From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 2325407236
logo_img

Experience the Scenic Route from Mal Pais to San Jose

Discover the journey through Costa Rica with convenient one-way car rental options.

Can I rent a car from Mal Pais to San Jose?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Mal Pais to San Jose. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for CR residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID or a valid physical Costa Rica national photo ID.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s) or 1-2 year(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 85 years old. Young driver fees apply as follows: Age 18-19: US$ 52.00 per day; Age 18-20: US$ 84.00 per day; Age 20-24: US$ 25.00 per day; Age 21-24: US$ 11.30 per day or US$ 27.00 per day or US$ 35.00 per day or US$ 50.00 per lease.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (English version) (An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.)

    Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported attributes include XpCard and DcCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 85 years old. Young driver fees apply as follows: Age 18-19: US$ 52.00 per day; Age 18-20: US$ 84.00 per day; Age 20-24: US$ 25.00 per day; Age 21-24: US$ 11.30 per day or US$ 27.00 per day or US$ 35.00 per day or US$ 50.00 per lease.
requirements.image

How much does renting a car from Mal Pais to San Jose cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 32/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 42/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 94-US$ 106US$ 50-US$ 57US$ 95-US$ 203Solo travelers, couples
SUVUS$ 105-US$ 141US$ 50-US$ 57US$ 126-US$ 302Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 242-US$ 263US$ 50-US$ 57US$ 102-US$ 671Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 142-US$ 149US$ 50US$ 307-US$ 343Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • Understand One-Way Fees: Many providers apply an additional fee for picking up a car in one location and dropping it off at another.
  • Check Drop-Off Location Proximity: Ensure the drop-off is conveniently located near your destination or accommodation.
  • Vehicle Availability and Type: Confirm the availability of the desired vehicle type for one-way trips.
  • Review Cross-Border Restrictions: Verify if crossing into another country is allowed and if additional paperwork is required.
  • Consider Timing and Availability: Book in advance as one-way rentals may have limited availability, especially during peak seasons.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early for Best Rates: Early reservations often come with better prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
  • Plan Drop-Off Strategically: Choose a drop-off point that suits your travel itinerary and reduces unnecessary travel time.
  • Refuel Before Drop-Off: Fill the tank prior to returning the vehicle to avoid additional charges.
  • Familiarize with Return Policies: Review the rental agreement for any specific conditions regarding one-way trips.
  • Ensure Adequate Insurance Coverage: Verify insurance policies to safeguard against potential charges due to accidents or damage.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last receipt as proof of refueling.

Use gas stations near the drop-off location to save time.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price along this route is approximately $4.00 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce resistance.

Limit the use of air conditioning when not necessary.

refueling-bg
Mal Pais Parking

Parking is generally available at designated lots near the town center.

Costs range from $2 to $5 per hour.

Look for secure parking areas to avoid theft.

San Jose Parking

Parking in San Jose can be crowded, particularly during peak hours.

Expect to pay around $3 to $6 per hour in downtown areas.

Use parking garages for better security.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkWhiz

SpotHero

BestParking

parking-bg

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Mal Pais to San Jose:
Coastal Adventure
Scenic Route 4 hours

Enjoy a breathtaking drive along the Pacific coastline, with beautiful ocean views and serene beaches.

Santa Teresa , Puerto Caldera , Puntarenas
Mountain Escapade
Adventure Route 5 hours

This route takes you through the lush mountain ranges, offering stunning vistas and a taste of Costa Rican nature.

Cobano , Juntas , Atenas
Direct Drive
Fast Route 3 hours 30 minutes

The fastest path to reach San Jose, using the main highway system for a smooth and direct journey.

Caldera , Orotina , Escazú
Road Trip Planning Tips

Renting the Right Car: Choose a car suitable for the terrain you plan to drive on. For Costa Rica's rural roads, a 4x4 is often recommended.

Plan Your Route Ahead: Research the best driving routes and check for any road closures or detours.

Fuel Up: Fuel stations are sparse in remote areas. Always keep your tank filled.

Inspection Before Departure: Inspect the rental vehicle for scratches or damages to avoid disputes upon return.

Have All Papers Ready: Carry your rental agreement, insurance documents, and a valid driver's license.

Understand Costs: Be aware of additional fees like insurance, tolls, or copilot charges that might arise.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Guidelines for selecting rental companies for one-way routes from Mal Pais to San Jose. Includes companies that offer such services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
OneWay Rentals$HighHigh Competitive pricing , Wide range of vehicles
EasyDrive Rentals$$ModerateModerate Convenient pickup locations , Reliable customer service
QuickRoute Cars$$$HighHigh Advanced vehicle tracking , Frequent user discounts
LocalDrive Rentals$ModerateLow Eco-friendly car options , No hidden fees
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

companies-img1
Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

companies-img2
Best Rates

Compare across providers

companies-img3
24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

companies-img4
Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Understanding Rental Car Center Services

Rental Car Pickup Location:

Available at prominent regions in Mal Pais.

Operating Hours:

Most centers open from 7 AM to 9 PM daily.

Transportation Services:

Complimentary shuttles available near downtown Mal Pais locations.

Customer Assistance:

24/7 support through phone and app.

Pro Tips for Villa Montemeru Car Rentals

Check one-way rental policies in advance, and confirm drop-off hours in San Jose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop the car off in San Jose after picking it up in Mal Pais?

Yes, most car rental companies that operate in Costa Rica offer the option for one-way rentals. You can pick up your vehicle in Mal Pais and drop it off at an agreed-upon location in San Jose. Be sure to confirm this arrangement with your rental company beforehand.

Is there an additional fee for one-way rentals?

Typically, rental companies might charge an additional fee for one-way rentals to cover transportation costs for returning the vehicle. This fee varies by company and should be disclosed when you book the rental.

What is the best route to travel from Mal Pais to San Jose?

The most common way to travel between Mal Pais and San Jose is by taking Route 21 to the Puntarenas ferry, then connecting to Route 27 towards San Jose. This path includes a ferry crossing, so plan your timing accordingly to align with the ferry schedule.

Are there gas stations along the route?

Yes, there are several gas stations along the route from Mal Pais to San Jose. It's advisable to start with a full tank and refuel as needed, especially before reaching remote areas where services may be sparse.

How long does it take to drive from Mal Pais to San Jose?

The driving time from Mal Pais to San Jose typically ranges from 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the ferry schedule. Allow extra time for any delays or stops along the way.

Ready to Book Your Mal Pais to San Jose Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ