Cheap Car Hire at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport

San José, Costa Rica - Juan Santamaria Intl (SJO)

15 Feb — 22 Feb

Same drop-off

Wed 15/2

Noon

Wed 22/2

Noon

Driver's age:

26-65Other

What is the cheapest time to rent a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

January

฿1,544

February

฿1,813

March

฿2,014

April

฿1,443

May

฿470

June

฿436

July

฿1,007

August

฿772

September

฿167

October

฿167

November

฿570

December

฿2,149

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport is September. The most expensive time to rent a car is December. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Top rental agencies in San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport

All major car rental suppliers in San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport

Alamo

7.8

Good

78 reviews•1 location

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Overview

Recent reviews

9.6

Wonderful|Mar 2020

The staff was friendly and helpful. The car had an unbalanced wheel, causing shudder, but at an Alamo office the car was replaced in less than 30 minutes and the journey continued without technical problems.

The light of the back compartment was constantly on due to the faulty door switch, resulting to a dead battery during a one week long parking.

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2020

10/10 would reccomend the Alamo in Belen near the San Jose Airport. Customer service was amazing, staff was super friendly and helpful, and facilities and cars are clean and well-maintained. We upgraded for a small extra amount per day and were so thrilled with our vehicle (Toyota Fortuner). Upon returning our car to Alamo at the end of our trip, we had no wait at all before our car was checked out, receipt confirmed, and our friendly driver dropped us off at the airport. Will absolutely be return customers for our next trip.

Everything was super!

8.4

Very Good|Jan 2020

Nice suv

Overcharged me!!!! Over billing!!!

3.2

Poor|Jan 2020

If you think your reservation is for 7 people and 3 luggage’s! Make sure it is only purses! We rented a car and the trunk space wouldn’t hold a backpack. Such a scam to upgrade to a bigger car and they tried to charge nearly triple the reservation price.

3.6

Poor|Jan 2020

The staff in Manuel Antonio did their best to address the issue with the trunk not latching.

Reserved an intermediate car but was given a compact at the same rate! I had to argue to get the rate changed. Furthermore, the compact was in bad shape, dings and scratches, no hub caps, and the trunk wouldn't latch. And, they didn't fill it up with gas but gave me paperwork to the contrary. I had to return shortly after leaving the lot to point out the gas gauge.

9.6

Wonderful|Jan 2020

Staff super friendly. HELD the reservation for almost 24 hours once our original flight was cancelled. Can't state enough what a LIFE SAVER this was for our trip. We had 6 passengers and needed a large SUV and I don't think there were any others available during the busy Xmas season. They literally SAVED OUR TRIP by holding that reservation for us...THANK YOU ALAMO!

Could have had a bit more room for luggage. It "seats 6" but honestly then there is zero room for luggage. We had to sit 2 in front, 3 in the middle any only 1 in back so that we could put down the seat for luggage in the back.

1 out of 26

Budget

6.0

Okay

31 reviews•1 location

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Overview

Recent reviews

8.0

Very Good|Dec 2021

Had problems with car. Kept jumping out of 4th and 5th gears. Caused delay, missed ferry. Causing further delays. Reported it.

10.0

Wonderful|Nov 2021

Fantastic and speedy service !

8.0

Very Good|Nov 2021

Price was double of what I paid in the past

1.9

Poor|Aug 2021

Horrible! Do not rent from here. I rented a large suv for my family and my elderly parents to ride comfortable 2 months in advance. I checked in on the car and reservation 2 days before travel. The day of immigration was long and flight delay occurred. I called the rental place and told them i would be coming in at 2pm. They said ok. I showed up and no car. They gave it away. Than 4 other families come to get their car and no cars either. You can't be more than 5 minutes late for your reservation or they give it away. I called ahead and made sure it was ok and my reservation was still given away. No cars were available in the airport. Worst experience being stuck in a country with 2 kids and 2 elderly parents and no car and all car rentals didn't have any either. I had to wait 3 hrs after many phone calls and help from my wheel chair person to get a car. Save yourself a headache and rent from another company.

1.9

Poor|Aug 2021

They closed their office early and I was left without a car for my arrival. The car engine was not properly tuned with very little power.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2021

Drop off was excellent

Would have liked a better explanation of the insurance coverage and not a hard sell.

1 out of 11

Avis

5.5

Fair

30 reviews•1 location

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

They forced me to pay $250 for "mandatory insurance" on arrival without prior notification. They were extremely inefficient and it took 2 hours to pick up the car despite 3 desks being open and only 7 people ahead of me in line. I suffered a minor damage in the car in a parking lot which I promptly reported to Avis at the time, but the dealer was totally unaware of it and made me repeat the process which took 1.5 hours and nearly caused me to delay my flight. They then coerced me to sign a "legal document" in Spanish only (all other documents in English) which stated facts that I did not agree with and threatened to make me stay in Costa Rica for 6 months. Total scammers!

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

Bad customer service. Schedule for dropping the car was very inconvenient and caused me more dollar’s expenses. Very bad experience not recommend it.

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

The 35$/per day mandatory insurance and other fees should be included in the listed price. Extremely deceptive marketing tactics

2.0

Poor|Nov 2022

They made you pay for an incredibly expensive insurance. Staff were unhelpful and rude.

2.0

Poor|Oct 2022

Don¨t rent in Avis.

2.0

Poor|Oct 2022

Worst rental in Costa Rica.

1 out of 10

Ace

3.6

Poor

51 reviews•1 location

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Overview

Recent reviews

6.0

Okay|Dec 2022

Although it was relatively inexpensive they did not disclose the mandatory 3rd party insurance requirement you had to pay - I even had the letter from my credit card company saying they covered the collision insurance ( I had that after reading the fine print that letter was needed- full price of the rental should be disclosed at the time of reservation

2.0

Poor|Nov 2021

Have travelled often but never experienced such a scam. We were told they had no cars when we arrived and there were none available anywhere. After an hour of pleading they somehow got us a car as it was a huge favor and it ended up being the same Toyota Landcruiser Prado which I had reserved 2 months earlier but at twice the cost. Have never been taken advantage of like this.

3.9

Poor|Aug 2021

We had requested a 4x4 because we were going to drive through the mountains and in dirt roads in Costa Rica. They gave us a car that needed the wheels to be balanced, and when it rained the car would slide through the mud. It was unsafe, and we couldn’t return the car sooner because we were far away. When we went to return the car the staff explained to us that because it was high season that was the only car they had left. Instead of renting us the car, they should’ve been honest so we could find a car to rent elsewhere.

2.0

Poor|Jan 2020

Nothing to like. I booked a Jeep for 5 people and they told me that they could only offer me a 4 seater with no trunk.

Have the car that you booked available.

3.2

Poor|Dec 2020

Staff was available and responsive

I was told online my price would be $277. I get there and they charge me $530. They initially give me a car that brakes don’t work and my husband wrecks into a car in front of us. They show no remorse although the situation could have ended much worse (I.e wreck on the highway going 70mph). They bring us another car but it’s the exact same brand- we still feel very uncomfortable about the brake situation so we ask for a different type of car and they just give a hard no. Zero remorse. Deceiving prices and little remorse or attempt to make the situation right make this a poor experience.

4.4

Mediocre|Nov 2019

They did finally change the car for us after telling us previously there weren’t any other cars.

When we were quoted for the price it was $34 total for 6 days. However, when we arrived we were told there was an obligatory insurance we needed to get (in-spite of my credit card having an international plan). The price quickly changes from the quoted $34 dollars (which supposedly included taxes and fees) to $300. We ended up paying an extra $50 more for the full insurance (since we were worried what they would try to charge us for if anything at all happened) so it came to $350. When we asked why it changed so drastically they said that it was because of the extra fees and taxes (which the website had said were included.) I had originally picked a Jeep but the confirmation email was for an SUV instead (So that was strange). When we got the Jeep it had no gps or even a usb charging port . When we asked about this the man told us he should go by Walmart in order to get one for the car. When we complained he said that they didn’t have any other cars and then finally offered us a carport charger that he had that we could borrow. When we left the seatbelt light turned on and wouldn’t stop beeping (even though we had our seatbelts on.) finally we had to turn around and return the car. We also realized there wasn’t even a middle seatbelt in the back of the car. They miraculously had a different car for us then. Overall- not a good experience. Would NOT recommend. We do speak Spanish as well fluently so it wasn’t like anything but was “lost in translation.”

1 out of 17

Enterprise

7.2

Good

10 reviews•1 location

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

Somebody crash me and leave it away. I call the insurance for nothing because at the finish I pay for all. The rob me 1000 USD

9.6

Wonderful|Dec 2019

Staff was very friendly and provided good travel information

10.0

Wonderful|Nov 2019

The entire process was excellent. I've forgotten his name, but the Enterprise Manager at the San Jose Airport had me on the road in short order. Gabriel Vasquez, the Enterprise Manager in Belen, CR was instrumental in writing an extended contract for for our car and getting us back on the road in very short order. I'M A VERY HAPPY CUSTOMER TO DATE!

Nothing.

7.2

Good|Nov 2019

The SUV we rented was great.

The price we were quoted online was very deceiving. We were quoted a little over $100 online. However when we got to pick our vehicle up, even with the cheapest insurance, we paid well over $1000. The price needs to be more transparent when you book online. Once you arrive in a foreign country and need a car to get around, you really have no choice but to pay. Very disappointed that the amount quoted was so inaccurate.

5.2

Fair|Mar 2019

Staff was great

Our car was a total piece of junk. The rental was inexpensive but I had no idea we were signing of for what seemed like a 10 yr old beat up car.

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2019

The staff is very kind and the vehicle is in good conditions.

1 out of 4

Dollar

5.8

Fair

4 reviews•1 location

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Overview

Recent reviews

3.6

Poor|Mar 2018

We got stuck in traffic because of construction in Monteverde. It was beyond our control. They shut down the only street in or out for hours. We called Dollar Rental to let them know and they told us NOT TO WORRY and that we would NOT BE CHARGED EXTRA for running late as long as we got there before they closed at 11:30 PM. We got there at 10:30 PM and the guy that was checking us back in said, "Don't worry, you won't be charged extra for being a few hours late." However, when we went to pay, the guy at the front desk charged my credit card for an additional $60.51 for the few hours we were late. I told him that both the guy on the phone and the guy who checked us back in told us we would not be charged extra. He gave me a funny look and said, "Oops, they didn't tell me that and I already ran your card, so I can't reverse the charge now. You'll have to email corporate when you get back to the US and they will fix it for you." I emailed corporate over a week ago and never heard back from them. I will never be using Dollar Rental again.

4.8

Mediocre|Jan 2018

No restrictions on where I could go with the car. Air conditioning worked. Offered WiFi device for $5/day, and that worked great.

Reserved an automatic, but their computer didn’t show it, so I was forced to upgrade. Paid for insurance via Kayak, but told that was no good and that we were required to get additional insurance that cost more than $100. The shuttle to/from airport is slow, and we waited almost an hour to get to the airport after drop off. Car’s brakes stuck and needs new shocks.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2017

Dollar lured my family in with a low price listed on the internet. BUT it was only an empty promise as they made us pay nearly twice that amount upon our arrival to pick up our reserved vehicle.

My family paid in full online prior to my trip. We received a confirmation of both our payment and reservation. After arriving in our destination (Costa Rica) Dollar made us pay additional insurance and fees to obtain our car. With our young children in tow and after pleading with them for 2 hours we had to pay the additional money to drive away. A formal credit discard dispute has been filed. Stay away from this dishonest company.

7.2

Good|Oct 2016

Customer service at Dollar

Kayak misrepresented the vehicle. I booked a vehicle that could fit 7 with insurance. When I got there I found out the vehicle only seated 5 and the insurance I paid for through Kayak wasn't even basic insurance for this country. Ended up paying 400 more than originally quoted!! Could have saved almost 200 going directly through Dollar.

1 out of 2

Europcar

4.6

Mediocre

19 reviews•1 location

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Overview

Recent reviews

6.0

Okay|Feb 2023

Service ok Car wasn’t in the best condition, hiding fees like insurance was more them double of what kayak offered,

2.0

Poor|Nov 2022

I did not end up using europcar in Costa Rica as they try an charge you an outrageous amount for insurance (no refundable $500) even though I already purchased insurance abd the car prior for $120 total. Working on getting my refund back , better off renting from the locale

2.0

Poor|Aug 2022

Awful experience. Reserved rate wasn’t honored at all. Tried to charge me 5x as much at the counter with a multiple thousand dollar “deposit”. Had to walk away. Would never try to rent from them in Costa Rica again.

6.0

Okay|Jun 2022

I canceled my rental car. The people, QEEQ.com, returned my money immediately. I bought the zero deductible insurance from the same web page and the money wasn't returned for the rental. I phoned Alliance and they said that they were putting in a request for the return of my money but I haven't received it as yet.

2.0

Poor|Jun 2022

Rental pickup booth closed before their stated time, even after we told them we were arriving later, due to a delayed flight.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2022

Not because Europcar people in San Jose, they been good, and the car was O.K., but we had to buy a new coverage Insurance, because the one you offered on the web page at the time of this reservation was not valid in San Jose!!! How you can offer it??? if not a valid coverage?! Please proceed to refund us for the Allianz Insurance purchased, we try contact them with no e-mails going through, please indicate the steps to be taken for recovering our money?! Thank you, Cosmin

1 out of 7

Economy Rent a Car

4.5

Mediocre

21 reviews•2 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

5.6

Fair|Jan 2018

The vehicle.. only.. it served us well as we traveled thru the country

The crazy price for insurance that they don’t tell you about up front. Paid a little over 120.00 for car and 500.00 for insurance. They try to scare you into buying it, and tell you how crazy the Ticos drive. Not true.. not crazier then many countries i have traveled.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2022

I prepaid $700 for my rental car on line understanding that I would have a pay for insurance. Estimates from my guidebook indicated that it would be $10-$30 per day for a 9 day trip. When I arrived I was charged $825 or $90 per day for insurance alone. I had prepaid so I couldn’t change car companies and felt cheated. I was told I should have read the fine print. If that is the policy, it should be made very clear the the cost of insurance will exceed the cost of the rental.

4.0

Mediocre|Mar 2022

Wouldn’t accept my credit card insurance coverage without a written letter—which is not a legal requirement but something they do so they can sell you their insurance. It was labeled as “on site” at airport. It was not. The car was pretty beat to hell.

9.2

Wonderful|Jul 2018

Staff was great, car was great, pick up and drop was great!

The added fees and taxes adds up quickly!

2.0

Poor|May 2018

I paid $65 for a reservation. When I got to their office, they informed me there's a $450 insurance surcharge on top. On top of that, they didn't cancel my reservation when I asked - the charge still shows up on my card.

2.0

Poor|Apr 2018

nothing

renting a car through kayak was a complete fraud. online they give you one very economic price and then the final price was more than 3 times as much. kayak offered an insurance policy which I purchased and then the rental company told me that the policy there did not suffice and I had to get their own policy which was required by the government. Also, when they gave me the car it had less than half the gas tank. when i returned it on the same level they complained and charged me for gas which was double the price i payed for filling up the whole tank once. totally disappointed by the company and by kayak.

1 out of 7

Car Rental FAQs

Which car rental providers are at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

There are 10 car rental providers located at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport. The following companies can be found near the San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport car rental counter:
Alamo (7.8)
Enterprise (7.2)
Thrifty (7.0)
Payless (6.8)
National (6.8)
Budget (6.0)
Dollar (5.8)
MEXRENTACAR (5.6)
Avis (5.5)
Europcar (4.6)

Which car rental company is considered to be the best at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Ace (10.0 rating), National (10.0 rating) and Alamo (10.0 rating) seem to be the best car hire companies at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport.

How much does it cost to hire a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport for a week from Hertz?

Hiring a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport for a week can be a great option for travel. Hertz, the most popular car hire company for this area, offers hire cars for around ฿8,484/week on average.

How far in advance should I hire a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport for the best price?

Our data suggests that booking early can save you up to 15% on a hire car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport. Take advantage of below-average prices by booking at least 90 days prior to your desired date.

Can I rent a car for a month at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

Yes, renting a vehicle at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport for a month is certainly possible.

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Cheap Car Rentals in San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport

What is the cheapest time to rent a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

Top rental agencies in San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport

All major car rental suppliers in San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport

Overview

Overview

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Overview

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Car Rental FAQs

Which car rental providers are at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

Which car rental company is considered to be the best at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

How much does it cost to hire a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport for a week from Hertz?

How far in advance should I hire a car at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport for the best price?

Can I rent a car for a month at San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport?

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