Looking for a reliable and affordable car rental service in San Jose, Costa Rica? Look no further than U-Save Car Rental! With our exceptional customer service and wide range of well-maintained vehicles, we are your top choice for exploring this beautiful country.
Whether you're a tourist eager to discover stunning surroundings or a business traveler needing convenient transportation, U-Save Car Rental is here to meet your needs. Our fleet consists of various car models to suit your preferences and budget, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Additionally, our competitive prices and flexible rental options make us the perfect choice for both short-term and long-term rentals. Experience the freedom of exploring Costa Rica at your own pace with U-Save Car Rental in San Jose!
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Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road
Colon is the local currency
Average temperatures are 63°F (17°C) - 77°F (25°C)
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, located in Alajuela, just 20 km (12 miles) from the capital city of San José. It’s the airport of choice for travelers visiting the Central Valley, cloud forests, Pacific beaches, and volcanoes. Whether you're headed for the city, the mountains, or the coast, picking up a rental car at SJO sets you up for complete flexibility during your trip.
San José itself is a bustling city filled with museums, markets, and colonial architecture. But for many travelers, it’s just the first stop before heading to Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Jacó Beach, Tamarindo, or Manuel Antonio National Park — all of which are best accessed by car.
Juliana Zapata , Costa Rica
We had a great experience with this rental agency that started already when we arrived. They were waiting for us with a name sign perfectly on time with a very nice shuttle car and already gave us some tips how to drive and where to eat and so on on the way to the rental agency. Also the support in WhatsApp while we rented was very fast and very helpful. Especially giving back the car was super easy. Special thanks to Tiziana on the counter and Warren in the transfer shuttle for a great service!
B , Costa Rica
We rented a 12 passenger van for 8 days to drive a family through CR. We were assisted in check in and return by Walter. The entire experience was great. The van did great throughout our drives and we returned it with no issues. We made sure all our trash was removed and we received 100% of our deposit back. We were very happy with U-Save, and will absolutely rent with them again.
Paul Harach , Costa Rica
We had a fantastic rental through U Save during our time in Costa Rica. This place is a couple miles from the airport, but there is a shuttle that brought us back and forth. Francisco, Frederico and Warren did an awesome job of explaining our rental car features and mapping the easiest way to get out of town and on our way. I will definitely rent from U Save in San Jose again, these guys were awesome and treated us well. I would also definitely recommend a 4x4 here, even on the paved roads. There are some giant potholes that you would not want to hit with a car or a small vehicle.
James Rumas , Costa Rica
The man at the airport holding a U-SAVE sign was our first point of contact, spoke fluent english and was very polite and got us our shuttle van after only a few minutes of waiting. The car I received was in perfect condition. Overall I was pleasantly surprised doing business here.
Aamer Hasham , Costa Rica
We had an amazing experience at the U Save car rental company at their San Jose location (close to the airport). We needed the car seat for our toddler and upon arriving at the location not only were they able to find me the right car seat but Warren also helped me fit the car seat securely for our son. Overall we found them to be reliable, honest and the cars to be in good shape for the local roads. Highly recommended! Warren, Aron and Tiziana: thanks so much for all your help!!
Driving from San José Airport introduces you quickly to the contrasts of Costa Rican roads. As soon as you exit the airport, you’ll find yourself on well-paved highways and city streets, but once you leave the urban center, road conditions may shift dramatically. While main roads between cities are generally well-maintained, many routes to national parks, beaches, and mountain towns involve unpaved, narrow, or steep roads, especially during the rainy season.
Vehicles in Costa Rica drive on the right-hand side, and most rentals from SJO are automatic, making it easy for visitors from North America and Europe. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour and vary depending on the type of road: 60 km/h in cities, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on highways. However, these limits are not always observed by local drivers, so be vigilant and drive defensively. You’ll frequently encounter unexpected speed bumps (topes), especially in towns or near schools, and they may not always be marked. Drive slowly in populated areas to avoid damage to your vehicle.
San José city traffic can be chaotic and congested, particularly during peak hours (6:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM). Drivers often use horns liberally, change lanes abruptly, and ignore right-of-way rules. Parking in the city can also be competitive. If you're heading directly to a hotel or leaving the city for another region, consider timing your pickup to avoid rush hours and navigating the inner city unless necessary.
Toll highways, like Route 27 between San José and the Pacific Coast, are modern and convenient. Tolls are inexpensive (ranging from ₡100 to ₡800) and payable in Costa Rican colones or U.S. coins. Keep small change handy in the car.
If you're heading toward Monteverde, La Fortuna, or other remote areas, be prepared for curvy roads, steep climbs, and occasional river crossings during the rainy season. In these cases, a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended, and always check real-time route conditions before setting off. Even with a short distance on the map, mountainous terrain can make travel slow and winding.
Police checkpoints are common near major intersections or when leaving the Central Valley. Officers may ask to see your driver’s license, a copy of your passport with entry stamp, and your rental agreement. Foreign licenses are valid for up to 90 days, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required unless your license is not in Roman script.
Fuel stations are easy to find throughout the Central Valley and along major highways. They are full-service, and attendants will pump gas for you — tipping them a few hundred colones is appreciated. Most rental cars use unleaded gasoline (super or regular), and payments can be made with cash or card, though having small bills is always wise.
Parking at SJO is organized and accessible, with short-term and long-term lots. Outside the airport, especially in cities, opt for guarded parking garages or hotel lots. In rural areas, informal parking is common near beaches, waterfalls, and trailheads — often watched over by locals who may expect a tip for keeping an eye on your car.
Despite occasional challenges like weather, traffic, or road conditions, driving from San José Airport gives you the best chance to experience Costa Rica on your own schedule. From sunrise at a cloud forest lodge to sunset on a Pacific beach, the journey becomes just as rewarding as the destination.
How long does it take to drive from San José Airport to the city?
It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to drive from San José Airport (SJO) to downtown San José, depending on traffic. During rush hours (6:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM), the trip can take up to 45 minutes or more, so plan accordingly if arriving or departing during peak times.
Where do I pick up my rental car?
Our office is located outside of the airport, but our shuttle service will transport you easily from the airport.the drive from the airport. We are located close the airport, and the drive is about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This area is commonly used as a reference point for car rental agencies and other services near the airport, making it a convenient location for travelers arriving at or departing from SJO.
Do I need a 4x4 to drive from San José?
Not for reaching major towns or coastal cities. But if you plan to visit mountain regions, national parks, or travel during the rainy season, a 4x4 is strongly recommended.
Is driving in San José city difficult?
Yes it might be, especially during peak hours. Traffic is heavy, signage can be unclear, and locals drive assertively. If possible, avoid driving through the city center and take highways around it.
Can I pay tolls in Costa Rica with U.S. dollars?
Yes, tolls near San José often accept U.S. coins (quarters), but it’s best to keep Costa Rican colones on hand.
Are police checkpoints common leaving the airport?
They’re not unusual. Always carry your passport copy with entry stamp, driver’s license, and rental agreement in the car.
We have a great collections of high-quality cars and vans. Whether you're looking for mini van, a large sprinter, pickup truck, SUV or even e luxury car – we got you!
Choosing the right rental vehicle depends on your travel needs, whether it’s comfort, space, or terrain capability. SUVs are great for long road trips, offering a mix of comfort and versatility, especially if you're traveling through mixed terrains or unpredictable weather.
Vans are ideal for larger groups or cargo transport, perfect for family trips or business needs. MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are a practical choice for urban driving with extra passenger space, making them a great middle ground between sedans and vans.
Pickup trucks excel in handling heavy loads and rugged environments, ideal for work or outdoor adventures. If you're tackling off-road trails or harsh conditions, a 4x4 provides the traction and durability needed for a safe and reliable drive. Choosing wisely ensures a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Check our booking system to see which car types are currently available!
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