Car Rental in San Jose - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in San Jose, Costa Rica offers excellent flexibility for exploring beyond the capital, particularly for visiting national parks, beach towns, and the scenic countryside where public transportation is limited. However, it's generally not recommended for staying within San Jose itself – the city center suffers from heavy traffic congestion, confusing one-way street systems, and limited parking. Costa Rica drives on the right side of the road, which is familiar for North American visitors. Road conditions vary significantly: main highways connecting major tourist destinations are typically well-maintained, while rural and mountain roads can be challenging with potholes, unpaved sections, and steep grades requiring 4WD vehicles during rainy season. GPS navigation is essential as road signage can be inconsistent outside urban areas. Best scenarios for rental cars include multi-destination road trips, visiting remote beaches on the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, and accessing cloud forests or volcano areas. Skip the rental if you're staying primarily in San Jose or visiting destinations well-served by shuttle services. Be prepared for aggressive local driving styles and always purchase full insurance coverage, as minor accidents are common on challenging terrain.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for San Jose specifically. Generally recommended for non-US visitors - obtain from your home country before travel and verify current requirements with rental agencies.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old. Young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25. Verify age requirements with your chosen rental company.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. US licenses are accepted; international visitors should verify acceptance rules with rental agencies for their specific country.

Credit Card

A major credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposits. Debit cards may not be accepted by all agencies. Check current deposit amounts with rental companies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is often included, but additional coverage options are available. Review what your personal auto insurance or credit card covers before purchasing extra protection.

Additional Documentation

Passport or government-issued ID may be required. International visitors should bring all travel documents. Confirm specific documentation requirements when booking.

Renting at San Jose's airport typically offers more international brand options and convenience for immediate travel, while city locations may provide competitive rates - compare options through booking platforms for current availability and pricing.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the fuel level matches the rental agreement, and confirm you have emergency contact numbers and roadside assistance information.

Consider renting a GPS device or ensuring your phone has offline maps downloaded, as cellular coverage can vary in certain areas - familiarize yourself with major highway numbers and landmarks before departing the rental location.

Clarify the fuel policy (full-to-full is typically most economical) and note nearby gas stations to the return location; research parking options at your destinations in advance as availability and costs vary significantly by area.

Allow extra time for your return, especially at airport locations where you'll need to refuel nearby and navigate to the rental return area - take photos of the odometer, fuel gauge, and vehicle condition as your final documentation.

San Jose experiences heavy traffic congestion during morning (7-9 AM) and evening (4-7 PM) rush hours, particularly on major routes like Highway 101 and I-280 - plan extra travel time during these periods.

Road conditions can vary significantly, with some areas having potholes or unclear lane markings - drive cautiously and stay alert, especially in less-maintained neighborhoods and during rainy weather.

California has strict traffic enforcement including red light cameras and speed monitoring - be aware that traffic violations can result in significant fines, and always follow posted speed limits and traffic signals.

Weather conditions, particularly fog in winter months and occasional heavy rain, can reduce visibility and create slippery road surfaces - reduce speed and increase following distance during adverse weather conditions.