Costa Rica Car Rental: What the Online Price Leaves Out
Why the price at the counter is often higher than your quote, and four booking sites compared.

Why the price at the counter is often higher than your quote, and four booking sites compared.
Four travel eSIMs compared, and what to expect if you buy a local SIM after you land.
10 GB of data for 30 days, set up before you fly. Prices as listed on each official page on October 26, 2026.
| eSIM | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Yesim | US$25.20 | Shown as a discount from US$51.60 |
| Airalo | US$34.00 | Also sells a version with 100 minutes and 100 SMS for US$36.50 |
| GigSky | US$35.99 | Shown as 10% off US$39.99 |
| Saily | US$36.99 | Starts automatically when you arrive, once the eSIM and roaming are on |
Rides from San José airport (SJO), booked before you land.
| Option | Good to know |
|---|---|
| intui.travel | Private transfers and shared shuttles. The driver meets you with a sign, and the price includes fees and taxes |
| GetTransfer | Enter your route and get offers from drivers |
Prices depend on your dates. Check the total and the cancellation terms before you book.
These hotels are recommended based on the site owner’s personal stays. The notes reflect firsthand experiences, including location, comfort, facilities, and what stood out during each visit. Prices, amenities, and availability may change, so check the current details before booking.
Location: La Fortuna
Tabacón is on the expensive side, and getting a reservation can be difficult, but its thermal pools are truly impressive. There are plenty of pools to enjoy, along with spa facilities. If you love resorts and want to spend time relaxing in natural hot springs, this is a place I’d recommend experiencing at least once.
Location: La Fortuna
A great choice for families, especially if you enjoy spending time in the water. The large heated pools are a highlight, and there’s also a zipline operator on the property. It’s a good option for combining relaxation with a little adventure.
Location: Manuel Antonio
I particularly enjoyed the breakfast buffet and the location near the beach. The Monkey Trail is another highlight, with opportunities to see wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and different kinds of birds. It’s a lovely place to stay if you enjoy both the beach and nature.
Our BYV Select hotels are chosen for their strong guest ratings, substantial review counts, and convenient locations for getting around. These selections are based on Klook listing information.
| Option | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport (Klook) BYV Select | About 1.8 km from Juan Santamaría airport (SJO), around 4 minutes by car |
| Holiday Inn Express SJO Airport (Klook) BYV Select | About 1.7 km from Juan Santamaría airport (SJO), around 4 minutes by car |
Online prices often leave out the third-party liability insurance that Costa Rica requires, and the rental company adds it at the counter. Check what your quote includes before you pay. If you plan to use your credit card’s rental car coverage, ask your card company before you travel for a letter that states what it covers for your rental dates.
| Option | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Economybookings | Compares rental options at San José airport (SJO) |
| QEEQ | Pick-up at SJO, Liberia airport and towns such as La Fortuna, Jacó and Tamarindo |
| Localrent | Local rental companies. You pay part online and the rest when you pick up the car |
| GetRentacar | Cars from local owners. You pay 15% online and 85% to the owner at pick-up, plus a deposit the owner holds |
Entry tickets, day trips and tours you can book online. Check the meeting point, what is included and the cancellation terms before you book. Details as listed on Klook on October 26, 2026.
| Option | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges (Klook) | Entry ticket for a self-guided rainforest walk near La Fortuna, valid on the date you choose. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before |
| Poás Volcano day tour (Klook) | Day tour in a small or large group to Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall and a coffee tour, with hotel pick-up in San José, Alajuela or Heredia. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before |
| Manuel Antonio sailing cruise (Klook) | Four-hour shared cruise on a wooden sailboat from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, morning or sunset, with a meal on board. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before |
Places to leave your bags for a few hours or a day.
| Option | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Radical Storage | One location in San José on October 26, 2026: a hotel in La Sabana, open 24 hours, from US$3.90 a day |
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