Rent your vehicle andenjoy your adventure
Looking for the right car rental services in Costa Rica?
Our goal is to provide an outstanding car rental service in costa rica with EXCELLENT RATES AND A FLEET OF WELL-MAINTAINED , MODERN CARS. All of this combined with the best customer service you deserve. We treat our clients the way we would like to be treated: appreciated , respected , with honesty and transparency. Customer is always #1.
We understand that car rental services in Costa Rica may be confusing sometimes when it comes to insurance, additional services and fees. We simplify all of this and provide a transparent quote including all necessary insurances and services in our rates, this way we guarantee your car rental experience in Costa Rica will be a pleasant one.
Car rental services Included at no addtional cost:
Express SJO & LIR Airport pick-up & return.
Additional Driver
24 Hour Road Service
Unlimited Mileage
Cooler
Free Child Seat
Costa Rica Map
No hidden fees whatsoever
Frequently asked questions
Rental Car Requirements
- Must be 25 years of age or older.
- Young drivers are accepted (21 yrs old – 24 yrs old) with an additional fee of $8 per day. Full Collision Damage Waiver is not applicable if there are any drivers under 25 yrs old and the deductible for damages would be $2000.
- Must have and present a valid travel passport and current driver’s license from any country.
- Passport with entry stamp to Costa Rica within 90 days of date of entry.
- Credit card deposit at the time of rental.
- Minimum rental of 4 days.
What’s included in your rate?
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Every Sun Valley rental includes:
- Third-party liability insurance (mandatory in Costa Rica)
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with $1,000 deductible
- Free second driver
- Cooler and one booster seat
- Airport pickup and return
- There are no hidden fees - our pricing is clear and all inclusive.
Quotes
- All quotes are in USD.
- Car rental quotes are all inclusive, no hidden or additional fees will be added at vehicle pick-up.
- Quotes generated from our website or sent via email or Whatsapp have a validation period of 5 days from the moment it is sent as rates could increase due to availability.
- Availability and rates would depend on when we receive confirmation from customer with the required information to proceed with the reservation.
How much is the security Deposit?
- The amount of your rental deposit will vary depending on the selected coverage.
- Third party liability (TPL) only: $2000 Credit Card Deposit
- TPL + Basic Collision Damage Waiver: $750 Credit Card Deposit
- TPL + Full Collision Damage Waiver: $400 Credit Card Deposit
Debit Cards
- Debit cards are accepted for both the rental payment and the security deposit. Please note that when using a debit card for the security deposit, even though we release the funds on the same day the vehicle is returned, your bank may take between 7 to 21 days to process the release. This delay is due to the way banks handle debit card transactions compared to credit card transactions.
- The security deposit amount with a debit card is :
- $1,000 if you select Basic CDW
- $400 if you select Full CDW
Car Rental Policies
- The year-round minimum rental period is 4 days; however during the three week period of Peak Season (Dec 15th – Jan 10th), the minimum rental period is 10 days.
- Any modifications to a reservation may affect the final rate.
- Car rental rates are based on 24-hour increments. We offer a 2-hour “grace” period from the scheduled return time subject to approval and depending on availability. If the vehicle is returned 2 hours after the agreed return time, then the equivalent of 1 rental day will be charged.
- Cancellations or changes to a reservation must be received at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled rental start date.
- If the renter decides not to take the car at the time of rental, the equivalent of a 1-day rental fee, plus any additional fees (if applicable), will be billed.
Minimum Age Requirement
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of one year of driving experience to rent a vehicle. Drivers aged 21 to 24 are subject to an additional $8 per day underage fee, and please note that Full Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is not available for this age group.
Car Rental Insurance
- Third Party Liability coverage: This is a mandatory coverage in Costa Rica, no vehicle can be rented without this coverage.
- Basic Collision Damage Waiver: This coverage protects the rental vehicle itself. Max deductible of $1,000-$1,500 in case damages or theft, except in the case of negligence.
- Full Collision Damage Waiver: $0 deductible in case damages or theft occurs (except in the case of negligence). Not available if there are any drivers under 25 yrs old in the rental agreement.
- We accept Credit Card coverage for Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with written proof from your provider. The letter must include the cardholder’s name, the last four digits of the card used for payment and deposit, and confirmation of coverage in Costa Rica. If you have this benefit, you can decline our CDW coverage.
Can I decline CDW insurance if my credit card offers coverage?
- We do accept credit card coverage for the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) if you provide written proof from your credit card company confirming that your policy covers rental cars in Costa Rica. However, please note that this does not replace the mandatory third-party liability insurance, which is required by Costa Rican law and must be included in all rentals.
- If you plan to use your credit card’s CDW coverage, just let us know in advance and bring the appropriate documentation at pickup.
Pick-up and Drop-off
- We will deliver the vehicle directly at SJO airport, no shuttle needed or waiting time. One of our team members will be waiting for your at the airport exit and take you to your rental car. You’ll be on the road within minutes.
- Vehicle delivery is FREE for Hotels or Airbnbs within 6km of SJO airport.
- Rental vehicles can also be delivered to any location within Costa Rica. Separate delivery and return fees may apply
- We offer a 2-hour “grace” period from the scheduled return time subject to approval and depending on availability. If the vehicle is returned 2 hours after the agreed return time, then the equivalent of 1 rental day will be charged.
Can I pick-up or return the car to a different location?
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Yes, we can arrange for vehicle pickup or drop-off at different cities or airports for an additional fee, depending on distance and availability. Please contact us in advance to coordinate the details.
Can I rent a car before or after office hours?
- Most definetly, our regular office hours is 8am – 8pm but if you need your rental car at different times, we are able to do so, an additional fee might apply depending on the time and will be added to your quote agreed before your arrival.
Car Rental Driving Restrictions
- You may drive our vehicles within Costa Rica without restrictions, but you cannot drive our vehicles outside of Costa Rica.
- Reckless driving, driving on roads in poor condition, and/or driving in or, through rivers, estuaries, and/or beaches will void any insurance coverage and customer will be held 100% responsible for damages.
Additional Drivers
- You may have up to one additional driver free of charge. Name, ID and a signature must be placed in the rental agreement.
- 3rd driver has an additonal fee of $5 per day
Is a credit card required to book a rental?
- Yes, a valid credit card in the primary driver’s name is required to book and hold your reservation. This is also used for the security deposit, which is fully refundable when the vehicle is returned in the agreed condition.
- We accept most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
- Debit cards may also be accepted with prior authorization — please contact us in advance to confirm eligibility and processing requirements.
How will I find you at the airport when I arrive?
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As soon as your flight lands, we’ll reach out to you via WhatsApp to stay connected. One of our friendly team members will be waiting for you just outside the airport, in front of Malinche Restaurant, holding a sign with your name for easy recognition. From there, you’ll be walked directly to your rental vehicle, which will be ready and waiting in the airport parking lot — no shuttle needed. We’ll go over the vehicle with you, answer any questions, and even share a few local tips. You’ll be on the road and starting your Costa Rican adventure within minutes — no lines, no waiting!
Car Seats In Costa Rica
- By law in Costa Rica, car seats or booster seats are mandatory for children 12 and under, up to 57 inches/145 cm or 79 pounds/36 kg. As part of our free perks to our customers, we provide ONE free car seat. Additional car seats are $3 per day
- Infants up to one year (up to 28.5 pounds/13 kg or 29.5 inches/75 cm) – Rear facing
- Babies and children ages 1-4 (20-40 pounds/9-18 kg or up to 43 inches/110 cm) – Front facing
- Children ages 4-6 (33-55 pounds/15-25 kg or up to 57 inches/145 cm) – Booster seat with a back.
- Children ages 6-12 (48.5-79 pounds/22-36 kg or up to 57 inches/145 cm) – Booster seat without a back.
Mileage and Gasoline
- Unlimited mileage is included with your rental.
- Rental vehicle must be returned with the same level of fuel as indicated in the rental agreement, otherwise additional fees will apply for missing fuel. All of our cars use premium gasoline.
Do I need to pay the full rental amount upfront?
- We only require a deposit to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance is due at vehicle pickup. You can pay with credit card, debit card, or cash (USD) at that time. If you prefer to pay the full amount in advance, we’re happy to accommodate.
Smoking in Your Rental Car
- Smoking is prohibited in our vehicles, in the event the vehicle returns smelling of cigarettes or smoke, or we find cigarrett buds, a $150 fine will be billed on customers credit card.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
- Yes, we definitely recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance, especially during high season when spots fill up quickly. When making your reservation, you don’t need the vehicle’s license plate number — simply enter “Rental Car” and proceed with your booking. Easy and hassle-free!
Do I need to clean the vehicle before returning it?
- No need to wash or detail the vehicle before returning it — we just kindly ask that you shake off excess sand and place any trash in a bag. However, please note that excessive dirt, mud, or sand may result in a cleaning fee ranging from $20 to $100, depending on the level of cleaning required.
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Costa Rica?
- No, an international driver’s license is not required to drive in Costa Rica. Your valid driver’s license from your home country is fully accepted. The only exception is if your license is not written in Latin script (e.g., Cyrillic, Mandarin, etc.) — in that case, you’ll need to carry an international driver’s permit alongside your original license.
How do I pay tolls in Costa Rica?
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Toll roads are common along major highways in Costa Rica, especially between San José and the Pacific coast. Tolls typically cost between ₡450 and ₡950 colones (approximately $1–$2 USD). Be sure to carry small bills, as not all toll stations accept credit cards.
To make travel easier, Sun Valley Rent A Car offers an optional QuickPass device for electronic toll payment. With QuickPass, you can skip the cash lines and cruise through dedicated electronic lanes — saving you time and making your drive more relaxed and hassle-free.
What insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica law requires all rental vehicles to include third-party liability insurance, which covers damages or injuries to others. This cannot be waived, even if you have credit card insurance. We also include basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) in every rental, which covers damage to the rental vehicle up to a deductible.
Can I drive on the beach or through rivers?
- We strongly advise against driving on the beach or through rivers, as it’s prohibited in many areas, can damage the vehicle, and may void your insurance coverage. Even shallow-looking riverbeds can shift quickly due to rain and become dangerous. Stick to marked roads and ask us for local driving advice if you’re unsure.
Are all your vehicles 4x4?
- Yes. At Sun Valley Rent A Car, we specialize exclusively in 4x4 SUVs — ideal for exploring Costa Rica’s varied terrain. Whether you're heading to the beach, the rainforest, or the mountains, you'll have the clearance, traction, and confidence to drive anywhere.
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?
- Yes — driving in Costa Rica is generally safe, especially if you’re prepared. Main roads and highways are well-maintained, but rural areas may include unpaved roads and steep hills. Drive cautiously, especially at night, and avoid unfamiliar off-road areas unless you're experienced. With an SUV , you'll have the traction and clearance needed to drive confidently across the country.
How are the road conditions in rural areas?
- Road conditions can vary greatly. In rural and coastal areas, it’s common to encounter:
- Potholes
- Gravel or dirt roads
- Narrow bridges with single-lane access
- A 4x4 SUV is highly recommended for destinations like Monteverde, Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Río Celeste.
What should I do if I get a flat tire or break down?
- All of our 4x4 SUVs come equipped with spare tires, tools, and basic roadside gear. In the event of a breakdown or flat:
- Pull over in a safe spot
- Turn on hazard lights
- Call our 24/7 support line included in your rental agreement
- We’ll send help or guide you through the next steps depending on your location.
Do I need GPS, or is my phone enough?
- Your smartphone works well in most areas using Google Maps or Waze. However, signal can be unreliable in rural regions like the Nicoya Peninsula or highlands.
- To make navigation even easier, all of our vehicles are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your phone and use your favorite apps directly through the dashboard.
- We also recommend downloading offline maps ahead of time (via Google Maps or Waze) as a backup. Our team is happy to provide local directions and road tips when you pick up your SUV.