The Do’s & Don’ts of Driving in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, with its lush rainforests, idyllic beaches, rich natural history, and charming small towns, makes it an explorer’s paradise. Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and hidden gems. However, before you get behind the wheel, it’s essential to understand the unique aspects of driving in Costa Rica. From navigating winding mountain roads to understanding local traffic laws, being prepared can make your journey safer and more enjoyable. 

Browse our guide on the do’s and don’ts of driving in Costa Rica, ensuring you make the most of your adventure while staying safe on the road.

Driving Around Costa Rica – The Basics

In Costa Rica, drivers, of course, must wear seat belts. Children under 12 years old must sit in the back seat. Additionally, children under 1.45 meters (4 feet 9 inches) or weighing less than 36 kg (79 pounds) must use a car seat or booster seat appropriate for their size. Drivers must use headlights during daylight hours and turn signals are required at intersections.

The legal driving age in Costa Rica is 18 years old. Rental car companies may require drivers to be at least 21 or even 25, depending on their policies.

Don’t: Drinking and driving is a bad idea! It is illegal to drink alcohol while driving. Also, the legal blood alcohol limit in Costa Rica is 0.75% which is lower than the United States limit of 0.8%. However, it is always safer to abstain completely when driving.Do: If you plan on drinking, be sure to have a designated driver or take public transportation. Just one drink can put you over the limit.

Costa Rican’s Driving License Requirements

When driving in Costa Rica, it’s crucial to carry a valid driver’s license from your home country and your passport or National ID card. Here are the key requirements and considerations for 2024:

Carrying Your License

​​Costa Rica grants tourists from visa-exempt countries (like the United States, Canada, and most European nations) a tourist visa that allows them to stay for up to 180 days. This new policy, implemented in 2023, was a shift from the previous 90-day limit, making it easier for travelers to enjoy longer stays without needing a visa extension or frequent border runs​. 

However, while the tourist visa now allows for 180 days of stay, foreign driving privileges remain limited to 90 days. This means that even if you can stay for six months on your tourist visa, you are only legally allowed to drive in Costa Rica on your home country’s driver’s license for the first 90 days of your visit. After that, you would need to either leave the country and re-enter to reset the driving period or obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license​.

• Valid Home Country License: You must carry a valid driver’s license from your home country. This license allows you to drive in Costa Rica for up to 90 days.
• Identification: Along with your driver’s license, you should also carry your original and valid passport or national ID card at all times when driving, as this will show the duration of time you’ve spent in Costa Rica.

Language and Translation

• License Language: If your driving license is in the same alphabet used in Costa Rica (e.g., A, B, C, D), no translation is required. This includes licenses from countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): If your license is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Mandarin, or Hebrew), you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arriving in Costa Rica. The IDP serves as a translation and is required to legally drive in the country.

Driving Without a Home Country License

• Obtaining a Costa Rican License: If you do not have a driver’s license from your country of residence, you must obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license if you wish to drive. This process involves visiting the nearest office of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and meeting the local requirements for a driving test and license issuance.

Important Considerations for 2024

• Residency Status: If you plan to stay in Costa Rica beyond 180 days or become a resident, you will need to obtain a Costa Rican driver’s license, even if you hold a valid foreign license.
• License Renewal: For those staying long-term, it’s important to know that Costa Rican licenses need to be renewed every five years, and you must have legal residency to renew a license issued in Costa Rica.

Speed Limit in Costa Rica

Before driving in Costa Rica, it’s important to be aware of the speed limits to ensure a safe journey. In urban areas, the speed limit is typically 40 km/h (25 mph), while on rural roads, it ranges from 60 km/h (37 mph) to 80 km/h (50 mph). On major highways, the speed limit generally varies between 80 km/h (50 mph) and 100 km/h (62 mph), depending on the specific area. 

Traffic violations, such as speeding or driving without a seat belt, can result in hefty fines. It’s important to adhere to local laws to avoid penalties.

• 1-20 km/h over the speed limit: The fine is approximately ₡54,000 CRC (about $100 USD).
• 21-30 km/h over the speed limit: The fine increases to around ₡110,000 CRC (about $200 USD).
• More than 30 km/h over the speed limit: The fine is approximately ₡222,000 CRC (about $400 USD).

Costa Rican Road Conditions

Costa Rica’s topography is diverse and a real treat for visiting adventurers to explore. From lofty mountains, low visibility clouds, or flatlands- Costa Rica’s landscape is straight out of your favorite adventure novel! However, while driving in Costa Rica is easy, navigating the country’s winding dirt roads and mountain passes can be challenging. 

One of the first things you’ll notice when driving in Costa Rica is that the roads in Costa Rica are not always in the best condition. Potholes are common, and some roads are barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other. This can be particularly challenging if you’re not used to driving on unpaved roads.

There are also a lot of animals —particularly chickens roaming around freely— on the roads in Costa Rica. This means that you need to be extra careful when driving, as you never know when one might dart out into the road. Take it slow and always be on the lookout for animals!

Top Tip: Download an offline map app before you go. Offline maps use your phone’s GPS tracking even when you don’t have cell service so you can always find your way. Waze and Google Maps are two popular options that also provide live traffic updates.

Costa Rican highways and freeways

Costa Rica’s highways and freeway systems offer a unique driving experience that may differ significantly from what you’re accustomed to in North America. Many highways in the country have only one or two lanes, often for short stretches, and some routes feature just a single lane in each direction. 

One of the best-maintained highways is the Interamericana Highway 1, which has undergone significant upgrades. Various sections of the highway, particularly those near the capital, San José, were expanded and modernized to improve traffic flow and safety. 

However, most of the other freeway systems, such as Route 27, which connects San José to Alajuela, typically have just one lane in each direction. While these highways can be efficient, they require careful navigation, especially during peak traffic hours.

Do: Carry small bills and loose change with you for tolls. Almost all highways in Costa Rica have toll booths—often without attendants—so have cash ready to go to avoid delays. While most major credit cards are accepted at the bigger booths, having cash on hand is always best. You can pay in Colones or USD.

Road hazards in Costa Rica

Costa Ricans have some unusual methods to warn motorists about hazards along the roads. People will often mark a pothole with something that is lying around, such as a piece of cardboard, a banana peel, or even a piece of wood. If the road is bumpy, locals might use a large leaf, or sometimes even a whole tree trunk, to make sure cars don’t hit anything.

Drivers in Costa Rica will also use pieces of plastic bags to indicate where the road dips into a ditch or where electrical lines have fallen. Locals may trim a long piece of grass or plantain leaves to act as a warning if there is a particularly steep curve in the road. Locals are also known to flash their lights to oncoming traffic to indicate accidents, delays, Transit Police stops, or even cows on the road (which is common in more of the farming areas).

Costa Rican weather

The rainy season runs from May to November, with September and October being the months with the most rainfall. During this period, it rains almost every day. Rainfall in Costa Rica varies greatly from less than ten inches per month to over 30 inches per month in the north. This rain causes many problems around the country, including washouts, slippery roads, and landslides along roadways.

Some roads are more prone to washouts and landslides than others. For example, Route 2 between San José and San Isidro del General is one of the most dangerous routes because it passes through the Cordillera Central mountain range. Other vulnerable roads include Route 32 between San José and Limón and Route 27 connecting San José to Punta Arenas and Jacó.

Do: Make sure to check the weather forecast on the day of your journey. If you are driving close to Tamarindo, check out our four-season guide with detailed information about the climate in Tamarindo, so be sure not to miss it!

Driving at Night

Another thing to keep in mind when driving in Costa Rica is that it can be very dangerous to drive at night, so if you’re not a confident driver it is recommended to avoid it. Not only are the roads more likely to be in bad condition, but there are also fewer streetlights and usually no pavement markers or edge lines on the road, making it harder to see potential hazards.

Traffic Signs in Costa Rica

The signs are similar to those used in the United States and Canada, with the exception of a few (like the red octagon for stop). They utilize the same icons, but learning the Spanish words is always beneficial. The following are some of the most frequent road signs you’ll encounter.

• Alto – stop. Is also a red octagon.
• Velocidad maxima– maximum speed. Remember that Costa Rica uses the metric system so speed limits are in kilometers and gas tanks are measured in liters.
• Ceda el Paso – yield. Is also a red-and-white triangle.
• Puente Angosto – narrow bridge.

Do: Learn the basic signs listed above in preparation for driving in Costa Rica.

Gas Prices in Costa Rica

The average price of gasoline in Costa Rica is approximately ₡780 CRC per liter, which is about $5.90 to $6.10 USD per gallon. In comparison, the average price of gasoline in the United States during the same period is around $3.70 to $4.00 USD per gallon.

Do: Whenever you can, refuel your car. In rural areas, gas stations may be scarce, so if you’re unsure, it’s best to fill up sooner. Diesel fuel may be less common and more expensive than gasoline in Costa Rica, so make sure you know what type of car you have before driving!

Renting a Car

If you do decide to rent a car while in Costa Rica, there are a few things you need to know. First, ensure that your rental agreement clearly states what type of insurance is included. You don’t want to be stuck with a huge bill if your rental car gets damaged!

It’s also essential to pick up your rental car as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to get familiar with the car and get used to driving on Costa Rican roads.

What Car to Pick?

There are three types of cars to choose from in Costa Rica: economy, compact and mid-size. Economy cars are typically smaller and cheaper, while compact and midsize cars are larger and usually pricier. If you plan on traveling around the countryside, consider getting a midsize car since most of the roads are paved and fairly well maintained. If you are traveling backroads, you’ll certainly want a 4×4 for additional peace of mind. 

Costa Rican rental companies offer automatic and manual vehicles, and it seems like most people prefer automatics over manuals. But when you’re renting a vehicle, there are some things to consider. You’ll pay more money for an automatic, but it might be worth it to save yourself some trouble.

Car Rental Cost

You can find a car rental to fit your needs on any budget. The price depends on how long you want the vehicle for, what type of car, and where it will be used while driving in Costa Rica – high or low season? because there are different prices depending upon the time period that one chooses to visit Costa Rica

Expect to pay $50-$100 per day for a basic economy car and for prices to fluctuate over the calendar year. For longer trips, you might save money by renting a bigger vehicle.

There are plenty of car rentals in Costa Rica, including those offered by some major brands like Enterprise, Sixt, Adobe, and Hertz. However, we recommend booking your car online because it’s easier, faster, and cheaper.

Car Rental Insurance in Costa Rica

The good news is there are many ways to protect yourself against accidents while traveling in Costa Rica. However, it pays to do research beforehand. For example, most companies offer collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance, but it’s usually limited to around $1,000-$2,000 per vehicle. If you’re renting a car, make sure you know what coverage options the rental agency offers and how much each option costs.

If you don’t want to carry liability insurance, there are still plenty of ways to protect yourself. Renting a 4×4 vehicle is recommended because it makes navigating those rugged roads easier. Also, consider adding optional extras like GPS navigation, satellite radio, and even a mobile phone package that includes international roaming.

You’re probably wondering where you could find cheap travel insurance. Well, it turns out there are several providers offering plans specifically designed for travelers who rent cars in Costa Rica. They include some of the ones below:

• American Express Travel Protection Plan

• Allianz Global Assistance

• International SOS

• Travelex Insurance

Your Exploration Begins!!

So there you have it— everything you need to know about driving in Costa Rica! Even though the conditions can be challenging at times, renting a car is definitely worth it if you want to see everything that this beautiful country has to offer. Just remember to drive carefully, watch out for animals, and avoid driving at night if possible. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable drive around this beautiful country.

If you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay, take a look at our Tamarindo vacation rental listings. From beachfront condos to luxurious villas in beautiful Tamarindo, we’ve got something for everyone!

Bon voyage!

3 common questions about driving in Costa Rica