Car hire in Sámara, Costa Rica

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Choose from 2 pick-up spots

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

Our data shows that August is the cheapest month to rent a car in Sámara. It’s around R 1,115 per day in August, compared to the yearly average of R 1,551 per day.
Cheapest month avgAugust • R 1,115
Yearly avg priceR 1,551

Select your Sámara pick-up location

There are 2 car hire providers in Sámara. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in Sámara

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across Sámara. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
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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 Sámara

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

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Suzuki S-Cross is the most popular car to hire in Sámara, with prices starting from R 657 per day. The Jeep Wrangler and similar models are also popular drives in Sámara.
Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki S-Cross29% chose this
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler15% chose this
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki Swift15% chose this
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV415% chose this
Most popular carSuzuki S-Cross
Why?Comfortable, practical, good value

Sámara's cheapest car hire providers

Alamo has the cheapest car hire in Sámara right now, with prices from R 657 per day. You'll save an average of R 1 345 per day when you book with them.
Alamofrom R 657 per day
Nationalfrom R 2 002 per day
Cheapest providerAlamo
Book with them to save aroundR 1 345 per day

Hiring a car in Sámara: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyNational
Most popular carFullsize, SUV
Average daily priceR 2,063
Best time to bookLess than 1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Sámara

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 Sámara car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sámara

  • Whether you need a compact for scooting around the city or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Sámara. Choose from options averaging R 2,063 a day and go where you want for less.

  • R 657 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Sámara.

  • For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from R 4,593 and make room for more adventures.

  • Book early to snag the best price for a Sámara car hire. Beyond just getting a great rate, you'll have a wider range of options to pick from.

  • Check out what's available with Alamo and Hertz. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.

  • Whether you choose Alamo or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Sámara 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 shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Skip the hidden fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.

  • Travel without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 1,428 a day.

  • Not far behind, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/enterprise/702)) offers daily rates of around R 1,445.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly R 1,656 a day with this supplier.

  • After a car that works for most trips? The Fullsize rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Sámara.

Compare car hire types in Sámara

  • Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.

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

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Sámara that fits a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group excursions, moving or business needs.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Sámara 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 from one provider to another, so give them a quick comparison.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, 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 Sámara.

Good to know

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

  • If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Sámara car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.

  • Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.

  • If you've never driven in Costa Rica, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.

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

  • In Costa Rica, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you think you'll be drinking, leave the driving to someone else or choose another way to travel.

  • 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 Sámara for drivers

  • Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying your stay at Lodge Las Estrellas de Samara - Ocean View. About 5 kilometres from central Sámara, it comes with accessible parking, internet access and air conditioning.

  • Hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, plus a bar and express check-in. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the full range of hotels in Sámara for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Sámara and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Sunset Beach Buena Vista, Playa Sámara and Playa rosada are classics for any first-time visitor.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Sámara

  • Liberia should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Museo de Guanacaste and Mirador de Liberia. This city is around 80 kilometres north of central Sámara.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at Best Western El Sitio Hotel and Hotel La Guaria, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Liberia.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Sámara and travel around 80 kilometres east to Puntarenas. Featuring Isla Damas and Muelle de Puntarenas, its highlights live up to the hype.

  • Relax after a day out and about in Puntarenas at Hotel Cayuga or Hotel Puntarenas Beach. These hotels cater to guests with cars.

  • Get some shut-eye in San Francisco at either DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica or Irazú Hotel & Studios. They have a room waiting for you and parking availability too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Sámara will set you back around R 2,063 per day or R 24,728 per week. 

The cheapest car to rent in Sámara is a mini SUV. The most popular is Fullsize, SUV.

The cheapest car hire companies in Sámara 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 Sámara is currently August.

On average, around R 24,728. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Sámara is R 4,593.

Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Sámara for a whole month is R 33,429. 

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 Sámara, 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 Sámara 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 Sámara.

Most places – Sámara 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 R 657 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,096.

Of course. Most major car hire companies like National, Economy and Alamo offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.

Other travellers rated Alamo 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 Sámara.