the two companies we actually trust
Renting a car in Costa Rica
A rental car is the best way to see Costa Rica. You get to hit the beaches, parks and back roads on your own schedule. The catch is that renting here can be confusing, with surprise fees and insurance that never seems to match the quote. We’ve rented more times than we can count, and these are the only two companies we send friends to.
our #1 pick
Adobe Rent A Car
Adobe is who we booked with before we bought our own car, and who we still recommend. Pricing is upfront, there are no hidden fees, insurance is spelled out clearly at checkout, and the cars are well kept. They have offices at both international airports (San José SJO and Liberia LIR) plus most of the big destinations.
We’ve arranged a discount off Adobe’s public rate when you book with the form below. It usually runs 5 to 15% off depending on the season, and it’s always lower than the advertised price. Pop in your dates for a free, no-commitment quote.
Why we recommend Adobe
- No hidden fees or surprise charges at the counter
- Basic insurance included in the upfront quote
- Well-maintained, newer cars
- Friendly service in English and Spanish
only through our contact
Economy Rent A Car
Want a second quote? We rented from Economy for years without major issues, but we’ve heard enough complaints about their standard booking that we only recommend going through our personal contact, Stanley. He’s reliable, quick, and sets up a lot of our own rentals.
before you book
Read this first
Rental insurance in Costa Rica trips up almost everyone. Our full guide covers the mandatory coverage, what your credit card does and doesn’t handle, 4×4 vs. sedan, and what to check at pickup.
