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To get to some towns close to San Jose you just might need a 4x4. This is definitely a necessity if you are traveling to the forest or visiting the country during the rainy season. Depending on where you want to go, a compact car might be more comfortable because of the tight, curvy roads. Diesel vehicles might also be more appealing because of the lower cost of fuel.
Speed limits in San Jose might be lower than you are used to. On the freeway you may only drive at a maximum speed of 50 mph (or 80 km/h). When you are on a main highway, the speed limit may go up to as much as 62 mph (100 km/h). However, when you get close to the city, the speed limit will go down quickly -- so always pay attention to signs you might be passing.
In downtown San Jose you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and museums. Consequently, there are numerous paid parking lots in which you can safely leave your rental car. One popular area for parking is around the Central Market. If staying downtown, you might also get free parking at your hotel.
On average a rental car in San José costs $28 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in San José found in the last 2 weeks is $4.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at U-Save ($5/day), Amigo Rent A Car ($5/day) and Economy Rent a Car ($5/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at U-Save Rio Segundo null (8 miles from city center).
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in San José. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
The average gas price in San José is $5.29 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $64 and $85, depending on the car size.
Mini (Suzuki Jimny or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in San José.
Car rental companies onsite at Juan Santamaria Intl airport include Fox, Budget, U-Save, Europcar, Economy Rent a Car, COSTA RENT, Dollar, Amigo Rent A Car, Thrifty and Firefly.
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Juan Santamaria Intl airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, NU Car, U-Save, Europcar, Economy Rent a Car, Ace, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
A Mini car rental in San José costs $20 per day, on average.
An Intermediate car rental in San José costs $39 per day, on average.
A Compact car rental in San José costs $32 per day, on average.
In San José, cars are most frequently rented at U-Save Rio Segundo (8 miles from city center).
On average a rental car in San José costs $196 per week ($28 per day).
On average a rental car in San José costs $838 per month ($28 per day).
Most car rental providers in San José offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in San José, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 41 car rental agencies in San José.
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in San José so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Whether you'll pay for parking in San Jose will be determined by where you are in the city. If you're on the city's outskirts, you won't have to pay for parking. However, if you're within the city's central business district, you'll have to pay, as these parking spots are managed by city authorities. These parking spots range from ¢200 ($0.6) to ¢500 ($2), depending on the duration you park.
To drive to destinations outside San Jose, such as Cartago, Limon, and Caldera, you'll have to use a toll road. On the toll roads serving Cartago and Limon, you'll only have to go through one toll. On the contrary, on the Caldera toll road, you'll go through tolls at Escazú, San Rafael, Atenas, and Pozón.
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Juan Santa Maria Intl Apo
+506 2436 2010
Paseo Colon
+506 2436 2015
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
SUV
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jun 2023
SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Matt, Jan 2021
Pros:
Drop off was excellentCons:
Would have liked a better explanation of the insurance coverage and not a hard sell.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
They refused to give back my deposit despite the trip. Ring cancelled due to Covid-19 A disgrace4.8 Mediocre
Jerry, Mar 2020
Cons:
Don’t use this car rental. A lot of hidden fees. They are crooks.3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport
+506 2299 2000
Tobias Bolanos International Airport
+506 2299 2000
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Joshua, Jun 2024
Premium SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
Worst value. Clearly has no concept of customer service or friendliness. Exceedingly overpriced.8.0 Very good
Cristina, May 2021
Pros:
The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.Cons:
The price of the insurance is three times the price of the rental. Very different from the US and Canada. I found it quite absurd. I still haven't received the safety deposit!!2.0 Poor
Samuel, Apr 2021
Pros:
I never picked up the car? I asked for it to be canceledCons:
Cancelation of the car rental like the email said would happen4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Feb 2021
Pros:
The extra charges for insurance were NOT transparent and more than doubled the cost of the rentalCons:
See above2.0 Poor
david, Jan 2021
Pros:
NOTHINGCons:
EVERYTHING THESE PEOPLE ARE RIP OFF ARRISTS3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Hotels Delivery And Collection
+506 2519 9308
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Economy
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2024
Compact
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Standard SUV
2.0 Poor
Allison, May 2021
Cons:
It was a total scam, they end up charging you just as much as name brand companies through forcing you to buy unnecessary insurance which is not disclosed when I made my non-refundable reservation.4.0 Mediocre
Jennifer, Mar 2021
Cons:
Didnt have our reservation. Had to wait for hours.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2021
Pros:
Staff was super friendly!Cons:
The advertised price is not what you end up paying when the mandatory insurance is added on. BEWARE!6 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Avenue 18th
+506 2242 7901
Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio
+506 2220 2034
Km 3 General Canas Highway
+506 2242 7878
La Asuncion De Belen
+506 2242 7878
Paseo Colon
+506 2242 7878
San José Province, San José, Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
+506 2221 4700
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No reviews available
4 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Carr John F.kennedy St, Centro
+506 4052 2000
General Canas Hgy Nxt To Total
+506 4052 2000
Juan Santamaria Intl Ap
+506 2431 4865
Paseo Colon Ave, 36 & 38 St
+506 4052 2000
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Thomas, Jul 2024
Full-size SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Doug, Jan 2021
Cons:
Good service and reasonably priced. There are extras added to what kayak shows, but these are legitimate fees.10.0 Wonderful
Matthew, Jun 2021
Pros:
The staff were able to answer all of my questions quickly, whether over the phone or through their online messaging system. Make sure to ask about SLI, aka car insurance, as there are different options and it can be somewhat expensive. Overall, I had a great experience and will be returning to Dollar car rental the next time I'm in Costa Rica!Cons:
More transparency with SLI rates and options.3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Centro Comercial Guachipelin
+506 4052 5210
Juan Santamaria Intl Apo
+506 4052 5210
Paseo Colon, Calle 36-38
+506 4052 5210
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Luxury SUV
5.6 Fair
Anonymous, Mar 2020
Cons:
When I arrived at the counter to pick up the car I was told purchasing the rental car's insurance was NOT optional, I had to purchase one of two plans, otherwise they would not rent the car to me. If the insurance was not optional, then it should have been shown in the original price of renting the car. A definite bait & switch which I didn't appreciate. $300 for the car, $250 for the insurance, kind of changes the value of the rental.8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Mar 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Linn, Jan 2023
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2022
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Mar 2022
4 locations in San José
from$28/dayLocations in San José
400 Metros Oeste Del Curce
+506 2202 8380
Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobici
+506 2296 0167
Intercontinental Hotel
+506 2208 2243
San Jose Sabana Norte
+506 2509 5950
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Mar 2023
Economy
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2023
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
One location in San José
from$14/dayLocations in San José
Between Street 30 and 32
+506 4036 7420
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
from$13/dayLocations in San José
Paseo Colon
+506 2256 0101
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Dragos, Oct 2022
One location in San José
from$5/dayLocations in San José
Rio Segundo
+506 2430 4648
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Passenger van
One location in San José
Locations in San José
500 Mts East
+506 2430 0629
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Philippe, Aug 2022
One location in San José
from$14/dayLocations in San José
Paseo Colon (pizza Hut)
+506 4036 7421
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
One location in San José
from$9/dayLocations in San José
Rio Segundo
+506 2443 4645
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
David, Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
israel, Nov 2021
2.0 Poor
John, Feb 2022
3.9 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2021
3 locations in San José
from$44/dayLocations in San José
34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús , Hospital, San José, San José - , Costa Rica
+506 2542 4848
San Jose Intl Airport
+506 2442 2422
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2022
3 locations in San José
from$33/dayLocations in San José
Calle 43, 50m sur del Bar Rio
+506 4000 7498
Edificio Galicia Avenida 39
+506 4000 7498
Frente Indoor Club Curridabat
+506 4000 7498
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5 locations in San José
from$24/dayLocations in San José
Avenue 18th, Between 11th
+506 2242 7901
Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio
+506 2220 2034
La Asuncion De Belen
+506 2242 7800
Paseo Colon
+506 2242 7800
Plaza Irazu, Robledal
+506 2242 7800
Filters
No reviews available
5 locations in San José
from$25/dayLocations in San José
Avenue 18
+506 2242 7733
Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio
+506 2220 2034
Paseo Colon
+506 2221 4700
Plaza Irazu Robledal
+506 2242 7733
San José Province, San José, Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
+506 2221 4700
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No reviews available
5 locations in San José
from$45/dayLocations in San José
Centro Comercial Plaza Carolina, Rotonda de La Bandera, Mercedes
+506 2542 4848
Edificio Adobe, 34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús Hospital, San José, San José -
+506 2542 4800
Route 3, Río Segundo Río Segundo, Alajuela, Alajuela - Costa Rica
+506 2442 2422
\\\"Edificio Adobe, 34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús , Hospital, San José, San José - , Costa Rica
+506 2542 4848
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2 locations in San José
from$12/dayLocations in San José
Tobias Bolanos Airport
+506 2255-2200
next to the Ambassador Hotel
+506 2255 2000
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No reviews available
2 locations in San José
from$19/dayLocations in San José
Hotels Delivery And Collection Service Only
+506 2519 9308
Paseo Colón Centro de San Jose
+506 4002 3857
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No reviews available
3 locations in San José
Locations in San José
300 meters east from the Purdy Motor building in Paseo Colon San Jose
+506 2542 4865
30th Street
+506 2105 3400
Edificio Adobe, Calle 34 Barrio Corazon de Jesus
+506 2542 4865
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No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
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3 locations in San José
from$19/dayLocations in San José
San Jose Airport Juan Santamaria SJO
+506 2299 2000
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No reviews available
2 locations in San José
from$41/dayLocations in San José
Dr R.A. Grillo, Coca Cola
+54 11 6009 3539
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No reviews available
7 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
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6 locations in San José
from$9/dayLocations in San José
3Rd Street, 13Th Ave., Barrio Amón San José.
+506 2523 3200
Calle 3 Ave. 13, Barrio Amón / 3rd Street, 13th Ave, Barrio Amón Apartado Postal: 750-1007 Centro Colón./ P.O Box: 750-1007 Centro Colón.
+506 2523 3200
San Jose Airport
+506 2442 8585
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2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Edificio Adobe, 34th St., 16th Ave., Barrio Corazón de Jesús Hospital
+506 2667 0608
From the Hotel Holiday Express Inn, 1.4 Km. East
+506 2667 0608
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No reviews available
2 locations in San José
from$16/dayLocations in San José
Europcar, Paseo Colon Centro De San Jose
+506 4002 3857
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No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San José
Locations in San José
Between 11th And 13th Street, Av. 18
+506 7202 0536
Paseo Colón, San Jose, Paseo Colón, San Jose, San José, CR
+506 7202 0536
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No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
3rd Street, 13th Ave., Barrio Amón San José.
+506 2523 3200
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No reviews available
One location in San José
from$29/dayLocations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Paseo Colón, San Bosco, centro de San Jose, Costa Rica
+506 7085 6570
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
La Uruca 5 Blocks West From Hospital Mexico
5-062-294-2354
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
San Jose International Airport - Europcar
+506 2440 9990
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No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
34th Street
+506 2542 4800
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No reviews available
One location in San José
from$13/dayLocations in San José
San Jose airport
+506 8885 8626
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No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
San Jose Airport Juan Santamaria SJO
+506 2436 2070
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No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San José
Locations in San José
Filters
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Most popular agency | NextCar |
---|---|
Most popular car type | Mini |
Average price | $28/day |
Good deal | $16/day |
Pick-up location | San José |
---|---|
Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Premium SUV, SUV, Standard SUV |
Rental locations | 97 |
Airport locations | 30 |
Popular agencies | U-Save, Economy Rent a Car, Amigo Rent A Car, Fox |