Car hire \nCosta Rica
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Costa Rica

Places to start your journey in Costa Rica

Our top branches in Costa Rica

4.9
Liberia (Costa Rica) Airport
Plaza Futura Guanacaste
Liberia 50101
Costa Rica
4.5
San Jose (Costa Rica) Airport
Juan Santamaría Int. Airport Oficentro Plaza aeropuerto C3
Alajuela .
Costa Rica

Discover Costa Rica

Sixt Car Hire Deals in Costa Rica

Explore this stunning region of Central America, with great car hire deals in Costa Rica from Sixt. To get you off to the best possible start, we have a superb range of vehicles for every type of trip, surprisingly affordable rates, and a friendly customer service team. So whether you'll be heading to the beach with family, visiting a remote rainforest location or simply getting from A to B for business, we'll help you find the right vehicle. Read on for tips on getting around by road and how to really enjoy your car rental while you're here.

Sixt car rental in Costa Rica

We have a number of branches located throughout Costa Rica, including one which serves the busy San José airport, so we can be there as soon as you arrive to ensure you begin your journey in style. The most convenient way of finding our best car hire deals in Costa Rica is by booking online through our user friendly website, if your plans have to change, you can also cancel here which is usually free. You can use the information on this page to start planning your trip. We included sections about the country's largest cities and airports, along with some unmissable sights, film locations, and architectural wonders to visit when you rent a car in Costa Rica.

Our Service

When you book with Sixt car rental in Costa Rica there's no compromising on quality. Specify your preference for an automatic, then add to your package with child seats, a mobile phone with a local sim, an internet hotspot, or additional driver coverage. After choosing your vehicle and dates, just pick any extras you might need for your car hire in Costa Rica, such as surf board and luggage racks.

Which class of vehicle should I go for?

  • 4x4 vehicles give you plenty of room to relax on a road trip, as you will be able to fit in five people with ease, along with luggage. They are also ideal for driving in more remote locations where their superior handling will come into its own.
  • Saloons are better suited to long road based journeys and have a luxurious feel.
  • Convertibles are perfect for couples who plan to cruise around in the warm sun, they look incredible and perform well over long distances too.
  • Vans are an excellent choice if you'll be moving larger items or equipment around.

Driver's licence requirements in Costa Rica

When you book car hire in Costa Rica, both the person renting and the driver have to present a valid driving license. If one of you has been in Costa Rica for three months or more, that person will also be obliged to present a driving license which has been issued in Costa Rica. For driving licenses from other countries, the print should be in a Roman alphabet. If it is not, you must also show an International driving license.

What are the age restrictions?

In Costa Rica the minimum age for drivers is 18 and you have to have held a valid driving license for at least a year before you can drive a rental car. For drivers under 21 years of age a daily surcharge will usually be added to the booking. For certain models of rental vehicle the age restriction is 21, you will be able to check if this applies to the car you are hiring on the booking page.

Making Credit Card Payments

To pay for your car rental you can use all major international credit cards, including Diners Club, American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover. Unfortunately we are unable to accept debit cards or prepaid cards. If you would prefer to pay in US Dollars, or local currency, or using traveller's cheques, you can, but for the purposes of your guarantee, you will still be asked to present a credit card when you arrive to pick up your car.

If you have a Sixt Car Express Service Card you will still need to present a valid credit card as well. The person renting the vehicle must be the owner of the credit card presented, their details will be confirmed when they make a reservation.

Accidents

If you have an accident when you rent a car in Costa Rica, you should always contact the police on 911. They usually have bilingual operators, so even if you are not able to speak Spanish there will be someone there who can help. You can also reach us on +506-2431-3803 for further assistance.

Driving Tips

Driving in the remote regions of Costa Rica is very different to driving a rental vehicle in the larger metropolitan areas. In cities the roads are well maintained and extremely busy, especially during the normal rush hour periods, but in the countryside, there are many more pedestrians, animals, and people on scooters using roads which can be extremely narrow.

Driving in Costa Rica

  • Costa Ricans drive on the right side of the road, road signs are in Spanish and speeds are in kilometres.
  • Parking by the roadside is common, but in the cities there are many paid parking lots
  • Be extremely alert for both animals and pedestrians on the highway
  • Not all roads are marked with lines, if you are on such a road always assume that it is two way
  • Toll roads run between major cities like San Jose and Puntarenas, and also to airports. The cost is usually low, and can be paid in local currency or US Dollars.
  • Random checks are carried out by the police at security points, these are perfectly normal, just be prepared to open your boot and show them your passport.

Speed limits in Costa Rica

  • The minimum speed on a highway is 40kmph, the upper limit can vary, so always check nearby road signs
  • On large highways it's 120kmph
  • Smaller secondary roads have a limit of 60kmph, unless the road signs indicate otherwise
  • In populated areas the limit is 40kmph, unless road signs indicate otherwise
  • Around hospitals and schools the limit is 25kmph

Traffic law

Traffic enforcement is are becoming stricter in Costa Rica and some infractions carry heavy fines:

  • Traffic tickets can result in a fine of up to $800, so keep within the speed limits
  • Each passenger should wear a seatbelt, or risk a fine of up to $500
  • Failure to present a passport when you are stopped can result in a $200 fine

Places of Interest

Top 4 Architectural Sites

  • Teatro Nacional, San José de Costa Rica
  • Hacienda Santa Rosa, Guanacaste
  • Ruinas de la iglesia de Ujarrás
  • Casa Fait, Puntarenas

In the centre of San Jose, the spectacular Teatro Nacional, San José de Costa Rica entertains audiences with numerous theatrical productions throughout the year, whilst the more modest Hacienda Santa Rosa in Guanacaste provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the country's history. Situated within a beautiful garden, the Ruinas de la iglesia de Ujarrás present a pretty 16th century Spanish colonial church that's certainly worth a visit. But for a more modern architectural marvel, head to the quirky Casa Fait in Puntarenas.

Top 4 Natural Sites

  • Área de Conservación Guanacaste (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Parque Nacional Corcovado
  • Cerro Chirripó, Cordillera de Talamanca
  • Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo

Learn more about the country's diverse marine and terrestrial habitats at the Área de Conservación Guanacaste, and experience a vast unspoilt rainforest at Parque Nacional Corcovado. On the Panama border, the Cerro Chirripó mountain range is unforgettable, and the cloud forests of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo are just a short drive northeast of San Jose.

Film locations in Costa Rica

Back in 2012, Will Smith was in town filming scenes for what would become the blockbuster After Earth around the picturesque Arenal volcano. The opening scenes of Suicide Squad with June Moone, played by Cara Delevingne, were shot on a reserve at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui and many natural wildernesses here provided the backdrop for Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. Spy Kids 2 also briefly showcases the vast expanse of water at Lago Arenal.

Crossing Borders

Cross border car rentals are not allowed in Costa Rica.

Customer reviews & feedback

4.7
4.704574
Based on 588 reviews
from our Customer Excitement Score survey*

Listen to what our customers say

4.9
Vehicle handover
4.8
Vehicle return
4.7
The way to SIXT
Leticia G.
5.0
If you are thinking of renting a car in Tamarindo, you should choose Sixt. José was very helpful and patient with the process of renting our cars for our day trip excursion. He explained everything thoroughly and is very fair with his pricing and policies. The cars we got were in great condition. I couldn’t recommend renting with Sixt more, once again José and the employees are all so helpful and kind. Thank you so much José for making our trip so enjoyable!
Marty B.
5.0
Errol was the best. Quick, got us set with no issues. On time at the office. Easy to recommend.
Jose C.
5.0
First time in Tamarindo and had an amazing time, felt so conforted on all my trips tanks to the recomendations from the team and the quality cars of this rent a car.

*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Costa Rica. The score is an average of all customer responses.

Good to know when renting in Costa Rica

Flexible Car Hire

With our Flexi Return guarantee, you can return your car at a date different to the initial rental contract. Simply let us know and we can adjust it for you free of charge.

Under 25 Car Hire

In Costa Rica, you can hire from as young as 18 years old however please be aware you must hold a valid licence for at least a year and there are charges when under 25.

Added Extras

We can provide extra protection packages and added miles, as well as a sat nav system for getting around, extra drivers, and child seats.

Choose from a list of different domestic drop-off locations to check the availability, this must be organized beforehand, international drop-off is prohibited.

Commercial vehicles

Commercial vehicles

We boast a commercial fleet that includes trucks, utes, vans, 4WDs, buses, tippers and mine-spec vehicles.

Auto Club discounts

Auto Club discounts

Exclusive savings and seasonal offers for NRMA, RACV, RACQ, AANT, RAA, RAC and RACT members.

Extras

Extras

From a GPS unit to child booster seats, we've got you covered.

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Explore our car rental locations in Costa Rica

Discover Costa Rica with SIXT! Find your perfect rental car at one of our downtown or airport branches.