Driving in Costa Rica: Rules & Tips For First Time Visitors
Off on a Central America Adventure soon and need practical help and tips for driving in Costa Rica?
Whether you’re heading to the Pacific beaches, Monteverde’s Cloud Forests, or Volcano National Parks like La Fortuna, we agree that the flexibility of a rental (hire) car can greatly enrich your Costa Rica travel experience.
But what about driving here? Is it safe? What do I need to know before I get into a vehicle here? In fact, where can I even hire a car from?
A self-drive adventure can be a lot of fun, but it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not prepared! You may be used to different local road conditions and driving laws.
We hear you. It’s normal to feel uncertain as to what to expect as you navigate this beautiful country for the first time.
To help you and based on our Costa Rica Road Trip Itinerary, we wrote this practical driving in Costa Rica Guide, packed with top tips of do’s and don’ts!!
We have split this Guide into sections covering decisions on renting through to the unlikely situation of what to do if you do have problems.
At the end of the day, we’re pleased to report, we’ve had no major issues driving in Costa Rica.
Driving in Costa Rica Overview
The freedom of the open road never gets old if you love to travel independently and Costa Rica is a wonderful destination to explore by car.
1. Finding & Booking The Right Rental Car
Start by getting clear on your route as this will dictate your car choice. Are you going to be driving main routes or a combination of these and mountain or rural ones like Monteverde?
If you are heading to mountain areas of Costa Rica it’s generally recommended to rent a 4×4 vehicle.
Be aware that during the rainy season (May to November) many roads will be difficult to drive on. A 4×4 will provide better traction on dirt roads and uneven (potholed) terrain.
If you’re staying mostly on well-maintained paved roads, eg. Heading from San Jose Airport to Jaco or Manuel Antonio, a compact car may suffice.
Next Reserve Your Car. Shop around to see what is available for the dates of your visit.
🎒TPOP Tip: You might get a better car rental price by working with your hotel or host.
For example, the well-located Pura Vida Hotel in Alajuela (near San Jose Airport), will reserve a car (via Alamo) for you and have it delivered to their hotel. We love the ease of this and fyi we have had great cars!
2. Insurance Requirements for Car Rental in Costa Rica
You need to advise on the insurance you want when reserving your car. Be aware that the Costa Rica Government requires that you have a minimum coverage. Here’s a summary to help you:
3rd Party Liability Insurance is Mandatory: In Costa Rica, car rental companies include basic insurance in the price, but it is still essential to confirm the details.
Normally, you will be asked to either accept or purchase additional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance to avoid significant financial responsibility in case of an accident.
Credit Card Insurance Coverage: Check with your credit card company to verify any specific car rental insurance coverage before you travel. Just in case. You don’t want this stress when you land!
Adding a Second Driver? We have found it straightforward to add a second driver to a car rental agreement in Costa Rica. A copy of their driver’s licence and passport is normally all that is required.
3. Driver’s License Requirements
These are quite straightforward for most of us driving in Costa Rica as tourists.
Age Requirements: Most rental companies in Costa Rica require drivers to be between 21 and 75 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Tourist Driving License: As a tourist, you are legally able to drive in Costa Rica with your home country’s driver’s license for up to 90 days.
You will need to provide a copy of your Passport and evidence of legal entry ie. (ie. Your flight details or when picking up the car the official entry passport stamp you get on arrival). You also need to keep your passport with you when you drive within Costa Rica.
If your Licence is issued in the Latin alphabet (eg. English, French, Spanish, German) it will be fine.
If your home Driver’s Licence is in a different alphabet eg. Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is really just a translated transcript of your home country Licence. The IDP helps avoid any confusion with local authorities.
🎒 TPOP Tip:
Make a copy of your Driver’s Licence in case you misplace it or need a copy for any reason. We take a photo and keep them on our phone.
4. Costa Rica Driving Laws and Rules
Follow these basic laws when driving here – they are pretty universal!
Seatbelts are Mandatory: Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
Mobile Phones: It’s illegal to use one when driving unless it is hands-free.
Drinking & Driving: In Costa Rica the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02% (very low) so it’s not worth the risk.
Speed Limits: Posted Speed limits are strictly enforced, especially in towns and highway/road construction areas.
Roundabouts: when you enter one, always yield to traffic already in it.
Stop Signs: You must come to a complete stop; a rolling stop will risk a fine.
5. Navigating Roads Of Costa Rica
Types of Roads To Expect:
Asphalt (Paved) Roads: These are the main roads connecting major cities and destinations like San José, Alajuela, and west to Jaco, Liberia, and Tamarindo. They are well-paved and easy to drive on.
Gravel and Dirt Roads: Many scenic areas, as well as beaches and national parks, are reachable only on gravel or dirt roads. Also, there are a lot of gravel roads where major road construction and/or maintenance is ongoing.
When it’s the rainy season these are more challenging as they become slippery and very muddy. Puddles can be quite deep!
Mountain Roads: Exploring Costa Rica’s stunning mountainous regions means you’re going to drive some routes that are steep and twisty. Driving in these areas requires caution, especially during rain.
Consider 4-wheel drive vehicles in these areas, in particular trips to Monte Verde. For more on spending time in Monteverde, please read our 3 Days Monteverde Itinerary.
Road Conditions To Expect:
Rainy Season: Heavy showers during the ‘green season’ (May to November) can result in flooding on some routes, and bad potholes, and sometimes create landslides.
If you’re planning to travel during this period, check weather conditions regularly and avoid driving in difficult conditions.
Avoid Driving At Night: Most roads have poor or no lighting. Animals & people can stray on the road. In addition, there are large side ditches for water runoff that are hard to see (if you suddenly have to pull over).
Narrow Roads: In towns, roads can be narrow with frequent traffic build-ups causing delays.
Tire/Tyre Pressure: Keep them well-maintained, as low pressure can be a factor in the risk of accidents during wet weather conditions.
Manage Your Speed – Potholes and water on roads can be deceptive in bad weather. Slow right down to avoid a surprise that might damage your vehicle.
Parking and Minimizing Risk of Theft:
Parking: In towns like La Fortuna, parking can be tricky, and it’s important to look for secure designated parking areas to avoid fines. Learn more about visiting this region in our 3 Days In La Fortuna (Arenal) Itinerary.
Risk of Theft: While Costa Rica is generally a safe place to visit, there is a high rate of petty theft from cars.
So, the plea from car rental companies and locals we met is to never leave anything in your vehicle, nothing!
6. Driving in Costa Rica Navigation Tips
Use a GPS or Navigation App: Google Maps or Waze work well in theory in Costa Rica. However, a combination of lack of signals and road detours can easily throw you into a spin.
Always download offline maps of your route if possible or write out the routes you plan to take in a given day.
🎒 TPOP Tip:
Carry a physical map when traveling to less accessible areas. We recommend Ray Krueger Koplin’s Costa Rica Road Map.
7. Fueling Up Your Car
Petrol/Gas Stations: These are plentiful in developed areas and towns, but less frequently found in countryside areas.
Always check that you have enough fuel to complete your next day’s adventure before heading out. Most take credit cards.
Fuel: Costa Rican petrol/gas stations usually offer regular unleaded (92 octane) and premium unleaded (95 octane). Diesel is also available at most stations. Expect to pay the equivalent of $1.30 per litre for petrol/gasoline.
8. Driving Etiquette – Practice Patience!
Be Patient: Costa Ricans are generally friendly and laid-back. While traffic can be slow and delays frustrating at times, practice Pura Vida! Give pedestrians plenty of space as you pass by them on the road.
Signal Before Turning: Using your turn signal is essential, especially in towns or areas with lots of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Watch for Animals: Cows, dogs, and other animals will wander onto roads, particularly in the more remote areas near forests and woods.
9. Be Ready For Highway Tolls
Some highways, like the Interamericana (Pan-American Highway), have tolls.
Always carry a little cash in Costa Rican colones (CRC) for this as credit cards may not automatically be accepted at the booths.
10. Emergency Situations and Roadside Assistance
It’s unlikely but if something happens while you are driving in Costa Rica, here are some practical tips to bear in mind.
What to Do in Case of an Accident:
Don’t Panic: If you’re involved in an accident, if necessary, call the emergency/police number which is simple – just dial 911.
Insurance: If your rental car is damaged, take pictures and contact your rental company’s insurance provider. Ensure full details of the accident are recorded.
Fines: If you are stopped for a Traffic violation in Costa Rica, police may issue you a ticket. These can usually be paid at banks or online, but if you’re unsure, ask the officer for guidance.
Roadside Help
Most rental car companies provide the option of roadside assistance if you break down. Ensure you have local contact details for your rental company, and don’t hesitate to call for help if needed.
FAQs
Here are some of the common questions asked about driving in Costa Rica and answers based on our experience from x-country travels.
Thousands of first time visitors drive every year in Costa Rica and we believe from our experience that yes, it is safe for tourists to drive here.
The key thing is to rent a car that fits your road trip route, likely terrain and weather conditions. Learn more for example about driving around the Pacific Beach area in our 4 Days in Playa Grande Itinerary (this includes Tamarindo).
Follow the legal requirements in terms of speed. Observing signs and having a decent map as well as your Sat Nav system will help you have a safe driving experience.
If you are on main routes, you will find driving fairly straightforward. If you drive on the ‘right’ side in your home country, it’s even easier!
On rural roads, it can be quite different. Be prepared for dirt tracks in places, single-lane driving, potholes, and uneven road surfaces with stones to maneuver around.
Signage in rural areas is minimal so if you can be clear on your route. To help bring a paper road map which has most roads marked
Rental car prices in Costa Rica vary a lot online. Larger 4×4 vehicles are expensive.
However, if you can work with a hotel or host directly, they often have a car rental service which takes away a lot of the hassle.
In November 2024, we paid $700 (USD) for 2 weeks car rental and this was for a small Hyundai SUV that was great for 3 people but can accommodate 4.
If you can minimize your luggage (Read our How to Travel With Hand luggage Only ), then a smaller car works fine. Otherwise, you might struggle to fit large suitcases in this car size.
Gas/Petrol prices are around the same as in the USA. Global Gas Prices Website has a good summary of current prices.
If you plan to head to the southern less developed areas in the Nicoya or Osa Peninsula, you might consider flying vs. driving as roads can be rough. During the rainy season, some will likely be flooded and impassable.
Caribbean Island Road Trip?
In our experience, a Costa Rica Road Trip is the way to explore the country.
If you love the freedom of the road when you travel, check out our St Lucia Road Trip Itinerary. This is a small Carribbean island with incredible views only really discoverable when you get behind the wheel.
Meantime, have fun as you discover Costa Rica’s unique charm from behind the wheel! Pura Vida!
