goers to naturalists and eco-adventurers. However, the diverse and sometimes rugged terrain means slower travel times.
When visiting Costa Rica, we recommend limiting your trip to just a few locations. For example, visiting two or three destinations is the perfect week-long vacation trip to Costa Rica.
To attempt more would mean spending considerable time on the road, in a bus or plane, instead of enjoying yourself.
Explore Costa Rica with Adobe Rent-a-Car
We have full-service offices serving both of Costa Rica’s international hubs, Liberia and the San Jose Airport. Upon arrival you can take a free Adobe shuttle bus from the airport gates to our car rental facility.
When reserving your rental car, make sure to provide us with your flight information and arrival time. When you exit the airport gates, an Adobe representative will be waiting to greet you.
Driving laws in Costa Rica
For the most part, Costa Rica follows the same laws as the United States, Canada, and western Europe. However, some particularly Costa Rican laws, or “rules of the road” also apply.
Before visiting, we suggest you read our blog post about Costa Rican driving laws to be prepared: https://www.adobecar.com/en/tips/costa-rican-driving-laws/
Driving restrictions in Costa Rica
Circulation restrictions (such as within San Jose’s GAM) do not apply to rental cars in Costa Rica.
Nonetheless, remember that tourists do not receive special treatment and are subject to the same fines and repercussions as nationals and legal residents.
“Must haves” for driving in Costa Rica:
We at Adobe Rent a Car offer the following navigational devices at a low daily rate:
- Internet Hotspot
- Cell Phone with local internet service
- Waze APP
We will also provide an excellent hard-copy map of the country to facilitate getting around if internet service is unavailable.
USEFUL TIPS FOR DRIVING IN COSTA RICA
Tip #1: Use WAZE
Road signs and street names are either non-existent or confusing in Costa Rica. That is unless you use a navigational app like WAZE or Google Maps.
WAZE is the most accurate app for driving in Costa Rica. It is used nationwide and includes most dirt roads.
And remember, Costa Ricans are famously friendly. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions in Costa Rica.
Tip #2: Have cash on hand for tolls
A few major highways in Costa Rica require tolls. These include Highway 27, connecting San Jose to the Central Pacific Coast, the Interamerican Highway 1, and Highway 32, connecting San Jose to the Caribbean Coast.
Not all tollbooths accept credit cards, so it’s best to always carry some spare Costa Rican colones and/or U.S. dollars.
Tip #3: Fuel up
Gas stations are located throughout the country, but in rural areas, they are often few and far between. Avoid unwanted hassles by filling up regularly.
All Costa Rican gas stations provide full service, meaning they pump the gas for you. You can also ask the attendants to check the air pressure in your tires and the oil and fluid levels.
If you’re pleased with the service, feel free to leave a tip. An appropriate amount is 500.00 colones (approximately $1.00 USD) and is always appreciated. Tipping is not mandatory, however.
Tip #4: Drive during daylight hours (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Try to avoid long-distance driving at night at all costs. The conditions on Roads in Costa Rica are unpredictable, and safety is the key to a good vacation.
Street lighting is less frequent than what you’re probably used to back home. Couple that with narrow, curvy roads, and it can be challenging to drive after dark.
Tip #5: Avoid rush hour
Traffic jams in the Central Valley, San Jose, and Liberia are a common occurrence, and what should be a 20-minute drive can turn into a 1-hour drive or more. When visiting these areas, try to avoid driving during peak rush hours.
DRIVING STYLE
Tip #6: The fast lane is not for faster drivers
Generally, the left lane is for passing or faster drivers in almost every country. In Costa Rica, however, slow-moving vehicles will occupy any lane. Unfortunately, moving aside to let faster drivers pass is not customary, either.
Tip #7: Watch out for motorcycles
Motorcycles and dirt bikes are an inexpensive and popular way to get around. In San José, where there’s a lot of traffic, motorcycles and scooters often weave in and out of lanes, between lanes, and on the shoulder.
Before switching lanes, stopping, or merging onto an exit, check your mirrors to ensure no motorcyclists are in your danger zone.
On highways, slower motorcyclists will often pull over to let you pass. If this happens, pass only once you’ve ensured it’s 100% safe.
Tip #8: Beware of one-lane bridges
Two-lane highways often narrow to one lane at bridge crossings without prior warning. This applies to major highways as well as secondary roads. Look for a yield sign to determine which driver has the right of way.
This is a major hazard that most foreigners have never encountered before. These bridges sometimes come up fast, so always be on the lookout for Puente Adelante (Bridge Ahead) street signs.
To cross, you have to take turns with oncoming traffic. Technically, one side of the bridge will have a yield sign, meaning cars on that side should wait for their turn. The general rule, however, is that whoever gets there first has the right of way.
Tip #9: Caution when passing
Local drivers are notorious for tailgating and passing on curves or double yellow lines. In these cases, your best action is to pull aside and let them pass.
Always leave enough space between you and the car in front of you to avoid an accident if they stop or maneuver unexpectedly. And always respect the speed limit so you have time to react.
Tip #10: Use your hazards to signal other drivers
It’s customary in Costa Rica to use hazard lights to let other drivers know there is a problem or obstacle ahead. Likewise, the standard headlight flashing is a common practice to signal oncoming traffic to use caution.
People even use their hazards as a ‘thank you’ to other drivers for a show of courtesy, like letting them pass.
Tip #11: Tractor Trailers
When stuck behind a tractor or slow-moving vehicle, the driver will typically blink their left turn signal to tell you when it’s safe to pass. However, what they consider safe and what you do might be different, so pass cautiously.
BEWARE: Possible road conditions in Costa Rica
Tip #12: Rainy Season washouts and landslides
During the rainy season, be cautious of hazards such as washouts and occasional landslides. This especially applies to Route 2 between San José and San Isidro de El General, Route 32 between San José and Limón and the Caribbean coast, and Route 27 connecting San José to Puntarenas and Jacó.
It’s always a good idea to use WAZE and ask your hotel concierge about current conditions before setting out.
Tip: 13: Beware of Potholes and Road Hazards
In Costa Rica, the intense weather reaps havoc on the roads, resulting in potholes and other hazards. These may be marked for approaching drivers with whatever is available, such as a palm frond or a large stick with a bag tied on like a flag.
In rural areas, locals sometimes use leaves or branches to signal hazards ahead instead of reflective markers. The rule of the road is to always take it slow and expect the unexpected.
Tip # 14: Sudden Fog during rainy season
Due to high humidity and temperature variations fog is common. If you encounter conditions with poor visibility, slow down and use your vehicle’s fog lights. In some cases, WAZE will let you know if there is fog ahead.
Tip # 15: Avoid River Crossings
In rural areas, some roads require river crossings. At Adobe, any damage incurred during a river or beach crossing nullifies your insurance coverage.
When coming across a river crossing, as a local or use WAZE to find an alternate route.
INSURANCE NOTICE!
Drivers should remember that “off-roading” or driving on non-official Costa Rican roads are not covered by Adobe’s rental car insurance package. This includes driving on the beach and river crossings, even if the road you’re driving on passes through a river.
THINGS TO REMEMBER: A – Z
Accidents:
Call 911 and your rental car company if you get in an accident.
Be sure not to move your car, as it is against the law, even if you are blocking traffic and it’s just a fender bender.
We at Adobe Rent a Car include 24/7 roadside assistance, vehicle exchanges, and other benefits with our Full-Coverage Protection Plan.
Do not attempt to bribe a police officer:
If you are pulled over for speeding or another infraction. The same goes if the officer offers a bribe. It’s better to play it safe when the law is concerned.
Kilometers:
Remember that Costa Rican speed limits and odometers are in kilometers.
License Plates:
need to be visible on both the front and back.
Pedestrians and bicyclists:
Many locals don’t have cars and get around mostly on foot or bike. You’ll see men coming from work donning machetes and families with children in tow in the breakdown lane of busy roads.
Always be on the lookout for people on the road, especially at night, as they rarely wear reflectors.
Pedestrians do not have the right of way:
People crossing the street won’t expect you to stop for them in urban areas. If you do stop, just be careful not to get rear-ended.
Police Checkpoint:
Along major routes, you may see police checkpoints set up, often near international borders. The officer will likely ask to see your passport.
These checkpoints are routine, and rental cars with tourists are usually just waved through. If you get stopped, cooperate, and you should be on your way in no time.
Protecting Your Valuables:
First, never leave anything visible inside the car—even with seemingly no value. This goes for parking at the beach, the grocery store, or anywhere else.
Always lock your doors and bring your valuables with you; otherwise, leave someone in the car to keep watch.
Second, try to find safe parking. In many places, guardas watch your car in exchange for a tip. Giving them a tip of 500 CRC is suitable for every half-hour/hour your vehicle is guarded.
Seatbelts are infant car seats:
Seatbelts are mandatory in Costa Rica for the driver and all passengers.
All children 12 and under must travel in a car or booster seat, depending on their height and weight.
Street signs and road signs:
can be sparse in some areas, even city roads. It’s best to use an App like WAZE or Google Maps.
Major Costa Rican highways and freeways
These are a few of Costa Rica’s principal thoroughfares that connect San José to popular destinations.
Route 1:
Also known as the Panamerican (Interamericana) Highway. Connects San José to Guanacaste, Liberia, the North Pacific Coast, and Nicaragua.
Route 2:
Connects San José to the southern zone, Talamanca Mountains, and South-Pacific Beaches, including Dominical and the Osa Peninsula.
Route 21:
Connects Liberia to the North-Pacific Coast, including Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, and others.
Route 27:
Connects San José to Route 34 and the Central-Pacific beaches. It also connects with Route 17, which leads to Puntarenas and the ferryboat crossing for the Nicoya Peninsula.
Route 32:
Connects San José to the Caribbean Coast and the Port of Limón.
Route 34:
Connects Route 27 to the Central and Southern Pacific beaches, including Jacó, Manuel Antonio, and Dominical. It is also known as The Coastal Highway (Costanera).
Route 36:
Connects the Port of Limón to Cahuita, Puerto Viejo beach towns, and the Panama border.
Route 39:
Also known as the metropolitan turnpike (Circunvalación). It connects San José to most major thoroughfares. It also connects to most downtown locations.
Route 702:
Connects Route 1 to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano.
Driver Safety
Adobe’s FAQs
Local drivers are known for driving fast and sometimes aggressively. Combined with rugged roads and steep terrain, drivers should exercise caution driving in Costa Rica.
The type of car that you rent can make a difference. Choosing a 4×4 SUV is always the top option for driving in rural areas.
In Costa Rica, you drive on the right side of the road, similar to the U.S.
You must be 18 to drive in Costa Rica. At Adobe, we require drivers to be at least 23 years old to rent and drive a vehicle.
Yes, you may use your driver’s license as long as it has been valid for at least two years and written in Latin characters.
If you have a digital license or the license is not in the Latin alphabet, you must also present an International Driver’s License.
If you drive cautiously, yes. For the most part, driving customs are similar to what you find in the United States, Canada, and Europe. International driving laws are very similar to those in Costa Rica.
