Car hire in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

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Find cheap car hire in Puntarenas

Suzuki Swift

or similar economy

Alamo
41AutomaticAC
Suzuki Swift

Free cancellation

Unlimited mileage

From
R 611
per day
These are the lowest Puntarenas car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in Puntarenas?

Our data shows that December is the cheapest month to rent a car in Puntarenas. It’s around R 863 per day in December, compared to the yearly average of R 1,476 per day.
Cheapest month avgDecember • R 863
Yearly avg priceR 1,476

Select your Puntarenas pick-up location

There are 6 car hire providers in Puntarenas. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Puntarenas

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Puntarenas. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
Filter locations
These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in Puntarenas

Alamo
EasyCar
National
Enterprise
Easy Car
Adobe rent a car

What's the most popular car to hire in Puntarenas?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Hyundai Kona is the most popular car to hire in Puntarenas, with prices starting from R 611 per day. The Chevrolet Equinox and similar models are also popular drives in Puntarenas.
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Kona70% chose this
Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox10% chose this
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan10% chose this
Most popular carHyundai Kona
Why?Spacious, practical, good for families

Puntarenas's cheapest car hire providers

Alamo has the cheapest car hire in Puntarenas right now, with prices from R 611 per day. You'll save an average of R 18 per day when you book with them.
Alamofrom R 611 per day
EasyCarfrom R 629 per day
Cheapest providerAlamo
Book with them to save aroundR 18 per day

Hiring a car in Puntarenas: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAlamo
Most popular carSmall, economy
Average daily priceR 787
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Puntarenas

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 Puntarenas car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Puntarenas

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Puntarenas for around R 787 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, so you can quickly compare prices and book.

  • The cheapest daily rental price in Puntarenas is R 611.

  • Staying a little longer and want to go further than the usual stops? R 4,277 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Book early to snag the best price for a Puntarenas car hire. Beyond just getting a great rate, you're more likely to find a car that fits your style or needs.

  • Check out the offers available with EasyCar, Adobe rent a car and Alamo. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Puntarenas car hire policy, whether with EasyCar or any other supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at R 922 a day.

  • In second position is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/enterprise/702)), offering daily rates of around R 998.

  • The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Pick up one of their rentals for roughly R 1,070 a day.

  • The Small rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Puntarenas.

Compare car hire types in Puntarenas

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Puntarenas makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These zippy, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: A top choice when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Puntarenas car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Puntarenas that can handle a small crowd (and their luggage), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Puntarenas car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Puntarenas.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals can vary by provider (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Costa Rica may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.

  • If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Puntarenas car rental reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.

  • You'll need to show some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • Get familiar with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in Costa Rica.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.

  • In Costa Rica, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, get someone else to do the driving or take another form of transport.

  • 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 Puntarenas for drivers

  • Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time settling into the comfort of Hotel Don Robert. About 0.48 kilometres from central Puntarenas, it comes with parking, air conditioning and a laundry.

  • Cabinas Gosen keeps guests happy with parking and features such as a 24-hour front desk and air conditioning. It's roughly 0.64 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Need more places to choose from? Browse through the full list of hotels in Puntarenas. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • After you've locked in a car hire deal in Puntarenas and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Get things started with leading attractions such as Isla Damas, Muelle de Puntarenas and Paseo de los Turistas.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Puntarenas

  • San Jose should be on your to-do list if you'd like to visit National Park (Parque Nacional) and Central Park (Parque Central). This city is about 80 kilometres east of central Puntarenas.

  • Reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Barceló San José and Costa Rica Guesthouse.

  • Kick back after a day of exploring San Francisco at Barceló San José or Costa Rica Guesthouse. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.

Frequently asked questions

The average car hire cost in Puntarenas is R 787 per day or R 5,505 for a seven-day rental. If you're looking for a cheap deal, the lowest price we found is R 611 per day for Small hire from EasyCar. Need a specific type of car? Here's how prices compare:
  • Economy
    • Average price: R 787 per day.
    • Cheapest price found: R 611 per day.
  • SUV
    • Average price: R 1,547 per day.
    • Cheapest price found: R 629 per day.
  • Premium/Luxury
    • Average price: R 1,239 per day.
    • Cheapest price found: R 1,048 per day.
The cheapest car to rent in Puntarenas is Small, economy. The most popular is Small, economy.
The cheapest car hire companies in Puntarenas are currently Alamo and Enterprise.
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 Puntarenas is currently May.
On average, around R 5,505. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Puntarenas is R 4,277.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Puntarenas for a whole month is R 52,302. 

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 Puntarenas, 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 Puntarenas that have free cancellation. 
If you've booked car hire with free cancellation, you can usually cancel or change your booking without paying a fee. The deadline depends on the car hire company, but it's typically around 48 hours before pick-up. If you cancel after that, you may be charged.

If your booking doesn't include free cancellation, you'll need to check the car hire company's cancellation policy. Depending on when you cancel, you might have to pay a fee or you won't get a refund.
Yes. Most car hire companies in Puntarenas offer same-day car hire. If you're looking for last-minute car hire in Puntarenas, search for today's date on Skyscanner to compare what's available.
The best time to book car hire in Puntarenas is usually as early as you can. Booking ahead often means cheaper prices and more cars to choose from. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed and availability is often more limited.