San José car hire
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San José, Costa Rica
24 Jun — 1 Jul
Same drop-off
San José, Costa Rica
Thu 24/6
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Thu 1/7
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Driver's age:
San José car hire information
| Pick-up location | San José |
|---|---|
| Hire locations | 69 |
| Airport locations | 26 |
Cheap car hire in San José
| £24/day | Economy |
| £36/day | Compact |
| £58/day | SUV |
| £87/day | Full-size SUV |
| £23/day | Mini |
| £105/day | Pick-up truck |
| £65/day | Premium SUV |
| £40/day | Compact SUV |
| £46/day | Intermediate SUV |
| £62/day | Standard SUV |
San José car hire reviews and directory
Alamo
Locations in San José
Avenue 18+506 2242 7733
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Between 34th And 36th St Next+506 2221 4700
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
In Front Of Purdy Motor+506 2242 7733
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
La Asuncion De Belen+506 2242 7733
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
San Jose Intl Airport+506 2242 7733
| Monday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
9.6 Excellent7 Mar 2020
Pros: The staff was friendly and helpful. The car had an unbalanced wheel, causing shudder, but at an Alamo office the car was replaced in less than 30 minutes and the journey continued without technical problems.Cons: The light of the back compartment was constantly on due to the faulty door switch, resulting to a dead battery during a one week long parking.
10.0 Excellent12 Feb 2020
Pros: 10/10 would reccomend the Alamo in Belen near the San Jose Airport. Customer service was amazing, staff was super friendly and helpful, and facilities and cars are clean and well-maintained. We upgraded for a small extra amount per day and were so thrilled with our vehicle (Toyota Fortuner). Upon returning our car to Alamo at the end of our trip, we had no wait at all before our car was checked out, receipt confirmed, and our friendly driver dropped us off at the airport. Will absolutely be return customers for our next trip.Cons: Everything was super!
8.4 Excellent24 Jan 2020
Pros: Nice suvCons: Overcharged me!!!! Over billing!!!
3.2 Mediocre7 Jan 2020
Cons: If you think your reservation is for 7 people and 3 luggage’s! Make sure it is only purses! We rented a car and the trunk space wouldn’t hold a backpack. Such a scam to upgrade to a bigger car and they tried to charge nearly triple the reservation price.
3.6 Mediocre6 Jan 2020
Pros: The staff in Manuel Antonio did their best to address the issue with the trunk not latching.Cons: Reserved an intermediate car but was given a compact at the same rate! I had to argue to get the rate changed. Furthermore, the compact was in bad shape, dings and scratches, no hub caps, and the trunk wouldn't latch. And, they didn't fill it up with gas but gave me paperwork to the contrary. I had to return shortly after leaving the lot to point out the gas gauge.
9.6 Excellent2 Jan 2020
Pros: Staff super friendly. HELD the reservation for almost 24 hours once our original flight was cancelled. Can't state enough what a LIFE SAVER this was for our trip. We had 6 passengers and needed a large SUV and I don't think there were any others available during the busy Xmas season. They literally SAVED OUR TRIP by holding that reservation for us...THANK YOU ALAMO!Cons: Could have had a bit more room for luggage. It "seats 6" but honestly then there is zero room for luggage. We had to sit 2 in front, 3 in the middle any only 1 in back so that we could put down the seat for luggage in the back.
9.6 Excellent2 Jan 2020
Pros: Staff were hospitable and very helpful, especially Ronny. Offered options but did not push anything. Really went right with the full insurance. Roads around Arenal were challenging and felt relieved to be fully insured.
7.6 Good15 Dec 2019
Cons: Insurance costs are high and unexpected
8.0 Excellent5 Dec 2019
Pros: Staff was superbCons: We wanted a jeep and got a Nissan we didn't like that much although it was oaky
2.0 Mediocre25 Aug 2019
Cons: Never got to pick up my car. My flight was delayed, they said they couldn't hold my car till the next day, even if i paid for it. And they had no cars available the following day. Sorry, SOL! What kind of rental company "has no cars available"!? Last time i rent from those clowns.
Thrifty
Locations in San José
Centro Comercial Guachipelin+506 4052 5210
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Juan Santamaria Intl Apo+506 4052 5210
| Monday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
Paseo Colon, Calle 36-38+506 4052 5210
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
5.6 Okay12 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.
6.8 Good10 May 2018
You should give customers a head's up about Costa Rica's insurance polPros: Car was nice, good on gas.Cons: If someone is renting from Costa Rica, you should tell them about the mandatory insurance purchase. My rental went from $63 to ~$400, by far my biggest expense this trip.
5.6 Okay15 Feb 2018
The final cost was 3 times the price I bookedPros: New car and easy drop offCons: When I booked the car and chose Thrifty the price was 175. At the end it cost me 540 with all taxes fees etc. There was no way to get it for 175. I feel I was misled and will not recommend
10.0 Excellent18 Jan 2018
Thrifty Car RentalPros: Very friendly service. Threw in a GPS for $5
3.2 Mediocre3 Jan 2018
MisleadingCons: I had already bought insurance but was told it didn't work in Costa Rica and that I had to buy the insurance they provided. Nothing I said could change this. The insurance ended up doubling the price of the rental. I had also asked about the size of the SUV we were renting prior to arriving and was told it would hold 5 adults comfortably. Not hardly! Ended up having to pay an additional amount to have a somewhat larger SUV. Then on top of all that, they put a $950 deposit amount on my credit card making it unusable to me the rest of my trip. I have NEVER had a car rental company put that large of a deposit on my credit card. NEVER!! That pretty much wiped out my spending money as I only brought two credit cards with me for this trip. It really would have been nice to know all this additional expense before I arrived so I could have adequately planned.
4.8 Okay31 Dec 2017
Insurance ripoffPros: Good pickup location and quick to the counter to pickup the car.Cons: We had a letter from Chase credit card as they required from the thrifty Costa Rica website. He wouldn’t accept it- “it doesn’t state amount covered” - it stated up to the entire value of the car. So we were forced to buy the coverage since where else are you going to go. DO NOT TENT FROM THRIFTY AT THE SJO AIRPORT!
6.0 Good25 Dec 2017
Disappointed!Pros: The car was comfortable and easy to drive. They had an efficient check in system. Drop off was immediate upon return of the car.Cons: Know that Costa Rica car rentals require purchase of insurance which was an additional $42 a day. This was an unexpected charge and was not budgeted for. Also, we had a flat tire issue that we did not cause, and I know the agency would have no idea of our trustworthiness, but we got no help or guidance with this issue. Our hotel helped us find a tire two hours away where we drove to with the spare tire on.
2.0 Mediocre27 Oct 2017
Sucks!!Pros: Nothing!! Never again!!Cons: My mom passed away so I had to leave earlier then planned. They were going to charge me for turning the car in early. So....i left and my wife turned the car in for me and they charged me $50 because I wasn't there to turn it in. If they are the last rental car company with a car.....i will walk.
6.0 Good19 Sep 2017
"Estimated" price was very offPros: clean car, friendly staff, easy check in and check out.Cons: We were quoted an estimated 80$ rental. When we showed up, we had to pay nearly $500.
3.2 Mediocre18 Jul 2017
Not the car or the value promisedPros: Not muchCons: The car we reserved on line stated it would fit 2 adults and 4 children with luggage. We were given a compact Mitsubishi Lancer that wasn't even big enough to hold 4 suitcases in the trunk. We had to put a suit case and all carry ons in the back seat with our 2 kids making for an incredibly uncomfortable ride. The car interior was in good shape, but the exterior was severely beat up with major dents all around the car. We should have known the advertised price was a scam. At the counter when we added the insurance (clearly advertised for $11/day) Our $60 pre-paid rental became nearly $300 when they required us to add ins for $227 for the 6 days!!! Bait and switch.
Budget
Locations in San José
Juan Santa Maria Intl Apo+506 2436 2010
| Monday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
Paseo Colon+506 2436 2015
| Monday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
10.0 Excellent3 Jan 2021
Pros: Drop off was excellentCons: Would have liked a better explanation of the insurance coverage and not a hard sell.
2.0 Mediocre26 Apr 2020
Pros: NothingCons: They refused to give back my deposit despite the trip. Ring cancelled due to Covid-19 A disgrace
4.8 Okay23 Mar 2020
Cons: Don’t use this car rental. A lot of hidden fees. They are crooks.
2.0 Mediocre26 Jan 2020
Pros: Nothing, did not like anything about this experienceCons: Staff was extremely unhelpful. Was the worst experience in Costa Rica. Outrageous price for a beat up old car with 150,000 miles on it, manual transmission, radio had been taken out, fog lights missing, horrible car, took us 3 hours to check in and get car, staff is inept and we stood in line for hours while no one could give us a clear answer on when we would get a car even though we had a reservation.
8.4 Excellent24 Jan 2020
Pros: The staff and car were great.Cons: The "insurance" needs to be more clear and affordable. It is not the staff's fault, this is a corporate problem. The cost of insurance is double the cost of the car. It is a scam.
8.4 Excellent1 Jan 2020
Pros: Staff was nice, shuttle was accomodating.Cons: Car was very expensive.
2.0 Mediocre29 May 2019
Pros: Horrible experience overall.
2.0 Mediocre14 Mar 2019
Pros: Watch out for tricky charges on you bill. They will charge you additional charges and fee even after you you returned the car. Charges that are not mentioned in the invoice in the beginning.After contacting them, rectified the bill then still tried to over charge by adding new charges and bad addiCons: Not to trick customer with charges that are not mentioned in the invoice to when it is initial made during car rental.
4.0 Okay25 Feb 2019
Cons: Picking up the car could have been way more streamlined. Had to wait more than 3 hours to get a car!!
3.6 Mediocre17 Apr 2017
Was charged $250 more than the price quoted on your site.Cons: On pickup, I was told that I was required to pay $250 more for additional insurance, or I wouldn't be allowed to rent the car. With my spouse, and 2 tired kids in tow in a foreign country, I had no choice but to pay up. False advertising at least, fraud at worst!
Economy Rent a Car
Locations in San José
Downtown San Jose+506 2299 2000
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport+506 2299 2000
San Pedro+506 2299 2000
Tobias Bolanos International Airport+506 2299 2000
10.0 Excellent4 Jun 2021
Pros: Friendliness of staff and excellence of serviceCons: Nothing great experience
2.0 Mediocre25 May 2021
Cons: Worst value. Clearly has no concept of customer service or friendliness. Exceedingly overpriced.
8.0 Excellent18 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 Mediocre31 Dec 2020
Cons: Get insurance before you get down there
6.0 Good25 Mar 2020
Pros: The staff was helpful and friendly enough...pick up took a while but drop off was quick and easy (few customers probably due to coronavirus).Cons: If there were more prominent statements when we made the reservation online about MANDATORY liability insurance from CR government... and there would be a $950 damage deposit put on my credit card...this despite having purchased insurance covering any damage to vehicle when I made the reservation.
8.0 Excellent13 Mar 2020
Pros: Staff was helpful!Cons: Insurance is expensive but nor sure how it would compare to other rental car agencies in CR. We had no problems
2.0 Mediocre12 Feb 2020
Pros: Nothing. Although I made a reservation in December, Economy was unable to fulfill my reservation.Cons: They could have given me the car I booked months in advance, or at the very least have had the courtesy to not charge my credit card after not giving me a vehicle.
10.0 Excellent4 Feb 2020
Cons: Economy was excellent. They spelled out the insurance options and reminded us that our credit card covers collision. Muy Bueno!
3.6 Mediocre23 Dec 2019
Pros: Car worked. That’s as much as I liked. The staff was horrible and the hidden fees aren’t brought up until you get to the counter.Cons: Being more honest with prices. Our total car rental turned out over double the quoted cost on kayak. There’s a mandatory liability fee which significantly increased the price of the car rental. This should be addressed online with the price of the car rental. There’s also a mandatory 13% airport tax which is not 13% of simply the car rental. This 13% includes the entire cost of the car rental and insurance. So absurd. Worst experience ever. Never renting from this company again. Probably won’t be using kayak either since prices are clearly not transparent
9.2 Excellent25 Jul 2018
It adds up quickly!Pros: Staff was great, car was great, pick up and drop was great!Cons: The added fees and taxes adds up quickly!
Enterprise
Locations in San José
Avenue 18th, Between 11th+506 2242 7901
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Between 34th And 36th St Next+506 2242 7800
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
La Asuncion De Belen+506 2242 7800
| Monday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
San Jose Intl Airport+506 2242 7800
| Monday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
10.0 Excellent25 Dec 2019
Pros: The sales people were outstanding. Had a dead battery in Montezuma. The on call service did a good job too.Cons: All good.
9.6 Excellent24 Dec 2019
Pros: Staff was very friendly and provided good travel information
10.0 Excellent15 Nov 2019
Pros: The entire process was excellent. I've forgotten his name, but the Enterprise Manager at the San Jose Airport had me on the road in short order. Gabriel Vasquez, the Enterprise Manager in Belen, CR was instrumental in writing an extended contract for for our car and getting us back on the road in very short order. I'M A VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER TO DATE!Cons: Nothing.
7.2 Good10 Nov 2019
Pros: The SUV we rented was great.Cons: The price we were quoted online was very deceiving. We were quoted a little over $100 online. However when we got to pick our vehicle up, even with the cheapest insurance, we paid well over $1000. The price needs to be more transparent when you book online. Once you arrive in a foreign country and need a car to get around, you really have no choice but to pay. Very disappointed that the amount quoted was so inaccurate.
5.2 Okay16 Mar 2019
Pros: Staff was greatCons: Our car was a total piece of junk. The rental was inexpensive but I had no idea we were signing of for what seemed like a 10 yr old beat up car.
10.0 Excellent12 Mar 2019
Pros: The staff is very kind and the vehicle is in good conditions.
2.4 Mediocre26 Feb 2019
Pros: Nothing, the service was awful.Cons: I originally booked a rental 4x4 in late November to pick up in San Jose, Costa Rica. When we arrived we were told that no other 4x4 rentals were available even though another family showed up after us, was helped after us and received a 4x4. Enterprise originally offered nothing except to refund
6.0 Good29 Nov 2018
Invalid InsuranceCons: We arrived at the airport only to find that the 3rd party insurance offered through Kayak was not accepted and was not usable. We purchased insurance through Enterprise and will be canceling the charges for the 3rd party insurance. Dont offer it to consumers if it is not valid in that country. It effected trip budgeting as the 3rd party was about $65 and at the desk through the company it was about $180
5.2 Okay17 Dec 2017
So soPros: The car reservation was for $31 but I needed up paying $40 a day for insurance. It was ridiculous. Not to mention I ended up stopping at a service station and they checked all my fluids just for me to find out that the brake fluid was extremely low (dangerously low). This was concerning considering I was driving through mountains and steep cliffs.
8.0 Excellent30 Jan 2017
Sticker shockPros: Had the reservation price tripled once the mandatory insurance was added on. It would be nice to see insurance prices listed on your website rather than being surprised first thing on arrival.
Avis
Locations in San José
1219 Hotel Crown Plaza Corobici+506 2296 0167
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Cruce San Antonio De Belen+506 2442 1321
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
San Jose Sabana Norte+506 2509 5980
| Monday | 13:30 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 13:30 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:30 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 13:30 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 13:30 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 13:30 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 13:30 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00 |
9.2 Excellent5 Jan 2020
Pros: Check in and check out were fastCons: Car could be in better condition ( probably it suffered a small crash in the previous rentals)
6.4 Good3 Feb 2019
Cons: AVIS added a mandatory fee for insurance that was equally high as the advertised rental price. It doesn't make much sense to advertise a price for a rental if it's not possible to rent the vehicle for that price or anything close to it.
4.0 Okay6 Jan 2019
Cons: Forced us to subscribe their expensive insurance despite having paid one online
4.8 Okay9 Jan 2017
Good car. Bad servicePros: Car was high quality. Comfortable.Cons: Extra charges. Bad service. Simply a ripoff
Dollar
Locations in San José
Carr John F.kennedy St, Centro+506 4052 2000
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
General Canas Hgy Nxt To Total+506 4052 2000
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
Juan Santamaria Intl Ap+506 2431 4865
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
Paseo Colon Ave, 36 & 38 St+506 4052 2000
| Monday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Sunday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
10.0 Excellent23 Jan 2021
Cons: Good service and reasonably priced. There are extras added to what kayak shows, but these are legitimate fees.
3.6 Mediocre30 Mar 2018
They will hit you with extra charges any way they can!Cons: We got stuck in traffic because of construction in Monteverde. It was beyond our control. They shut down the only street in or out for hours. We called Dollar Rental to let them know and they told us NOT TO WORRY and that we would NOT BE CHARGED EXTRA for running late as long as we got there before they closed at 11:30 PM. We got there at 10:30 PM and the guy that was checking us back in said, "Don't worry, you won't be charged extra for being a few hours late." However, when we went to pay, the guy at the front desk charged my credit card for an additional $60.51 for the few hours we were late. I told him that both the guy on the phone and the guy who checked us back in told us we would not be charged extra. He gave me a funny look and said, "Oops, they didn't tell me that and I already ran your card, so I can't reverse the charge now. You'll have to email corporate when you get back to the US and they will fix it for you." I emailed corporate over a week ago and never heard back from them. I will never be using Dollar Rental again.
4.8 Okay9 Jan 2018
Price gougedPros: No restrictions on where I could go with the car. Air conditioning worked. Offered WiFi device for $5/day, and that worked great.Cons: Reserved an automatic, but their computer didn’t show it, so I was forced to upgrade. Paid for insurance via Kayak, but told that was no good and that we were required to get additional insurance that cost more than $100. The shuttle to/from airport is slow, and we waited almost an hour to get to the airport after drop off. Car’s brakes stuck and needs new shocks.
2.0 Mediocre21 Apr 2017
Dollar is a dishonest company.Pros: Dollar lured my family in with a low price listed on the internet. BUT it was only an empty promise as they made us pay nearly twice that amount upon our arrival to pick up our reserved vehicle.Cons: My family paid in full online prior to my trip. We received a confirmation of both our payment and reservation. After arriving in our destination (Costa Rica) Dollar made us pay additional insurance and fees to obtain our car. With our young children in tow and after pleading with them for 2 hours we had to pay the additional money to drive away. A formal credit discard dispute has been filed. Stay away from this dishonest company.
7.2 Good29 Oct 2016
Misrepresented on KayakPros: Customer service at DollarCons: Kayak misrepresented the vehicle. I booked a vehicle that could fit 7 with insurance. When I got there I found out the vehicle only seated 5 and the insurance I paid for through Kayak wasn't even basic insurance for this country. Ended up paying 400 more than originally quoted!! Could have saved almost 200 going directly through Dollar.
National
Locations in San José
Avenue 18th+506 2242 7901
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Between 34th And 36th St Next+506 2242 7878
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Km 3 General Canas Highway+506 2242 7878
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
La Asuncion De Belen+506 2242 7878
| Monday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
San Jose Intl Airport+506 2242 7878
| Monday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 00:00 - 23:59 |
8.0 Excellent9 Aug 2019
Pros: Staff was friendly and helpful.Cons: The insurance prices are lower than most otehr companies, but still a rip off.
4.4 Okay16 Mar 2019
Pros: The staff was friendly and the shuttle was efficient.Cons: The suv I received was an old model with over 75k. The car I reserved was a “Jeep Wrangler or similar”. Certainly, I understand that the actual SUV will vary but I received was nothing even remotely comparable. A tiny, old Dahaitsu is just plain false advertising. They don’t even have any Jeeps!
2.0 Mediocre5 Jan 2018
Disappointed - bait and switchPros: Car and experience was fine, but....Cons: After all was stated very clearly on the confirmation.... The agent at the desk required that I add insurance or not be able to rent the car. Of course, my credit card covers insurance, and this was a shock and dismay (and an extra hundred dollars!). Foul!!!!!!
7.6 Good15 Feb 2017
Beware of the InsurancePros: The service was great, staff was helpful and prompt.Cons: It would have been nice to know the full price I'd be paying for a rental car before landing in this foreign country fully dependent on getting it. I felt very mislead by the pricing I was given in the reservation. In Costa Rica, insurance is required and this was never mentioned in the booking process. Therefore I ended up having to pay over $400 (with an extra $800 held) for the car I expected to rent for $83. I just thought that was very dishonest by the rental car company and the booking company.
2.0 Mediocre7 Jan 2017
did not have car readyCons: they did not have the car ready and told us to call within 4 hours. this delayed our trip and exhausted us. Instead of waiting, we decided to go to their site and there were a multitude of cars available. They claimed that they did not have cars available, because many people had not returned them from the day before. Customer service was slow and it lagged the promptness needed to get in and out. Also, if you prepay insurance from the US, it will not work. You are obligated to purchase their insurance. Our reservation was worthless.
2.0 Mediocre3 Jan 2017
Cons: When I came there was no SUV's. So I had to wait more 5 hours to get one.
Europcar
Locations in San José
Carretera Aeropuerto Internacional
Hotels Delivery And Collection+506 2519 9308
10.0 Excellent10 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!
4.0 Okay5 Jan 2021
Cons: The car was fine, but I left feeling like I was scammed. I had to pay for Liability insurance, which I was prepared for, but Europcar’s cost for this was twice as much as other rental places for no reason. And they wouldn’t accept my credit card’s CDW coverage (a first) and made me pay for that as well. Overall, it more than doubled the cost of the rental de me. A nasty surprise at the counter, but at that point, they know they’ve got you. Wouldn’t recommend to anyone.
7.6 Good16 Feb 2020
Pros: The staff is very nice and helpful. Taking the shuttle to the car rental was pretty easy.Cons: The insurance the is quoted by kayak versus what they charge at the car rental is much higher. We rented a car for one week for about 50 USD, which is very cheap, but the medium level for the insurance ran 450 USD.
5.2 Okay6 Jan 2020
Pros: The car.Cons: Transparency. I did everything possible to waive the insurance and I couldn’t. Even when I had a credit card with my own insurance this was not possible because I did not had the 30,000 usd limit in my credit card (it was not possible to understand this limitation through the webpage terms). Additionally the people form europcar put all the possible obstacles so that I could not waive the insurance. Finally I had to pay it. I felt scammed. It is sad the way you manage this business. I spend nearly 2.5 hours at your office to resolve the issue and finally I had to pay the insurance either way. I feel very disappointed.
4.4 Okay24 Sep 2019
Pros: Easy pick up and drop offCons: Getting quotes $43 for 9 days and getting to Europcar and being told that it will be $560 instead. Customer service rep also tried to trick us by including fuel service charge in our rental price by saying we get a free tank of fuel by paying full coverage. Bunch of worms really.
2.0 Mediocre26 Feb 2018
Horrible experiencePros: Free shuttle from airportCons: Horrible experience, car was not as described. We didn’t receive the Kia Sportage as advertised but rather a beat up 15 year old Tesoro which had no air conditioning and shocks. On top of that we were forced to purchase insurance which was almost as expensive as the car rental. We were not even allowed to purchase the insurance offered by kayak. They only accepted the insurance direct from their company. Absolutely horrible.
2.0 Mediocre7 May 2017
Cons: Charged for extra insurance even though I already purchased supplental insurance for the rental through the site. Car was old and struggled to go uphill.
8.4 Excellent30 Apr 2017
Pros: Friendly serviceCons: Poor service from internet portable device
Hertz![agency]()
3.3 Mediocre (10 reviews)
2 locations in San José
Hertz
Locations in San José
Juan Santamaria Intl Apto.+506 2221 1818
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
Paseo Colon & Calle 38 Street+506 2221 1818
| Monday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Sunday | 07:30 - 17:30 |
6.0 Good14 Jan 2018
Pros: Car was in good shapeCons: The reservation price didn't include a $30/day mandatory insurance fee that is required I'm Costa Rica. So, my quote was for $7xx, and total cost was actually $1100. AND, the guy at the ciunter was a total dick and kept trying to sell us on the optional insurance to make us pay EVEN MORE. UGH.
5.2 Okay9 Jun 2017
Bait and Switch with Hertz in San Jose Costa RicaCons: We were given a very good rate when we booked but when we showed up we not given an option of taking out additional insurance. We discussed at length- the entire process of renting the car took a very long time. They tried to charge me over $500. After much discussion they wouldn't let us take the car for an amount that was over 3x the quoted rate. We really needed to get going and the Hertz facility is away from the airport so reluctantly signed. The front desk employee was rude and found VERY small print to justify the increase in the rate. I will not use Hertz again at this location.
3.2 Mediocre10 Mar 2017
DissapointingPros: Not muchCons: The internet booking site was COMPLETELY mis-leading. It made no mention of the exorbitant insurance fees. It felt like fraud. I'm not sure I'll ever use Hertz again, especially in Costa Rica.
2.0 Mediocre26 Feb 2017
Never againPros: NothingCons: Car had over 100,000 miles no power and was charged almost triple my quoted rate because no one at booking says you will be asked to get Costa Rican insurance. So my $80 car was $230. Don't buy the third party insurance it's useless here in CR. More money lost. Not happy at all
2.0 Mediocre20 Feb 2017
Didn't have my car available despite reservationPros: nothingCons: They gave my car away. They literally had no automatic cars available the day I arrived at their location. I had to find another rental car company on the spot that day.
E-Z Rent-A-Car![E-Z Rent-A-Car]()
2 Mediocre (1 review)
1 location in San José
E-Z Rent-A-Car
Locations in San José
San Jose International Airport - Europcar+506 2440 9990
| Monday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
Sunnycars![Sunnycars]()
5 locations in San José
Sunnycars
Locations in San José
Avenue 18
General Canas Hwy 3KM
Mango Plaza 111, 1km North Of Juan
Paseo Colon 36-38
Station is on Airport grounds
Recent reviews
ADOBE
Locations 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
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
San Jose Downtown
Recent reviews
Sixt
Locations in San José
Calle 43, 50m sur del Bar Rio+506 4000 7498
| Monday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Edificio Galicia Avenida 39+506 4000 7498
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Frente Indoor Club Curridabat+506 4000 7498
| Monday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 08:30 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Oficentro Plaza aeropuerto C3+506 2431 3803
| Monday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
Recent reviews
Amigo Rent A Car![Amigo Rent A Car]()
3 locations in San José
Amigo Rent A Car
Locations in San José
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
| Monday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
San Jose Airport+506 2442 8585
| Monday | 04:30 - 23:59 |
| Tuesday | 04:30 - 23:59 |
| Wednesday | 04:30 - 23:59 |
| Thursday | 04:30 - 23:59 |
| Friday | 04:30 - 23:59 |
| Saturday | 04:30 - 23:59 |
| Sunday | 04:30 - 23:59 |
San Jose Downtown
Recent reviews
easyCar
Locations in San José
34th St., 16th Ave.
San Jose Intl Airport+506 2442 2422
Recent reviews
GREEN MOTION
Locations in San José
300 meters east from the Purdy Motor building in Paseo Colon San Jose
30th Street
Recent reviews
Mirage Car Rental![Mirage Car Rental]()
2 locations in San José
Mirage Car Rental
Locations in San José
San Jose Airport
Tobias Bolanos Airport (SYQ)
Recent reviews
NU Car
Locations in San José
Tobias Bolanos Airport+506 2255-2200
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
next to the Ambassador Hotel+506 2255 2000
| Monday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
Recent reviews
Ace
Locations in San José
Between Street 30 and 32+506 2105 3460
| Monday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00 - 17:00 |
Recent reviews
Apex
Locations in San José
Juan Santa Maria Intl Apo
Recent reviews
Discount Service Car Rental![Discount Service Car Rental]()
1 location in San José
Discount Service Car Rental
Locations in San José
La Uruca 5 Blocks West From Hospital Mexico5-062-294-2354
Recent reviews
Firefly![Firefly]()
1 location in San José
Firefly
Locations in San José
Rio Segundo+506 2443 4645
| Monday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Tuesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Wednesday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Thursday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Friday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Saturday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
| Sunday | 05:00 - 23:45 |
Recent reviews
FlexWays![FlexWays]()
1 location in San José
FlexWays
Locations in San José
Dr R.A. Grillo, Coca Cola+54 11 6009 3539
| Monday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 06:00 - 23:00 |
Recent reviews
keddy by Europcar
Locations in San José
Delivery And Collection Serviceonly
Recent reviews
L&M Car Rental![L&M Car Rental]()
1 location in San José
L&M Car Rental
Locations in San José
North Of The Sabana Park
Recent reviews
Payless
Locations in San José
Paseo Colon+506 2256 0101
| Monday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Tuesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Wednesday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Thursday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Friday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Saturday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Sunday | 07:00 - 17:30 |
Recent reviews
Target Car Rental![Target Car Rental]()
1 location in San José
Target Car Rental
Locations in San José
Tobias Bolanos Airport (SYQ)
Recent reviews
U-Save![U-Save]()
1 location in San José
U-Save
Locations in San José
Rio Segundo+506 2430 4648
Recent reviews
342 travellers who hired a car in San José gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.8
Car hire locations in or near San José
When to book a car hire in San José
Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches
Top tips for renting a car in San José
- When visiting Costa Rica you won’t want to miss some of its most scenic destinations like its waterfalls, forests, and volcanoes. Renting a car will let you be able to travel to some of the best hidden gems that are far off the beaten path. Additionally, you can drive to some of San Jose’s most popular tourist attractions like the San Jose Central Market or the Precolumbian Gold Museum.
- San Jose International Airport serves San Jose and many other cities in and around central Costa Rica. When flying into this airport, you’ll find many car hire agencies just outside of the international flight arrival hall. Some of the agencies located here include Alamo, Avis, and Economy.
- You won’t need an international driver’s license to legally drive in Costa Rica. All you’ll need is a pictured license from your country. If you are driving through rural areas, you’ll have to contend with dirt roads and lots of potholes. Note that, when it rains, the streets can get even worse -- possibly resulting in washouts -- so always be on the alert in rainstorms.
- San Jose is a lively city with a large population, so traffic can get heavy at times. This is especially true during the peak hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. during the morning commute, and in the evening from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. To avoid getting caught in a traffic jam, you should plan your travel around these times.
- 25% of our users found a car hire in San José for £17 or less
- Book your car hire in San José at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy car hires in San José are around 64% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about car rentals in San José
Some car hire companies in San José which have updated their car rental health and safety policies due to COVID-19 to make sure vehicles are clean and disinfected include Alamo, Thrifty and Europcar
On average a hire car in San José costs £23 per day.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Europcar (£17/day), Amigo Rent A Car (£29/day) and easyCar (£33/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at easyCar San Jose Intl Airport 11111 (9 miles from the city centre).
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in San José are Alamo (6.7, 242 reviews), and Budget (6.2, 93 reviews).
The average price of fuel in San José is £3.17 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £38 and £51, depending on the car size.
Standard (Kia Sportage or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San José.
Car hire companies onsite at Juan Santamaria Intl airport include Alamo, Thrifty, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise, easyCar, Dollar, Sixt, Avis and Economy Rent a Car.
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Juan Santamaria Intl airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Thrifty, Europcar, GREEN MOTION, MEXRENTACAR, Budget, Enterprise, Ace, easyCar and Dollar.
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
A Standard car hire in San José costs £22 per day, on average.
A Mini car hire in San José costs £24 per day, on average.
A Economy car hire in San José costs £28 per day, on average.
In San José, cars are most frequently hired at Thrifty Juan Santamaria Intl Apo (9 miles from city centre).
On average hiring a car in San José costs £162 per week (£23 per day).
On average a car hire in San José costs £696 per month (£23 per day).
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.
When you’re at the pump in San Jose, you’ll pay a little over $4/gallon (or 637 colones). This is a lot lower on average than in other countries and areas in Central America. San Jose also has only full-service petrol stations, so you won’t have to worry about pumping your own gas.
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 hire car. One popular area for parking is around the Central Market. If staying downtown, you might also get free parking at your hotel.