San José car hires from $40

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in San José with a pick-up date of 30/3 and drop-off date of 9/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in San José

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Hyundai Accent car
Hyundai Accent
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
M
$40/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
M
$42/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
2/4
M
$114/day
Nissan X-Trail car
Nissan X-Trail
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
M
$77/day
Hyundai H-1 car
Hyundai H-1
or similar VAN
5
2
4-5
M
$105/day
Toyota Hilux car
Toyota Hilux
or similar PICKUPTRUCK
5
2
2/4
M
$120/day
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado car
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
M
$128/day
Ford EcoSport car
Ford EcoSport
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
M
$45/day
Nissan X-Trail car
Nissan X-Trail
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
M
$71/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
M
$109/day
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

San José car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in San José 
JoseDec 2024
if going to mountain area, an SUV is a must. a lot of hills which make ot harder on a small vehicle.
Grant's ArtFeb 2024
Good price for rental and insurance, also the truck we rented was perfect, only negative would be customer service desk was not very polite and had a get tf out of my face attitude when picking up and drop off They will also give you a hassle if the gasoline/ diesel gauge doesn’t say absolutely full, we filled it all the way up and there was maybe half a sliver off and they still charged us $20 other then that we had a great experience with this company just make sure you cover your butt with any car rental company in CR and you’ll be fine!!
Verified travelerMay 2023
Be on your toes driving in the city. Its not that difficult, but there are a lot of twists and turns and can be a little confusing. Download the area in Google maps first just in case.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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 $19 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 hire cars in San José are around 63% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about hiring a car in San José

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in San José?

    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.

  • What’s the speed limit in San José?

    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.

  • Where are the best places to park in San José?

    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.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in San José?

    On average a car hire in San José costs $20 per day.

  • What is the cheapest car hire company in San José?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Economy Rent a Car ($40/day), U-Save ($77/day) and Alamo ($109/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Economy Rent a Car Tobias Bolanos International Airport 1081-1007 (5 kilometres from the city centre).

  • How much is the price of fuel in San José?

    The average price of fuel in San José is $8.18 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between $98 and $131, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in San José?

    Economy (Suzuki Jimny or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San José.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at Juan Santamaria Intl airport (SJO)?

    The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Juan Santamaria Intl airport to off-airport locations is NU Car.

  • How can I find car hires near me in San José?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in San José?

    An Economy car hire in San José costs $36 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in San José?

    A Compact car hire in San José costs $25 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in San José?

    A Standard car hire in San José costs $111 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular car hire location in San José?

    In San José, cars are most frequently hired at Priceless Street Ernesto Moreno (15 km from city centre ).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in San José?

    On average a car hire in San José costs $141 per week ($20 per day).

  • How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in San José?

    On average a car hire in San José costs $604 per month ($20 per day).

See more FAQs

San José car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Alamo

7.5

Good

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.4

5 locations in San José

Show locations

Locations in San José

Avenue 18

+506 2242 7733

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio

+506 2220 2034

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Paseo Colon

+506 2221 4700

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Plaza Irazu Robledal

+506 2242 7733

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

San José Province, San José, Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

+506 2221 4700

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.1

Value for money

5.1

2 locations in San José

Show locations

Locations in San José

Juan Santa Maria Intl Apo

+506 2436 2010

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Paseo Colon

+506 2436 2015

Monday07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday07:00 - 17:00
Thursday07:00 - 17:00
Friday07:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, June 2024

SUV

KAYAK
Personnel at San Jose office was rude! He was upselling the car insurance which I told him isn’t necessary as we have coverage through Chase Sapphire Reserve which is the credit card I used to book reservations. He was unhappy that we declined the insurance and was very rude from then on. It was a real sad first impression of Costa Rica citizens.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, June 2023

SUV

KAYAK
Only real thing I liked was how close it was to the airport and there being a shuttle. Otherwise, the first challenge was the insurance up sale. I purchased insurance during booking but then still had to purchase more insurance upon arrival. The first car I rented had such a small engine we had to return it. Then the second SUV was quite dirty and we could not connect the phone to it and while figuring that out the battery died. So, on the spot they had to replace the battery. Grateful they did then but imagine if we had drove off into the 4 hours drive ahead of us without a new battery? Basically, super mediocre if not sub par service.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
Be prepared to be taken advantage of. No matter if you have extremely good insurance through your credit card company these guys will try their absolute hardest to force the company insurance on you for an extra $40 a day. Windshield got cracked by a rock on the road and they took $1100 out of the $3000 deposit, $1100 to replace a windshield?? Get real. To top it all off they charged me $120 American to fill half the tank upon return. It’s standard practice with rental agencies to have an increased gas fee if they have to fill it upon return. But this is on a different level, not to mention I know this guy was just making up numbers in his head as I was able to haggle the price down to $120. He also insisted I pay him in USD with no explanation and eventually took payment in colones. Sketchy business practices at this establishment, beware.

10.0 Wonderful

Matt, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was excellent

Cons:

Would have liked a better explanation of the insurance coverage and not a hard sell.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

They refused to give back my deposit despite the trip. Ring cancelled due to Covid-19 A disgrace

4.8 Mediocre

Jerry, Mar 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Don’t use this car rental. A lot of hidden fees. They are crooks.

1 out of 7

Economy Rent a Car

4.5

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

5.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

Value for money

4.0

4 locations in San José

Show locations

Locations in San José

Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport

+506 2299 2000

Opening times not available

Las Americas Blvd

Opening times not available

North Sabana Next To The Nissan Dealer

+506 2299 2000

Opening times not available

Tobias Bolanos International Airport

+506 2299 2000

Opening times not available

Filters

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Reviews

6.0 Okay

Joshua, June 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
Pickup and drop off went well. The car itself needed maintenance, the brakes were worn out, wobbled the vehicle when braking hard, which was critical down the many many hills. The car also shivered over 100kmh. Had about 50k miles on it, but given the roads in Costa Rica those were hard miles.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Worst value. Clearly has no concept of customer service or friendliness. Exceedingly overpriced.

8.0 Very Good

Cristina, May 2021

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

Pros:

I never picked up the car? I asked for it to be canceled

Cons:

Cancelation of the car rental like the email said would happen

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The extra charges for insurance were NOT transparent and more than doubled the cost of the rental

Cons:

See above

2.0 Poor

david, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

NOTHING

Cons:

EVERYTHING THESE PEOPLE ARE RIP OFF ARRISTS

1 out of 10

Europcar

4.2

Best rated

Cleanliness

4.9

Comfort

4.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.1

Value for money

3.9

3 locations in San José

Show locations

Locations in San José

Carretera Aeropuerto Internacional

Opening times not available

Hotels Delivery And Collection

+506 2519 9308

Monday09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday09:00 - 16:00
Thursday09:00 - 16:00
Friday09:00 - 16:00
Saturday09:00 - 16:00
Sunday09:00 - 16:00

Paseo Colon Centro De San Jose

Opening times not available

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, June 2024

Economy

KAYAK
They were not honest and tried to rip me off, I was charged for a rental that I booked online and was told that they didn't charge me and ultimately did not get Rental from them.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Everything they thought cause I was a female alone they could get over on me.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
First car had a broken side mirror, so was given another car. Nicer car but rear wiper didn’t work, which was an issue when it was raining.

2.0 Poor

Allison, May 2021

KAYAK

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

KAYAK

Cons:

Didnt have our reservation. Had to wait for hours.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was super friendly!

Cons:

The advertised price is not what you end up paying when the mandatory insurance is added on. BEWARE!

1 out of 11

Hertz

Cleanliness

3.8

Comfort

3.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.9

Value for money

3.2

One location in San José

Show locations

Locations in San José

Paseo Colon (pizza Hut)

+506 4036 7421

Monday07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday07:00 - 17:00
Thursday07:00 - 17:00
Friday07:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Awesome service at the desk and very quick pick up, they even said yes when I asked to pick up the car 2 hours earlier that scheduled. Drop off was equally fast. Best of all, other rent-a-cars were asking for a 3-day minimum rent, because it was Holy Week. Hertz didn't had any issue in me renting the car for just 1 day.

1 out of 1

National

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

6 locations in San José

Show locations

Locations in San José

Avenue 18th

+506 2242 7901

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio

+506 2220 2034

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Km 3 General Canas Highway

+506 2242 7878

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

La Asuncion De Belen

+506 2242 7878

Monday00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 23:59
Friday00:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 23:59

Paseo Colon

+506 2242 7878

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

San José Province, San José, Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

+506 2221 4700

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sixt

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

3 locations in San José

Locations in San José

Calle 43, 50m sur del Bar Rio

+506 4000 7498

Monday08:30 - 17:30
Tuesday08:30 - 17:30
Wednesday08:30 - 17:30
Thursday08:30 - 17:30
Friday08:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 16:00

Edificio Galicia Avenida 39

+506 4000 7498

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Frente Indoor Club Curridabat

+506 4000 7498

Monday08:30 - 17:30
Tuesday08:30 - 17:30
Wednesday08:30 - 17:30
Thursday08:30 - 17:30
Friday08:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

8.6

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

7.6

4 locations in San José

Locations in San José

Carr John F.kennedy St, Centro

+506 4052 2000

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday07:30 - 17:30

General Canas Hgy Nxt To Total

+506 4052 2000

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Juan Santamaria Intl Ap

+506 2431 4865

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Paseo Colon Ave, 36 & 38 St

+506 4052 2000

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday07:30 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jose, Dec 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
I paid for insurance but i am not sure the insurance information provided was correct. I am told by my credit card company that the car insurance on rental vehicles is included as a feature on my credit card. Dollar car rental at Costa Rica airport was not accepting the insurance from my credit card.

10.0 Wonderful

Thomas, July 2024

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
The best staff. Very helpful and friendly Especially Henry

10.0 Wonderful

Doug, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Good service and reasonably priced. There are extras added to what kayak shows, but these are legitimate fees.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.4

Very Good

Cleanliness

9.1

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.1

5 locations in San José

Locations in San José

Avenue 18th, Between 11th

+506 2242 7901

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Hotel Barcelo San Jose Palacio

+506 2220 2034

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

La Asuncion De Belen

+506 2242 7800

Monday00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday00:00 - 23:59
Thursday00:00 - 23:59
Friday00:00 - 23:59
Saturday00:00 - 23:59
Sunday00:00 - 23:59

Paseo Colon

+506 2242 7800

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Plaza Irazu, Robledal

+506 2242 7800

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

6.4

3 locations in San José

Locations in San José

Centro Comercial Guachipelin

+506 4052 5210

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday07:30 - 17:30

Juan Santamaria Intl Apo

+506 4052 5210

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Paseo Colon, Calle 36-38

+506 4052 5210

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Filters

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Luxury SUV

KAYAK
Scam artists in disguise. Original quote was for less than $400, after 30 minutes, they would not let us leave the lot until we agreed to all sorts of expensive coverage, totally $860

5.6 Fair

Anonymous, Mar