Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Costa Rica?

Yes, a valid credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. The deposit amount varies by coverage plan and is released within 7 business days after return.

Golden sunset on tropical Costa Rica beach

Tropical Costa Rica beach with palm trees and lush green jungle

★★★★★ 5.0 — Google Reviews

Backed by Alamo

✅ Free Cancellation

👥 Free Additional Driver

💳 No Upfront Payment

🏢 Pay at the Counter

Trusted Car Rental
in Costa Rica
— No Hidden Fees

Q: What should I do at the airport when I arrive in Costa Rica?

At SJO (San José) or LIR (Liberia), find the Alamo counter after clearing customs. They'll handle the registration process and shuttle you to the nearby branch to pick up your vehicle.

Transparent pricing, a modern fleet, and 24/7 personal service. Discover Costa Rica with the confidence of knowing there are zero surprises.

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Who We Are

Your Key to Discover
Costa Rica Without Limits

At On Route Rental CR, we understand that your trip to Costa Rica is not just a transfer — it's the realization of a long-awaited plan. That's why we've transformed vehicle rental into an experience of total freedom and trust.

Our Fleet

The Right Vehicle
for Your Adventure

From compact city cars to powerful 4×4 SUVs ready for mountain trails. Each vehicle is rigorously inspected and backed by Alamo.

SUV

Premium SUV Aut.

7 passengers · 3 suitcases · Automatic

Perfect for large families or groups seeking maximum comfort

Quote This Vehicle

SUV 4×4

Full Size 4×4 Aut.

7 passengers · 3 suitcases · 4×4

Ideal for mountain roads — Monteverde, Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja

Quote This Vehicle

SUV 4×4

Standard 4×4 Aut.

5 passengers · 2 suitcases · 4×4

The most popular choice for couples and small families

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SEDAN

Compact Aut.

5 passengers · 2 suitcases · Automatic

The most economical option for city driving

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View Full Fleet

Why Choose Us

What Makes Us
Different

🛡️

Total Transparency

"What they quoted me is what I paid" — real Google review. No surprise charges at pickup, no hidden deposits, no last-minute fees.

📱

24/7 Personal Service

Lloyd, our founder, answers the phone at any hour. Because in the car rental business, trust means being there when you need us.

🌐

Backed by Alamo

International fleet quality with the warmth of local service. The best of both worlds for your trip.

📍

52+ Locations Nationwide

Pick up and drop off at airports, hotels, and beach towns across all of Costa Rica. We go where you need us.

RONALD Peter

📍 Local Guide · 113 reviews

4 days ago

★★★★★

"Thanks for the experience. Thanks for the support. The Costa Ricans are beautiful people. If anything comes up, they work it out. Lloyd was amazing. Always there if you had questions."

Stephanmy Hernandez S.

📍 Local Guide · 18 reseñas

2 weeks ago

★★★★★

"Escogí On Route Rental y fue la mejor decisión. El proceso de reserva fue sencillo y sin complicaciones; todo lo explican de forma clara. La entrega fue muy ágil. Sin duda, el mejor servicio que he recibido de una empresa de alquiler de autos en Costa Rica."

Judy Jonson Faulkner

10 reviews · 1 photo

2 weeks ago

★★★★★

"AMAZING SERVICE!! Can't say enough good about Lloyd! Worked with me to get the vehicle we wanted, at the price we wanted, when we wanted! RECOMMEND HIGHLY"

★ Ver las 18 opiniones en Google

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need
to Know

Absolutely not. Our quotes include all fees upfront — no surprise charges at pickup, no hidden deposits, no last-minute extras. Transparency is our #1 value.

Yes! Reservations can be modified or canceled with prior notice at no cost. Our agents can guide you through the process.

Yes, a valid credit card is required for the security deposit. The card must be in the driver's name. The deposit amount varies by coverage plan and is released within 7 business days after return.

Yes! One-way rentals are available across the network. We also offer free hotel pickup within 15 km of any branch — no extra charge.

Basic coverage includes protection against rollovers and third-party damage (deductible up to $1,000, deposit $500). Full coverage eliminates the deductible entirely, includes roadside assistance, and reduces the deposit to just $100.

Yes — additional drivers are completely free! They just need to show up at the counter with a valid license and official ID to be registered.

At SJO or LIR, find the Alamo counter after clearing customs. They'll handle the registration process and shuttle you to the nearby branch to pick up your vehicle.

View All FAQs

Trusted Car Rental
in Costa Rica
— No Hidden Fees

Your Key to Discover
Costa Rica Without Limits