Central America car rentals

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Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in Central America

Discover the best prices and deals for your travel.
Class Economy Car car
Class Economy Car
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
$5/day
View Deal
Chevrolet Spark car
Chevrolet Spark
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
$5/day
View Deal
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
$5/day
View Deal
Class Economy Car car
Class Economy Car
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
$5/day
View Deal
Chevrolet Spark car
Chevrolet Spark
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
$5/day
View Deal
Kia Picanto car
Kia Picanto
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
$5/day
View Deal
* These are the best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours and may change
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Budget
Standard
$27/day
$19/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Central America car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Central America with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Central America?

You should book your rental car in Central America around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Central America?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Europcar ($4.22/day), Avis ($4.28/day) and Fox ($4.33/day).

What is the most popular rental car in Central America?

SUV rentals (Ford Explorer or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in Central America. SUV rentals in Central America cost $36/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $6/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Central America?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Central America is June at an average cost of $23/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in Central America when prices are $46/day on average, which tends to be 48% above the yearly average rental price for Central America.

What rental car company in Central America has the most locations?

Alamo operates 103 locations in Central America, more than any other rental company.
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Top tips for renting a car in Central America

  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Central America for $19 or less
  • Full-size rental cars in Central America are around 59% cheaper than other car types, on average
  • Central America is made up of diverse landscapes, road conditions, and climates, so choosing the right car rental in Central America is essential for a safe and comfortable journey. If you plan to explore remote areas or rural regions, consider a 4x4 or SUV with good ground clearance for better handling on uneven terrain. Besides, smaller Central America car rentals are often more fuel-efficient, easier to navigate in crowded cities and narrow streets, and require less parking effort. However, if you have a lot of luggage or plan to travel with a group, you may prefer a larger car rental in Central America, such as a van or sedan, for added space and comfort.
  • Many Central American countries have regulations to ensure children's safety while traveling in vehicles. For instance, infants under 12 months of age or those weighing less than 9 kg (20 lbs) must be secured in rear-facing infant car seats. Children who have outgrown rear-facing infant seats should transition to convertible car seats that can be used in the front-facing position until they are at least one year old and weigh more than 9 kg. Furthermore, children who have outgrown forward-facing car seats (usually between ages 4 and 7) but do not yet meet the height and weight requirements for using a seat belt without assistance should use booster seats.
  • While crossing borders with car rentals in Central America is generally possible, there are important considerations and requirements to keep in mind when renting a car in this region. Verify the policies of the rental car company you choose. Remember that not all rental agencies allow their vehicles to be taken across international borders, and those that do may charge additional fees or have specific conditions. Most importantly, research the entry and exit requirements for foreign vehicles in the countries you visit. This may include documentation, fees, and vehicle inspections.
  • In major cities and urban centers throughout Central America, you will find gas stations relatively easily. These urban areas tend to have a higher concentration of fuel stations and are often open longer hours, including 24-hour stations. However, in more remote or rural areas, the availability of gas stations may be limited. Therefore, when traveling through less populated regions or on rural highways, it's advisable to plan your fuel stops carefully and fill up when you can.

FAQs about renting a car in Central America

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Central America?

    On average a rental car in Central America costs $27 per day.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Central America?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • Where should I rent a car in Central America?

    Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in Central America are San José (30% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in Central America), San Salvador (16%) and Liberia (15%).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Central America?

    On average a rental car in Central America costs $191 per week ($27 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Central America?

    On average a rental car in Central America costs $817 per month ($27 per day).

  • Should I get a car rental in Central America?

    Yes. A car rental in Central America allows you to create your own itinerary and travel at your preferred pace. You can stop wherever you like and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Moreover, Central America has many beautiful and remote areas that are not easily accessible by public transportation. A Central America car rental allows you to reach these hidden gems and explore places not covered by traditional tours, including Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, La Mosquitia, Honduras, and Cerro Chirripó, Costa Rica. In addition, you can save time on travel by avoiding multiple transfers and long waits at bus terminals.

  • What is driving a Central America car rental like?

    Driving a car rental in Central America can be a unique and sometimes challenging experience. Road conditions can vary significantly from country to country. Nevertheless, major highways are generally well maintained, but you may encounter potholes, speed bumps (known as "topes"), and rough roads, especially in rural areas. Road signs may not always be clear, and many are in Spanish. Consider familiarizing yourself with common road signs and using navigation tools or maps to help with directions. Remember that driving habits can be aggressive, and drivers may not always follow traffic rules, such as using turn signals or obeying speed limits. Defensive driving is essential.

  • How old do you have to be to get a car rental in Central America?

    The minimum age requirement for renting a car in Central America can vary by country and rental car company, but it ranges from 21–25. Additionally, drivers under the minimum age may be required to pay extra fees, such as a "young driver surcharge." Usually, this fee is not part of the rental fee and is paid separately at the counter. Lastly, some agencies limit luxury cars and SUVs to drivers over 25.

Car rental directory

  • alamo

    Alamo car rental locations in Central America

    103 Locations

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in Central America

    102 Locations

  • national

    National car rental locations in Central America

    102 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in Central America

    90 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in Central America

    63 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in Central America

    62 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in Central America

    57 Locations

  • dollar

    Dollar car rental locations in Central America

    52 Locations

  • thrifty

    Thrifty car rental locations in Central America

    48 Locations

  • economy

    Economy Rent a Car car rental locations in Central America

    36 Locations

  • adobe

    ADOBE car rental locations in Central America

    31 Locations

  • flexways

    FlexWays car rental locations in Central America

    29 Locations

Car rental locations in Central America

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Central America

Complete your trip to Central America

Hotels in Central America
Vacations in Central America

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.

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