San Jose car rental

San Jose Costa Rica car rental

Rent a car in San José, Costa Rica, to discover this vibrant city brimming with culture, history, and surprising adventures. Beyond the airport lies a captivating capital waiting to be explored.

Delve into the nation's rich heritage at the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, housed in a former military barracks, or immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene at the Museo de Arte Costarricense. For a taste of local flavor, wander through the bustling Mercado Central, a sensory explosion of sights, sounds, and authentic Costa Rican products. Don't miss the architectural marvel that is the Teatro Nacional, a stunning testament to the city's artistic soul.

Venture just outside the city for a breathtaking day trip in your San Jose rental car to the Poás Volcano National Park. Witness the awe-inspiring crater and lush cloud forest, a perfect escape into Costa Rica's natural beauty. San José is more than just a stopover; it's a destination that will surprise and delight. Collect your rental car from Juan Santamaria International Airport or from downtown for the freedom to explore San Jose and wider Costa Rica your way.

Book your San Jose, Costa Rica, car rental online with Hertz today and start planning your next adventure.

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Car rental locations in San Jose, Costa Rica

Neighbourhood Locations

Popular vehicles to rent in San Jose, Costa Rica

A quick travel guide to San Jose

Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen

700 Meters West from Bridgestone/Firestone, Heredia, 40703, Costa Rica

An upscale resort-style oasis in the heart of the city, this premium hotel promises a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. Tennis courts, a golf driving range and a full-service spa are just some of the amenities. Catch up on the latest sports at Bar 10 or enjoy gourmet Costa Rican cuisine on the terrace at Hacienda Kitchen, before heading up to your spacious room decked out with luxury bedding. Situated on a former coffee plantation and close to both the airport and the city center.

Gran Hotel Costa Rica

WWMC+GXH, Av. Central, San José, El Carmen, Costa Rica

As part of the Curio Collection from Hilton Hotels, this charming hotel is located within a historical and architectural gem from the 1930s. Offering 79 rooms over five floors, and within easy walking distance from top attractions such as the Glod Museum and the National Theater. Gear up for the day at the fitness center and relax in the evening in the elegant piano bar. Two on-site restaurants offer top-notch cuisine with cityscape views, while a vast selection of local cafes and restaurants awaits just moments away.

Hotel Colonial

Calle 11, Avenidas 2 y 6 San José San José CR, San José, Costa Rica

For travelers on a budget, this high-value hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay at a fraction of the price. The historic building in the Spanish architectural style dates from the 1940s, featuring Solomon columns and mahogany beams. Breakfast is included with every booking, and the hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, all at affordable prices. Restaurante Casa Colonial serves top-quality food crafted from local, seasonal ingredients, while the Terraza Café is the ideal spot to start your morning with a view.

Restaurante Silvestre

Avenida 11 955, San José Province, Amón, 10101, Costa Rica

A fine dining restaurant ideal for special occasions, this romantic venue serves up a small, curated seasonal menu with a focus on local ingredients. Celebrate Costa Rican soul with the impressive conceptual menú degustación, showcasing the very best of regional cuisine. Expect artistically presented dishes such as Chira Island seabass with a white corn bisque cooked in banana leaves, and charcoal-grilled local farm lamb loin with a watercress seasoning and lamb jus.

Wong’s

WWMG+CVG, Av. Central, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica

For a more casual and affordable meal, Wong’s is a favorite among locals, drawn in by the aromatic flavors of China served in generous portions. The authentic dim sum is widely considered to be among the best in Costa Rica. This family-friendly restaurant is centrally located close to the Museo Jade. Menu highlights include prawn dumplings, pork bao buns and patas de pollo picantes – served tapas-style for the table to share.

Arbol de Seda

Av. 7, San José, Barrio Escalante, 10101, Costa Rica

One of the best spots in the city for vegetarian and vegan food, with a diverse menu offering a fusion of Latin American, Asian and Mediterranean flavors. From huevos rancheros or French toast for brunch, to a selection of veggie burgers, pizzas, and vegan specialties for lunch, followed by a huge selection of home-baked desserts including vegan options, even meat-eaters are sure to find something tempting.

National Theater of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional)

Avenida 2, C. 5, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica

An iconic landmark in the heart of the city, the Teatro Nacional has been providing entertainment for locals and tourists alike for over a century. The beautifully ornate building alone is worth a visit, in the neoclassical style with lavish furnishings and stunning ceiling frescoes. This 1,140-seat theater has performances several evenings a week, including from the National Symphonic Orchestra, so check the calendar and catch some music if you can – the acoustics are spectacular.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

6R3Q+Q9P, Provincia de Alajuela, Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

A must-visit for lovers of the great outdoors, La Paz is home to no less than five famous waterfalls and is renowned as the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife spotting. Explore this unique mountain rainforest environment found on the eco-route to Arenal when you rent a car from San Jose. And with several on-site restaurants and cafes, and abundant green spaces for picnicking, you can spend the entire day in this tranquil green space.

Central Market / Mercado Central

WWM9+V5F, Calle 8, San José Province, San José, Paso De La Vaca, Costa Rica

The picturesque Mercado Central is a must-visit stop on any tour of San Jose. Since 1880, this bustling hub of city life has been home to a diverse range of stalls and vendors. Browse for souvenirs such as hand-crafted wooden ornaments, savor the aroma of freshly ground spices, or pop into a “soda” for a bite to eat. Be aware that most of the vendors will only speak (and have signs) in Spanish, so you might need a translation app to hand if you don’t speak it. 

San Jose Costa Rica car rental FAQs

There are plenty of different types of parking spaces available across San Jose, from private lots to metered street parking.

  • Watch out for parking attendants wearing orange vests – be aware that it’s customary to pay them a small fee for watching your car
  • Popular attractions such as the Central Market have private parking lots attached – you will typically be required to pay as you exit
  • ParkSJ is your one-stop app for rental car parking in San Jose – download this and you can find your nearest parking spaces and see how full parking lots are at any time of day or night
  • Ruta 1, or the Inter-American Highway, connects San Jose to all points north and west
  • Ruta 2, or National Primary Route 2, is the main highway leading to the south
  • Ruta 27, or the San Jose-Caldera Highway, connects the city to the Pacific Coast

It should take around 25 minutes to get to San Jose city center when you rent a car from Juan Santamaria International Airport:

  1. Head south on Llegadas and turn right to merge onto Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route 1
  2. Follow Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route 1 and Circunvalación/P.º de la Segunda República/Ruta Nacional Primaria 39
  3. Take the exit from Circunvalación/P.º de la Segunda República/Ruta Nacional Primaria 39
  4. Turn right at Servicios Contables G & G to reach central San Jose