Thinking about taking a road trip to Costa Rica? I got you covered!
I took a road trip throughout Costa Rica in February, going from San Jose to Monteverde, Arenal, Manuel Antonio and back.
I did this trip solo in collaboration with Vamos Rent-A-Car, let’s discuss!
Should you rent a car in Costa Rica?
Short answer: yes.
Transportation options are limited and renting a car is your best option for getting around outside of Metropolitan centers, which is where all the good stuff is. Someone joked it’s a 3-mile hike to get to any attraction in the country.
While the cities are wonderful to explore in their own right, there’s something to be said for enjoying the beautiful nature Costa Rica is known for.
Having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop whenever you want, and access places that tours or shuttles don’t always reach.
Is it safe to rent a car in Costa Rica?
It is generally safe to rent a car in Costa Rica, especially if you go with a reputable company.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved, especially in more rural areas or mountainous areas.
You’re going to want a vehicle that allows you to navigate all types of roads with ease. I had a Subaru SUV. This also allowed me to park in creative spaces as needed.
Driving at night is not recommended due to limited lighting and unexpected road conditions. Plan your big chunks of driving during the day and allow yourself a 2-hour buffer or so.
Always keep your belongings out of sight when parked.
Overall, if you stay alert and drive cautiously, you’ll be just fine.
Do you need an international driver’s license in Costa Rica?
If you’re visiting from the United States, Canada, or most European countries, you typically do not need an international driver’s license. Your valid home country license is usually sufficient for short-term stays.
However, always double-check requirements based on your country before traveling.
Which rental car agency should you choose in Costa Rica?
There are several rental companies in Costa Rica, but working with a reliable and transparent provider makes all the difference.
Look for clear pricing, good customer service, flexible deposit options, and well-maintained vehicles. Vamos Rent-A-Car checks all these boxes.
From the moment I arrived, they had someone greet me in the airport.
They did a safety check of the vehicle, showing me the spare tire and any emergency supplies they packed.
They provided me with a physical map, complimentary bottles of water (plus a fountain to fill up your own bottle in the rental shop), and a bag full of chargers and a device to hold my phone while driving.
Vamos stood out because they went above and beyond, which made the whole process smooth and stress free.
And the best part? They’re a locally owned company.
Where are the Vamos Rent-A-Car locations?
Vamos operated out of San José International Airport and Liberia International Airport.
They provide shuttle service to and from the airport, and wait for you just outside the terminal with a placard.
I flew into San Jose, and the process from walking out of the airport to driving away in my rental car took about 30 minutes total. It was highly efficient, and you drop the car off in the same location to go back to the airport at the end of your trip.
What amenities does Vamos Rent-A-Car provide?
Here are some of the amenities that made the experience even better:
- Up to 3 drivers free of charge
- Free local phone with navigation apps and the ability to make local phone calls
- Free cooler
- Free 24-7 nationwide roadside assistance
Everything felt well-organized and my vehicle was brand new.
How much is the Vamos Rent-A-Car security deposit?
There are two main types of insurance you need to know about:
Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL)
This is mandatory by law in Costa Rica. It covers damage or injury to other people, vehicles, or property. This is always included in your rental cost. There’s no way around it and is between $10-20 a day, depending on the vehicle.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
This covers damage to your rental car. This is technically optional, but if you decline it or opt to use the CDW on your travel credit card, you’ll usually pay a much higher deposit (multiple four-figures). You may also need a proof from your insurance coverage that explicitly states rentals in the country are covered.
This is one of the most important (and often confusing) parts of renting a car in Costa Rica.
Note, insurance is only accepted when backed by a bank, so if you purchase insurance from a company like Expedia or Allianz, it won’t work in Costa Rica and you’ll waste your money.
Many rental companies require very high security deposits, sometimes $2,500 or more depending on the insurance coverage you choose.
Vamos Rent-A-Car has one of the lowest deposit options in the country, charging just $100 with full CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) coverage and $750 with partial CDW coverage.
This flexibility is a huge advantage, especially if you don’t want a massive hold on your credit card during your trip.
The deposit is placed on your credit card at pickup and released after you return the car in good condition. Just make sure you have enough available credit before arrival.
Click here to book your trip with Vamos.
Tips for planning your Costa Rica road trip
Before Your Trip
- Book your rental car in advance (especially during peak season)
- Choose an automatic transmission if you’re not comfortable driving a manual. Note that manual cars are more common and cheaper, but automatics sell out quickly
- Review insurance options carefully so you know exactly what you’re paying for
- Opt for an SUV with four wheel drive if needed
During Your Trip
- Use Waze for navigation. It’s the most reliable app in Costa Rica for real-time road conditions and directions
- Avoid driving at night when possible
- Note that you won’t be pouring your own gas, the attendants at the gas stations do so for you
After Your Trip
- Inspect the car with the rental company at drop-off
- Confirm your security deposit refund timeline
- Keep your paperwork until the deposit is fully released
My Vamos Rent-A-Car review
A road trip through Costa Rica is one of the best ways to experience the country. From the cloud forests of Monteverde to the volcanic landscapes of Arenal and the beaches of Manuel Antonio, every stop offers something unforgettable.
Renting a car gave me the flexibility to explore on my own terms and honestly, it made the entire trip that much more special.
If you’re considering it, go for it, and rent with Vamos. You won’t regret it.
Click here to book your trip with Vamos.
Till next time, safe travels!
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