Cruise and Beach Destinations
in the Caribbean, Mexico & Beyond

Caribeez.com
Costa Rica

Puntarenas Car Rentals

Puntarenas pier
Puntarenas pier at night. Credit: Wikimedia

Savvy travelers who will be spending time in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, will find that the convenience of planning their stay as per their schedule is simply too much to give up.

To help travelers along the way to traversing in comfort and peace of mind, the list below includes a few of the better known car rental agencies in Puntarenas.

1. Liberia International Airport Car Rental

Yes, there is an airport in Costa Rica known as Liberia International Airport. Otherwise known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia International Airport is one of four international airports in Costa Rica.

Liberia International Airport Car Rental is a subset of the international rental broker VIP Cars and is associated with several leading network of suppliers in Liberia. 

As such, the agency provides a fleet of business and leisure style vehicles in the form of economical and high ends cars. Additionally, they provide online booking with 24/7 booking support. Without a doubt, one of the agency’s prime advantages is their location.

2. Economy Car Rentals

Similar to Liberia International Airport Car Rental, Economy Car Rentals is affiliated with an extensive network of leading car rental companies.

As such, this agency boasts a fleet of a few hundred cars offered from more than 15 locations all across Costa Rica. This allows the agency a degree of flexibility in organizing clients’ packages to suit individual needs. Features available to renters include additional drivers, child seats, cross boarder cards and GPS.

Having been in business for more than 25 years, Economy Car Rentals is featured on numerous prominent online travel sites such as Expedia, Priceline and Travelocity.

3. Budget Car Rental

An affiliate of Budget Rental Car International Inc. out of the United States, Budget Car Rental Costa Rica is a major car rental agency in Puntarenas.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the car rental industry, all you need to do is fill out the requisite information on their online reservation form that will return all their available cars, and rates for your rental days.

Of importance, note that certain fees may not be included in the preliminary quote. As such, it’s important to ensure that the final quote is provided within a reasonable time and all the fees are clearly stated and included.

4. Thrifty Rent a Car - Car Rentals

A franchise of one of the largest car rental companies in the world, Thrifty Rent a Car is all about convenience and affordability. Cars may be rented by walk in, phone or via rentalcars.com.

Thrifty offers an eclectic selection of high-quality vehicles ranging from small economic vehicles to the larger sports cars as well as SUVs and minivans. Specific makes include Nissan Altima and Dodge Avenger as smaller vehicles while on the larger end are the Ford Escape and Chevrolet Traverse as examples.

For the environmentally conscious, Thrifty is also on its way to becoming one of the first Carbon Positive (CO2+) car rental companies in Central America.

5. Mapache Rent a Car

Officially the only Green Costa Rica Car Rental Company that is 100% Carbon Neutral,  Mapache Rent a Car was the Winner of the Bizz Prize Award for Innovation and Quality.

For the environmentally conscious, a vehicle from Mapache may provide that much needed sense of assurance. Additionally, the agency was recently recognized as the Best car rental agency in Costa Rica by Transportation International.

An additional advantage is the fact that Mapache is located at the country’s major airports as well as in major tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Mapache delivers rentals to customers anywhere in Costa Rica, not just Puntarenas. A free shuttle to and from their airport offices is also available.

On a final note, it’s important to realize that Costa Rica like any other country has its own customs including the standard way of doing business. As an example, additional liability insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica for any foreigner renting a car.

As such, it’s important to understand the commitment that travelers are making once they decide to rent a vehicle. Activities such as reading FAQs and asking questions via phone will go a long way in avoiding hiccups.

Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera.
February 17, 2020

Limón Costa Rica Cruise Port

Cahuita National Park
The Limón Costa Rica cruise port is an island of humanity surrounded by vast rainforests.

Puntarenas Cruise Port Guide

Puntarenas aerial view
Puntarenas is a common stop on Panama Canal cruises and an ideal ecotourism destination.

Best Times to Visit Costa Rica

Zacero Costa Rica
Costa Rica has distinct dry and rainy seasons depending on the location. See the best times to go.

Best Puntarenas Beaches

6 Best Puntarenas Tourist Attractions

Costa Rica Monthly Weather Averages: Rain, Temperatures

Puntarenas Cruise Excursions

Costa Rica Travel Tips: Attractions, When to Go, Weather