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Seamlessly Travel from San Jose to Tambor

Experience the best of Costa Rica with our one-way car rental services.

Document required for international visitors
  • 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. Local renters may be required to provide additional verification such as a utility bill or security deposit.

    Notes: Local Renter Requirements: 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. Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit will apply: $1,000 standard.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical national photo ID is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Diners Club.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee, e.g., US$ 10.85 per day, capped at US$ 75.98 for the rental.
  • 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. Additional requirements include presenting an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original licence, or a NAATI-certified translation of the licence. South Korean licences with English translations are also accepted.
  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, and Diners Club.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee, e.g., US$ 10.85 per day, capped at US$ 75.98 for the rental.
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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

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 46-134US$ 0.00-28.25US$ 54-287Solo travelers, couples
SUVUS$ 62-154US$ 0.00-28.25US$ 108-321Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 356-356US$ 28.25-28.25US$ 517-968Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 85-162US$ 0.00-28.25US$ 253-411Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Check the additional fee imposed for returning the car at a different location.
  • Drop-Off Location Availability: Not all rental agencies support every drop-off location. Confirm your preferred drop-off spot.
  • Vehicle Model Preferences: Certain vehicle models may not be available for one-way trips. Verify availability when booking.
  • Booking Duration: One-way rentals might have minimum or maximum booking periods. Plan your schedule accordingly.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Confirm any restrictions regarding crossing borders, especially if crossing into Tambor from San Jose.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route in Advance: Mapping your journey ensures you account for stops, fuel stations, and ideal break points.
  • Understand Local Driving Laws: Being informed about traffic regulations makes travel in Costa Rica smoother.
  • Choose The Right Vehicle: Fit the vehicle type to your trip’s needs, such as compact cars for city travel or SUVs for rural roads.
  • Book Early for Best Rates: Rental rates and vehicle choices are often better the earlier you book.
  • Pack Essential Road Trip Items: Carry a reliable GPS, travel snacks, and emergency kits.
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
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Cóbano Service Station - MWV3+JP8, 160, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Servicentro Jimal - MWV2+666, 160, Provincia de Puntarenas, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for better mileage.

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San Jose Parking

Look for parking garages near the city center for better security.

Parking in San Jose can range from $1 to $3 per hour in public lots. Street parking is available but may be limited during peak hours.

Tambor Parking

Use hotel parking facilities to ensure safety.

Parking in Tambor is generally free near beaches and hotels, but confirm with your accommodation for availability.

Recommended Parking Apps

Applications like ParkMe and SpotHero can help find and reserve parking spaces in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to carry local currency for cash-only toll booths.

Use electronic toll payment methods where available to save time.

The route includes toll roads, with charges ranging from $1 to $5 depending on the section.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Famous Roadways from San Jose to Tambor:
Pacific Coastal Drive
Scenic 4 hours and 30 minutes

This route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, with opportunities to stop at beaches and lookout points.

Jacó , Parrita , Montezuma
Inside Mountain Road
Adventurous 5 hours

Traverse through lush forests and mountain terrains for an adventurous and serene experience.

Turrubares , Puntarenas , Curu Reserve
Main Highway Route
Direct 4 hours

A smoother drive on the main highways, ideal for a faster transition while admiring Costa Rican naturality.

Orotina , Puntarenas , Paquera
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route: Use GPS or offline maps to navigate remote areas where cell signal might be weak.

Fuel Up Before Departure: Ensure you have enough gas, as stations might be sparse in rural areas.

Know Road Conditions: Check for road closures or construction delays before heading out.

Inspect The Rental Vehicle: Verify the car’s condition, including tires, lights, and fluids, during pick-up.

Pack Necessities: Carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit for emergencies.

Respect Nature: Preserve the environment by disposing waste responsibly and respecting wildlife habitats.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, choosing reliable providers for one-way rentals between San Jose and Tambor.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Alamo Rent A Car$$ExcellentHigh Wide variety of SUVs and sedans , Support for 24/7 roadside assistance , Numerous rental locations across Costa Rica
Budget Car Rental$GoodModerate Competitive pricing for long-term rentals , Convenient pickup and return at airports , Reliable customer service
Hertz$$$ExcellentHigh Luxury vehicle options available , Multiple promotional discounts , Partnerships with major airlines for rewards
Sixt$$HighModerate Flexible rental durations , Premium vehicle options for long drives , Good availability of SUVs suitable for Costa Rican terrain
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

San Jose Car Rental Center Information

Rental Car Center Location:

The car rental desks are located adjacent to the San Jose International Airport arrival terminals.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttles are available every 15 minutes from the airport to the rental car facilities.

Operating Hours:

Rental car services operate from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Fuel Policy:

Most providers offer a full-to-full fuel policy; verify before checkout.

It's recommended to book rental services well in advance during the peak tourist season to ensure availability and secure better rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the one-way car rental fee from San Jose to Tambor?

Most car rental agencies charge a one-way fee for dropping the car in a different location. The fee varies by the rental agency and current promotions, so it’s best to check directly with the company you plan to rent from.

How long is the drive from San Jose to Tambor?

The drive from San Jose to Tambor typically takes about 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Be prepared for ferry crossings or toll roads, which may add some time.

What documents do I need for renting a car on this route?

You’ll need a valid driver’s license, a passport, and a credit card for the rental guarantee. Some rental companies may also require proof of insurance or an international driver’s permit.

Are there gas stations available near Tambor?

Yes, there are gas stations conveniently located near Tambor airport and along the route. Make sure to fill up before reaching remote destinations, as fuel options may be scarce in certain areas.

Can I return the car outside of regular business hours at Tambor?

Most car rental agencies offer after-hours return options, but you should confirm this in advance. The details of the process will depend on the company’s policy, so inquire at the time of booking.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes