How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tamarindo
Searching for a cheap rental car in Tamarindo? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging 63 € a day, we compare the best deals so you can search smarter, spend wiser, and feel good about what you paid.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Tamarindo is 15 €.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from 99 € and fit more into your itinerary.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Around two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Tamarindo car hire.
Grab your wheels from Sixt, Amigos or Europcar. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
Whether you go with Sixt or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Tamarindo car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Tamarindo.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average 27 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 63 €, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly 53 € a day with this supplier.
Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Fullsize rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Tamarindo.
Flying to Tamarindo? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Tamarindo Airport. If you're flying to Tamarindo through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 5 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Tamarindo
Small: These cheap rental cars in Tamarindo may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this Tamarindo car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Tamarindo that makes light work of heavy loads. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or the whole travel crew.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Tamarindo car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Tamarindo.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Costa Rica. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Tamarindo car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to go.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
Spend a moment familiarising yourself with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stay on the right side of the road in Costa Rica.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Costa Rica. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
Best hotels in Tamarindo for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying your stay at BOHO Tamarindo. Around 0.48 kilometres from central Tamarindo, it comes with parking, a games room and massage services.
Or make use of the accessible parking at Mikado Natural Lodge. The city centre is roughly 10 kilometres from this option, which also features a laundry and luggage storage.
Browse through the hotels in Tamarindo for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
It's time to start sightseeing now you've found a car hire deal in Tamarindo and your hotel. From Tamarindo Beach to Scenic Overlook of Tamarindo and Sendero Las Manglars / Fußweg entlang der Mangroven, you'll never run out of things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tamarindo
Liberia has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Museo de Guanacaste and Mirador de Liberia. This city is around 56 kilometres northeast of central Tamarindo.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Liberia include Best Western El Sitio Hotel and Hotel La Guaria.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Tamarindo and then set off for Nicoya. Around 48 kilometres east of Tamarindo, Colonial Church of Nicoya and Cerro La Cruz Protected Zone are big attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Motor on to Alajuela, about 177 kilometres east of Tamarindo. From Botanical Orchid Garden to Fraijanes forests, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Next up: catching some z's. Hampton By Hilton San Jose Airport Costa Rica and Hotel Pacandé have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Alajuela.
