Car Rental at San Jose Airport
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:
Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Mini
Chevrolet Beat
or similar
$19.92
per day
Compact
Suzuki S-Presso
or similar
$23.37
per day
Economy
Chevrolet Beat
or similar
$26.13
per day
Intermediate
Kia Rio
or similar
$33.35
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Standard SUV
Geely Okavango 2WD Aut.
or similar
$34.29
/ per day
Special SUV
Toyota RAV4
or similar
$36.47
/ per day
Full-size SUV
Suzuki Grand Vitara
or similar
$40.37
/ per day
Premium Crossover
Renault Koleos
or similar
$74.98
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 11:44 on 2023-06-02. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2022
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Travel Information
Language
Spanish,
English,
Creole
English,
Creole
Currency
CRC
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+506
Average car rental price
$36.11 / per day
Average car rental length
12 days
Speed limit within town
25 - 50 km/h
16 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
60 km/h
37 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average gasoline price
$1.61 per liter
Highest gasoline price
$2.05 per liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.33 per liter
Airport Car Rental
Arguably the most popular travel destination in Central America, Costa Rica is known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforest, and imposing volcanoes. Although sometimes overlooked for these natural riches, the national capital, San Jose, and the region that surrounds it also offer plenty of excitement and things to see and do. These are three of the most interesting experiences in and around San Jose:
- The Gold Museum. Also known as the Pre-Columbian Museum, this cultural institution features in practically every tourism booklet of San Jose, but that is only a testament to how interesting it is. Dedicated to the heritage of the many fascinating indigenous cultures that inhabited the area before the arrival of the Europeans, it has a special focus on their goldwork and jewelry.
- Cartago. The former capital of Costa Rica, Cartago has lost some of its political importance, but none of the charm. Home to fascinating colonial architecture, the jewel of which is the Our Lady of the Angels Basilica, the municipality is also home to the ruins of Ujarrás and natural sites like Tapantí National Park. The drive from San Jose to Cartago takes only about 40 minutes.
- Braulio Carrillo National Park. A stunning protected area of high peaks, crater lakes, and tropical forests, Braulio Carillo is only a short drive north of the capital. There are numerous hiking trails in its territory that range in difficulty from relaxing strolls to demanding multi-day adventures. Natives of the park include the solitary eagle, great green macaw, Northern tamandua anteater, and ocelot.
Top international routes
- Panama City
- Houston
- Miami
- San Salvador
- Mexico City
- Fort Lauderdale
Main airlines
Nature Air, Sansa Airlines, Volaris Costa Rica, Avianca Costa Rica, American Airlines, and Copa Airlines
Terminals
The Main Terminal (M) serves all international flights while Domestic Terminal, also known as Sansa Terminal, serves local flights. You can walk between them in less than five minutes.
Location
San Jose Airport is actually in the city of Alajuela, a suburb of San Jose. The airport is about 20 km (12 mi) west of San Jose city center. Radial Francisco J. Orlich and Route 1 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.
Most popular types of rental car
- Large cars - from $28 per day
- Medium cars - from $23 per day
- Vans - from $46 per day
- Premium cars - from $74 per day
- Small cars - from $20 per day
- SUVs - from $31 per day
Car rental desks
Most are located in the international arrivals area.
Services and facilities
You’ll find many shops, six duty-free outlets, as well as restaurants and bars. There are also ATMs, two currency exchange offices, a Red Cross Station offering medical help, a pharmacy, and spa. There is no luggage storage service
Nearest gas station
A Delta gas station, located near the corner of Route 1/Pan American Highway and Route 3, can be reached in about 12 minutes and is open 24/7. It’s on the way to the city center. There are many other gas stations near San Jose Airport and in San Jose.
Popular one-way rentals
- Malpais (154 km / 95 mi)
- Liberia (199 km / 123 mi)
- Puerto Viejo (83 km / 51 mi)
- Guapiles (82 km / 50 mi)
- Managua (411 km / 255 mi)
- Rivas (310 km / 192 mi)
Airport info
Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José Airport) (SJO)
- IATA: SJO
- ICAO: MROC
- Name: Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José Airport) (SJO)
- Distance from city: 1.9 miles / 3 km
Top 4 Locations near Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José Airport)
-
Car Rental in San Jose (Downtown) from $19.92 per day11.4 km / 7.1 miles away
-
Car Rental in San Jose San Pedro from $59.69 per day15.2 km / 9.4 miles away
-
Car Rental at Quepos La Managua Airport from $40.47 per day62.2 km / 38.6 miles away
-
Car Rental at Liberia Airport from $19.92 per day160.7 km / 99.9 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices the lowest at San Jose Airport?
The cost of renting a car at San Jose Airport varies by season. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day at San Jose Airport
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at San Jose Airport is October — when rental costs average $28.27 per day. This is 47% cheaper than the yearly average and 68% cheaper than renting a car in December (when prices average $89.69 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at San Jose Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in July the average rental period is 14 days, while in March, the average rental period is only 11 days.
Average rental length at San Jose Airport
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at San Jose Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at San Jose Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car at San Jose Airport in February, while they are least likely to rent in in October.
Monthly searches at San Jose Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Popular suppliers | AmiGO Rent a Car, MEX RENT A CAR, Economy rent a car, Avis, Flexways |
| Popular car categories | SUVs, Small cars, Large cars, Medium cars |
| Lowest price | $20 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | AmiGO Rent a Car |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy rent a car | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| MEX RENT A CAR | Suzuki Jimny | 3 | 1 | SUVs |
| AmiGO Rent a Car | Chevrolet Beat | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Avis | Nissan Kicks | 4 | 3 | SUVs |
| AmiGO Rent a Car | Toyota Yaris | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| MEX RENT A CAR | Suzuki Jimny | 2 | 1 | SUVs |
| AmiGO Rent a Car | Toyota Rush | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| Economy rent a car | Toyota RAV4 | 5 | 2 | SUVs |
| MEX RENT A CAR | Toyota Rush | 4 | 2 | SUVs |
| Flexways | Mitsubishi ASX | 4 | 3 | SUVs |
FAQ
Can I enter Nicaragua from Costa Rica for a day?
No, it is not possible to take a rental car from Costa Rica to Nicaragua. No rental company in Costa Rica allows this.
Is Third-Party Liability (TPL) insurance included in the rental price in Costa Rica?
"If you are not a resident of the United States or Canada, third-party liability insurance is included in the rental price.
If you are a resident of the United States or Canada, whether third-party insurance is included or not depends on which rental company you choose. In particular, Economy Rent a Car and Mex do not have third-party liability insurance included in their rates.
If you are a resident of the United States or Canada, whether third-party insurance is included or not depends on which rental company you choose. In particular, Economy Rent a Car and Mex do not have third-party liability insurance included in their rates.
Our Customers' Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
MR
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Kicks
May 22, 2023
The car allowed us to go places and see things we would have missed otherwise…
YM
United States of America (USA)
Hyundai Accent
May 8, 2023
The roads were from hell, especially when you leave the main road. However the views were magnificent. People especially if you speak Spanish are really friendly.
AR
Italy
Daihatsu Bego
May 7, 2023
We had a 15 days road trip around costa rica, with a mix of nature, animals, outdoor activities, ext. everything super nice, a wonderful holiday.
About the car, take a SUV for sure, a 4X4 even better.
OA
United States of America (USA)
Toyota RAV4
April 27, 2023
Costa Rica is a great place, beautiful, people are awesome and kind, my issue is with the roads,
why haven't they build passing lanes?
literally everywhere is a two lane roads, and if you are stock behind a big rig, you are done, it is
really bad, country roads are also dismal in their upkeep, and forget San Jose, the traffic jams are
probably up there among the worst in the world
Love Costa Rica, I encourage anyone to go, get Economy rent a car they are the best!
be mindful of the traffic jams and avoid dreadful San Jose
MJ
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Fortuner
April 17, 2023
The vehicle was a full size Toyota Fortrunner. Seated 7, but realistically 5 with medium luggage. Easily handled the Costa Rican mountain roads with plenty of power, and as it was diesel, great on gas mileage.
MP
Spain
Hyundai Atos
April 6, 2023
We rented a compact car driving through Costa Rica. It got us through perfectly fine, though we do recommend a stronger car as there are hills and many pot holes. A skilled driver is needed to navigate some roads
AW
Switzerland
Suzuki Grand Vitara
April 1, 2023
JL
United States of America (USA)
Toyota RAV4
March 30, 2023
Everything about the trip way amazing, except for the car rental. Never do business with them again, or recommend to anyone as well.
MP
Canada
Toyota RAV4
March 6, 2023
Costa Rica was amazing. From beaches to hikes in mountains, and wildlife, nothing like it for us to date.
JF
United States of America (USA)
Mitsubishi ASX
March 6, 2023
Fishing in Quepos was amazing!
LK
Bulgaria
Hyundai Creta
March 5, 2023
waiting a lot t the airport
MZ
United States of America (USA)
Suzuki Jimny
March 2, 2023
We rented this car for 7 days, and put around 1.5k KM on it going around the country. Specifically we went to Uvita in the West and La Fortuna in the north. Car went smoothly without problems.
NS
Canada
Mitsubishi ASX
February 18, 2023
We travelled over 1000 km from San Jose to the Caribbean to Cloud forests and end up in Santa Teresa, where their agent met us at our hotel for car. Seamless.
FJ
Canada
Daihatsu Bego
February 10, 2023
beach,surf,restaurants excellent
RJ
Ireland
Chevrolet Beat
February 7, 2023
The roads in Costa Rica are really bad in particular in the area of montezuma and Santa Teresa . They always fish the roads the ferry is a nightmare and you have to book in advanced many thing other way you will not get engrance
FC
Romania
Suzuki Grand Vitara
January 10, 2023
I had a +1200km trip around Costa Rica: San Jose, Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo. The roads are good, I didn't use the 4x4 traction of the car. Average speed is low but not because of the asphalt quality.
JK
Denmark
Suzuki Jimny
January 5, 2023
Traveling by car in Costa Rica is no problem. Drive in daytime, where you see the holes in the road.
ZC
Canada
Toyota RAV4
January 3, 2023
Excellent car for the hilly road we had driven on across Puntarenas, Guanacaste, and Alejuelah. Apply Car Play was very helpful as well.
NF
United States of America (USA)
Hyundai Creta
December 31, 2022
Great nature, great activity
AG
Netherlands
Mitsubishi ASX
November 29, 2022
Rented a 4x4, so we could see a lot of nice places in nature. Definitely worth it!
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Adobe Rent a Car
9.3 / 10
Lowest rated company
Avis
7.1 / 10
Total number of reviews
73
Total rental companies
23
Average daily price
$36.11
Lowest daily price
$19.92
Total cars available
329
Top 23 Suppliers at San Jose Airport in 2023
+50625424848 / +50624422422 / +50624412219
1.4 Km Al Este Alajuela 20109, Alajuela, Río Segundo
$64 - $113
Working hours
Mon:05:00-22:00
Tue:05:00-22:00
Wed:05:00-22:00
Thu:05:00-22:00
Fri:05:00-22:00
Sat:05:00-22:00
Sun:05:00-22:00
+50622427733
Juan Santamaría International Airport
$44 - $104
+50625424848 / +50624422422 / +50624412219
1.4 Km Al Este Alajuela 20109, Alajuela, Río Segundo
Working hours
Mon:05:00-22:00
Tue:05:00-22:00
Wed:05:00-22:00
Thu:05:00-22:00
Fri:05:00-22:00
Sat:05:00-22:00
Sun:05:00-22:00
+5491152599877
Aeropuerto Internacional Santamaría, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica
$23 - $81
National
+50622427911 / +50622427878
De Belen, C. Don Chico, Heredia, Belén, 40703
$48 - $113
+50624313803
Oficentro Plaza Aeropuerto C3, Juan Santamaría Int. Airport
$31 - $325
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-22:00
Sun:06:00-22:00
+50624300629
500 mts East from Casino Fiesta, Rio Segundo
$34 - $76
Working hours
Mon:06:30-20:00
Tue:06:30-20:00
Wed:06:30-20:00
Thu:06:30-20:00
Fri:06:30-20:00
Sat:06:30-20:00
Sun:06:30-20:00
Europcar
+50650640023857
Carretera Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria, Shuttle Service
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:00
Tue:06:00-23:00
Wed:06:00-23:00
Thu:06:00-23:00
Fri:06:00-23:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00
Enterprise
22427800
La Asuncion De Belen
$49 - $117
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
Hertz
50640020713
Juan Santamaria Intl Apto.
Working hours
Mon:05:00-23:00
Tue:05:00-23:00
Wed:05:00-23:00
Thu:05:00-23:00
Fri:05:00-23:00
Sat:05:00-23:00
Sun:05:00-23:00
Keddy
+50650640023857
Carretera Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria, Shuttle Service
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:00
Tue:06:00-23:00
Wed:06:00-23:00
Thu:06:00-23:00
Fri:06:00-23:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00
+50624428585
Autop. Bernardo Soto, Provincia De Alajuela, Alajuela
$20 - $71
Working hours
Mon:05:00-22:00
Tue:05:00-22:00
Wed:05:00-22:00
Thu:05:00-22:00
Fri:05:00-22:00
Sat:05:00-22:00
Sun:05:00-22:00
EC Rent a Car
+50670040090 / +50670040091
Casino Fiesta 180 Meters East, Rio Segundo, Alajuela
$26 - $83
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:30
Tue:06:00-22:30
Wed:06:00-22:30
Thu:06:00-22:30
Fri:06:00-22:30
Sat:06:00-22:30
Sun:06:00-22:30
York Car Rental
+50670040090
200 Meters East From Fiesta Casino
$33 - $91
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:59
Tue:06:00-23:59
Wed:06:00-23:59
Thu:06:00-23:59
Fri:06:00-23:59
Sat:06:00-23:59
Sun:06:00-23:59
+50624304647
Alajuela Province, Rio Segundo, San Jose
$33 - $66
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-22:00
Sun:06:00-22:00
+50624432950
Alajuela Province, Alajuela
$30 - $93
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:00
Tue:06:00-23:00
Wed:06:00-23:00
Thu:06:00-23:00
Fri:06:00-23:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00
+50625424860
Plaza Mango, Local Lc-103, Radial Francisco J. Orlich,
$31 - $38
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-22:00
Sun:06:00-22:00
NUCarrentals
50624426000
FRONT OF HAMPTON INN & SUITES
$45 - $80
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:00
Tue:06:00-23:00
Wed:06:00-23:00
Thu:06:00-23:00
Fri:06:00-23:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00
+50640367431
Juan Santamaría International Airport, Alajuela Province, Alajuela
$26 - $81
Working hours
Mon:06:00-22:00
Tue:06:00-22:00
Wed:06:00-22:00
Thu:06:00-22:00
Fri:06:00-22:00
Sat:06:00-22:00
Sun:06:00-22:00
+50624362010
Juan Santamaría International Airport, Alajuela CR 20101, Alajuela Province, Río Segundo
$64 - $169
Working hours
Mon:06:00-23:00
Tue:06:00-23:00
Wed:06:00-23:00
Thu:06:00-23:00
Fri:06:00-23:00
Sat:06:00-23:00
Sun:06:00-23:00
+50622992000
Arrivals, Alajuela Province, Alajuela
$69 - $82
Working hours
Mon:00:01-23:59
Tue:00:01-23:59
Wed:00:01-23:59
Thu:00:01-23:59
Fri:00:01-23:59
Sat:00:01-23:59
Sun:00:01-23:59
+50687733000
500 meters East Casino Fiesta, Rio Segundo, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Working hours
Mon:06:30-19:30
Tue:06:30-19:30
Wed:06:30-19:30
Thu:06:30-19:30
Fri:06:30-19:30
Sat:06:30-19:30
Sun:06:30-19:30
+50622932222
Juan Santamaria Intl Apo
$44 - $126
Working hours
Mon:05:00-22:30
Tue:05:00-22:30
Wed:05:00-22:30
Thu:05:00-22:30
Fri:05:00-22:30
Sat:05:00-22:30
Sun:05:00-22:30
Highly recommended by our customers
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