One-Way Car Rental from San Jose to Quepos | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals San Jose to Quepos

Can I rent a car from San Jose to Quepos?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from San Jose to Quepos. 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 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 1-2 years.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 will incur a fee of US$ 11.30 per day.

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.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 will incur a fee of US$ 11.30 per day.

How much does renting a car from San Jose to Quepos 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$ 43/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 46/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 76-US$ 112	US$ 0-US$ 50	US$ 127-US$ 215	Solo travelers, couples
SUV	US$ 78-US$ 140	US$ 0-US$ 50	US$ 136-US$ 302	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 227-US$ 242	US$ 50	US$ 567-US$ 612	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 142-US$ 153	US$ 40-US$ 50	US$ 307-US$ 376	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Check if the rental company requires an additional fee when returning the car to a different location.
Route Restrictions: Ensure that the rental agreement allows travel through specific regions or territories between San Jose and Quepos.
Vehicle Availability: Confirm the availability of your preferred car type for a one-way rental journey.
Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy to avoid penalties; typically, you must return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel.
Booking Duration: Plan the rental duration accurately as changes might incur additional charges.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book Early: Secure your one-way rental well in advance to access better vehicle options and pricing.
Inspect Additional Costs: Include all related costs in your budget such as fuel, tolls, and additional fees for extras like GPS.
Get Insurance Coverage: Opt for comprehensive insurance to handle unexpected circumstances during the trip.
Check Return Locations: Choose car rental companies with convenient return locations, especially near Quepos airport.
Stay Updated: Monitor road conditions and rental agreement updates to ensure a smooth journey.

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.

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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.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use recommended gas stations near the drop-off location for convenience.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately $5.20 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to save fuel.

San Jose Parking

Parking in downtown San Jose can range from $2 to $5 per hour.

Look for public parking lots for better rates and availability.

Avoid parking in unauthorized zones to prevent fines.

Quepos Parking

Quepos offers several free parking areas near the marina.

Paid parking lots are available near popular tourist spots.

Be cautious of overnight parking restrictions in certain areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkMe

SpotHero

Parkopedia

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Primary Routes Between San Jose and Quepos:

Route 27 Expressway

Highway 2 hours 45 minutes

A toll motorway offering a direct route with scenic mountain views and coastal vistas.

Atenas , Orotina , Tarcoles River

Coastal Route via Route 34

Scenic Drive 3 hours 30 minutes

A picturesque journey closer to the coastline with opportunities to visit numerous beaches.

Jaco , Punta Leona , Playa Hermosa

Mountain Route through Puriscal

Countryside Drive 4 hours

An offbeat path through rural highlands great for sightseeing and cultural encounters.

Puriscal , Parrita , Manuel Antonio National Park

Recommended Trips Around Quepos:

Manuel Antonio National Park Exploration

10 minutes from Quepos

Visit one of Costa Rica's most famous national parks, notable for its beaches and wildlife.

Rainforest Adventure in Hacienda Baru

30 minutes south of Quepos

Experience treetop birdwatching, jungle hiking, and eco-lodging.

Whale Watching in Marina Ballena National Park

1 hour south of Quepos

Spot humpback whales and enjoy marine diversity during migratory seasons.

Visit the Nauyaca Waterfalls

1 hour 30 minutes from Quepos

A beautiful hike leading to majestic waterfalls ideal for swimming and photos.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choosing the Right Route: Consider your travel goals such as speed or sightseeing to select the best route.

Account for Timing: Avoid morning or evening peak times to minimize delays.

Navigation Aids: Utilize GPS and Costa Rican map applications while maintaining awareness of road signs.

Fuel Management: Plan stops at reliable gas stations before venturing far from urban areas.

Cost Optimization: Compare rental options to get the best deals and avoid hidden fees.

Check Rental Vehicle: Inspect your rental car for any damages to avoid disputes upon return.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, ensuring focus on companies providing one-way rentals suitable for the route from San Jose to Quepos.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$$	High	Extensive	Wide range of vehicles , Excellent customer service , Well-established network
Alamo	$$	Medium	High	Affordable rates , Convenient booking options , Frequent renter program
Avis	$$$	High	Extensive	Luxury and premium vehicles available , Streamlined pick-up/drop-off process , Dedicated customer support
Budget	$	Medium	Moderate	Economical options , Simple online reservation system , Good availability for one-way trips

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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

San Jose Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Location:

Located at Juan Santamaría International Airport, across from Terminal A.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle available every 15 minutes from the arrivals area.

Additional Information:

Travelers are advised to confirm their bookings a day in advance. Special lanes for quick returns available during peak hours.

Pro Tips for San Jose Airport(SJO) Car Rentals

Consider pre-booking satellite navigation or child seats to save time upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of vehicles are available for rent on the San Jose to Quepos route?

Rental companies typically offer a wide range of vehicles including compact cars, sedans, SUVs, and in some cases, 4x4 vehicles. The choice would depend on availability and the requirements of the traveler.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals between San Jose and Quepos?

One-way rentals often incur an additional fee, commonly referred to as a drop-off fee, to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. It's best to check with your rental company for specific charges.

Is the road condition suitable for regular vehicles, or is a 4x4 required?

The route from San Jose to Quepos is paved and generally in good condition. A regular vehicle should be sufficient unless you plan to detour to less maintained roads in the area.

What documents are required to rent a car in Costa Rica?

You will typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card for the deposit, and, for non-residents, your passport. Some rental agreements may require proof of insurance as well.

Are there gas stations along the route to Quepos?

Yes, there are several gas stations along the way from San Jose to Quepos. It's always a good idea to fill up before departing major urban areas for less populated regions.

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