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Plan Your Scenic Drive from San Jose to Tambor

Enjoy the convenience of a one-way car rental and explore the beauty of Costa Rica at your own pace.

Can I rent a car from San Jose to Tambor?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from San Jose to Tambor. 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 national photo ID is required.
  • 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.

    Notes: If you live within 100 km of the rental location and your booking is not linked to a corporate or insurance account, extra verification is required. A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 18.09 per day.
  • 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. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) or
    • Original driving licence + NAATI Translation or
    • Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version).

    Notes: 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 is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 18.09 per day.
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How much does renting a car from San Jose to Tambor 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$ 12/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 21/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 12-US$ 81US$ 0-US$ 29US$ 35-US$ 183Solo travelers, couples
SUVUS$ 21-US$ 117US$ 0-US$ 29US$ 61-US$ 207Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 24-US$ 234US$ 0-US$ 29US$ 71-US$ 641Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 27-US$ 191US$ 0-US$ 29US$ 80-US$ 295Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understand One-Way Fees: One-way rentals often incur an additional fee; always check with the rental company to confirm any extra costs.
  • Check Vehicle Availability: Not all vehicle types may be available for one-way rentals—verify availability ahead of time.
  • Review Drop-Off Location Policies: Ensure drop-off locations align with your planned route and travel schedule.
  • Inspect Vehicle at Drop-Off: Upon returning, inspect the vehicle with a rental representative to avoid unwarranted charges.
  • Be Aware of Border Crossing Restrictions: One-way rentals may not allow international border crossings without prior arrangements.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Travel Route in Advance: Having a predefined route helps in efficient time and fuel management during your trip.
  • Refuel Before Returning: Avoid extra charges by refueling the vehicle before reaching the drop-off location.
  • Choose Fuel-Efficient Cars: Opt for a vehicle with good mileage to save on travel expenses.
  • Understand Insurance Coverage: Ensure you have adequate coverage to avoid surprises during your trip.
  • Book in Advance: Reservations made earlier usually come with better vehicle availability and lower costs.
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.

Always retain the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use nearby gas stations to ensure the tank is full when returning the car.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price in the Tambor area is approximately $5.10 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated before starting the trip.

Minimize air conditioning usage to reduce fuel consumption.

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San Jose Parking

Parking in San Jose can range from $1 to $3 per hour in public lots.

Many hotels offer parking facilities for guests.

Use secure parking lots to avoid potential vehicle damage.

Tambor Parking

Parking in Tambor is generally free in most areas.

Be mindful of local parking restrictions to avoid fines.

Some resorts provide private parking for their guests.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

SpotHero

Parclick

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic Routes from San Jose to Tambor:
San Jose to Tambor via Nicoya Peninsula Coastal Road
Scenic Coastal Route Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

This route covers picturesque coastal views, small villages, and lush tropical landscapes.

Puntarenas , Paquera , Santa Teresa
San Jose to Tambor via Interior Mountain Roads
Mountain Scenic Drive About 6 hours

Travel through serene mountain terrains and explore local culture en route.

Grecia , Nicoya , Montezuma
San Jose to Tambor with Ferry Connection
Combination Land and Ferry Route Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes

Experience a flexible journey including a coastal city ferry ride.

Puntarenas Ferry Terminal , Paquera , Cóbano
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Choice: Opt for a 4x4 vehicle for rugged terrain and unpaved roads.

Route Planning: Check road conditions and ferry schedules ahead, especially during the rainy season.

Booking Early: Reserve your vehicle and accommodations in advance.

Fuel Management: Ensure the tank is full before long stretches without gas stations.

Insurance Coverage: Review rental insurance options thoroughly.

Adherence to Rules: Follow local traffic regulations to avoid fines or complications.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$ExtensiveNationwide Wide range of vehicles , Flexible rental terms , Reliable customer service
Avis$$$GoodMajor cities Luxury vehicle options , Frequent promotional offers , Convenient mobile app
Budget$ModerateUrban areas Budget-friendly options , Fast booking process , Transparent fees
Enterprise$$VariedWidespread Neighborhood locations , Excellent vehicle selection , Helpful staff
QEEQ

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

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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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

Car Rental Centers in San Jose and Tambor

Airport Operating Hours:

Juan Santamaria International Airport typically operates from 5 AM to 11 PM daily.

Rental Car Center Locations:

Rental desks are located at both terminals, with shuttle service to nearby lots.

Shuttle Bus Frequency:

Free shuttle buses run every 15 minutes between the airport and rental centers.

Drive Distance:

The drive from San Jose to Tambor is approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles).

Pro Tips for San Jose Airport(SJO) Car Rentals

When renting a car for a one-way trip, ensure to confirm the drop-off location works with your travel schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car in San Jose and return it in Tambor, or vice versa, without having to bring the vehicle back to the original location. This is convenient for travelers who do not plan to return to their starting point.

Are one-way rentals available from San Jose to Tambor?

Yes, many car rental companies offer one-way rentals for the route between San Jose and Tambor. It is recommended to confirm availability early, as this service may have limited vehicles designated for one-way trips.

Is there an additional fee for one-way car rentals?

Some car rental agencies charge an additional one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the car to its original location. The fee varies by company and may depend on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off points.

What is the approximate driving time from San Jose to Tambor?

The drive from San Jose to Tambor typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, including time for crossing the ferry if necessary. The exact duration depends on traffic, road conditions, and the specific ferry schedule.

Can I take the rental car on the ferry to Tambor?

Yes, most rental agencies allow their vehicles on the ferry, but it is best to confirm this with your specific rental company. You may also be required to purchase a ferry ticket for the car in advance.

Ready to Book Your San Jose to Tambor Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ