How to find a cheap car hire deal in Puntarenas
Need a cheap rental car in Puntarenas? With prices averaging 120 € a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a zippy economy ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the best deals to get you more for your money.
94 € is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Puntarenas.
Taking a longer break? Book a weekly rental from 666 € and squeeze in a few road trips.
Snap up the best price on a Puntarenas car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.
Line up your ride with EasyCar, Adobe rent a car or Alamo. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you book with EasyCar or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Puntarenas car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Skip the hidden fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average 131 € a day.
Coming in second is this provider, which offers daily rates of around 129 €.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly 138 € a day for one of their rentals.
If you're not sure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Fullsize rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of car in Puntarenas.
Compare car hire types in Puntarenas
Small: These cheap rental cars in Puntarenas may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Puntarenas car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Puntarenas big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Puntarenas car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Puntarenas.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your rental in Costa Rica.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your Puntarenas car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and a second photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in Costa Rica, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Costa Rica. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
Best hotels in Puntarenas for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Hotel Don Robert. Around 0.48 kilometres from central Puntarenas, it comes with parking, express check-out and an airport shuttle.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Puerto Azul Residences. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this stay, which also features a restaurant and a private beach.
Browse the range of hotels in Puntarenas for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Puntarenas and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Isla Damas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica and Sunrise Ranch are a memorable introduction to what the city has to offer.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Puntarenas
Around 80 kilometres east of central Puntarenas, San Jose should be on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like National Park (Parque Nacional) and Jurassic World.
Barceló San José and Costa Rica Guesthouse are reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose.
Relax after a big day out in San Francisco at Barceló San José or Costa Rica Guesthouse. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
