Cheap car hire in Alajuela, Costa Rica

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Alajuela

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Alajuela car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Alajuela pick-up location

There are 32 car hire locations in Alajuela. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Alajuela

Hiring a car in Alajuela: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyHertz
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily price154 €
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Alajuela

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Alajuela car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Alajuela

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Alajuela and get on your way for around 154 € a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.

  • Leave high costs in the rearview by reserving your wheels in November. With average daily rates of 38 €, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Alajuela.

  • Walk away with a cheap rental car in Alajuela by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.

  • Find your perfect ride with Avis, Budget or Alamo. These are some of the most reliable providers offering car hire deals in Alajuela.

  • The coverage Avis or another company includes with your Alajuela car hire can vary, so always go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for cheaper deals. Click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Alajuela. Providers sometimes need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some great one-way prices.

  • Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a car hire in Alajuela with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.

Compare car hire types in Alajuela

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Alajuela gives you the freedom to explore for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Alajuela car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.

  • Van: If you're looking for a car for rent in Alajuela that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group excursions, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Alajuela car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, you'll be glad to have it if something goes wrong. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • Level up your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Alajuela.

Good to know

  • Are you a younger driver? Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Costa Rica. Rules can vary, and certain restrictions or fees could apply. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.

  • Travelling with kids? Car seat rules vary according to the location, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Alajuela car hire reservation.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Alajuela

  • Make time for the biggest attractions in the city once you've lined up a car hire deal in Alajuela. Doka Estate Costa Rica Coffee Tour & Plantation and Botanical Orchid Garden are a great lead-in to the rest of your trip.

  • Take your time getting to know Alajuela by staying at Barceló San José or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica.

  • San Jose should be on your to-do list if you want to see National Park (Parque Nacional) and Jurassic World. This city is around 18 kilometres south-east of central Alajuela.

  • Comfy accommodation options in San Jose include Barceló San José and Costa Rica Guesthouse.

  • Or collect your cheap car hire in Alajuela and drive around 40 kilometres south-east to Paraíso. Featuring Paraíso Park and Tour Valle de Orosi, it's every bit as good as advertised.

  • Paraíso has some comfy stays where you can unpack your bags, such as Villas Valle Bello and Orosi Lodge.

  • Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Nicoya, about 137 kilometres west of Alajuela. Make your first stop Nicoya Park, then head to Colonial Church of Nicoya.

  • Drift off to sleep in Nicoya at Hotel Rio Tempisque. Hospedaje Angela has a cosy bed lined up for you too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Alajuela will set you back around 154 € per day or 20 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Alajuela is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Alajuela are currently Dollar and Europcar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Alajuela is currently November.
On average, around 20 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Alajuela is 2 €.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Alajuela for a whole month is 3.394 €. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Alajuela, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Alajuela that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Alajuela.
Most places – Alajuela included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 18 € per day. The average price per day is around 69 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Hertz, Green Motion and Firefly offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Hertz as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Alajuela.