Alajuela car hires from €29
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car hire in Alajuela with a pick-up date of 29/4 and drop-off date of 7/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in Alajuela
Save up to 46%Compare multiple travel sites with one search
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Alajuela car hire information
| Pick-up location | Alajuela |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Mini, Standard SUV |
| Hire locations | 24 |
| Airport locations | 18 |
| Popular agencies | FlexWays, Avis, keddy by Europcar, Payless, Economy Rent a Car |
Cheap car hire in Alajuela
| Economy | €29/day |
| Intermediate | €41/day |
| Full-size SUV | €67/day |
| Mini | €29/day |
| Compact SUV | €35/day |
| Intermediate SUV | €41/day |
| Standard SUV | €48/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Alajuela
- Public transportation in Costa Rica can be time-consuming and confusing, adding unnecessary stress to your travel plans. With cheap car rentals in Alajuela, visitors have the flexibility to explore Alajuela and its surrounding areas at their own pace and convenience. You can design your itinerary to suit your preferences, visit remote destinations, and stay as long as you want. Many of the tourist attractions in Alajuela and surrounding areas, such as the Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Zoo Ave, are also best explored by Alajuela car rentals.
- San José Juan Santamaria Intl Airport (SJO) is the main international airport in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The rental car offices are located at the airport terminal, so it is very convenient to rent Alajuela car rentals upon arrival at the airport. San José Tobias Bolanos Intl Airport (SYQ) is also located in Alajuela, but it is a smaller airport, primarily serving domestic flights. There are rental car offices located outside the airport terminal building, and a shuttle service is available to transport passengers to the car rental office.
- When driving cheap car rentals in Alajuela, there are several things a person should know to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. Some yield signs may indicate “alto” which means stop. The road conditions in Alajuela can vary from well-maintained to unpredictable terrain. In rural areas, road improvements may be long overdue, and there may be potholes to look out for. Moreover, the driving style in Alajuela tends to be more aggressive and impatient than in other parts of the country. The most common vehicles on the road in Alajuela are small four-door sedans.
- Traffic in Alajuela can be heavy, particularly during peak hours in the morning and afternoon rush hours. Rush hour times in Alajuela generally occur from approximately 6 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm. During these times, it is best to avoid the major highways and roads, such as Route 27 and Route 1, as they tend to experience the heaviest traffic. Instead, use alternative routes or consider driving cheap car rentals in Alajuela during off-peak hours. Alajuela has a rainy season that lasts from May to November, and the roads can become slippery and muddy during this time. This is particularly the case in rural areas or unpaved roads.
- Book your car hire in Alajuela at least 4 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy car hire in Alajuela are around 16% cheaper than other car types, on average
Alajuela car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in Alajuela
What is the cheapest car hire company in Alajuela?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at keddy by Europcar (€29/day), FlexWays (€35/day) and Avis (€39/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at keddy by Europcar San Jose Airport (4 kilometres from the city centre).
How much is the price of fuel in Alajuela?
The average price of fuel in Alajuela is €5.01 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between €60 and €80, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Alajuela?
Economy (Toyota Rush or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Alajuela.
Which car hire agencies are at Juan Santamaria Intl airport (SJO)?
The only car hire company onsite at Juan Santamaria Intl airport is Europcar.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Juan Santamaria Intl airport (SJO)?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Juan Santamaria Intl airport to off-airport locations include GREEN MOTION, Alamo and Europcar.
How can I find car hires near me in Alajuela?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Alajuela?
An Economy car hire in Alajuela costs €32 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Alajuela?
A Standard car hire in Alajuela costs €81 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Alajuela?
An Intermediate car hire in Alajuela costs €22 per day, on average.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Alajuela?
When renting a car in Alajuela, it is essential to choose a car that is suitable for the terrain and road conditions in the area. One of the best options is the compact SUV. This is an excellent choice for driving in Alajuela because of its high ground clearance, all-wheel-drive capabilities, and its ability to handle all types of terrain. The compact design of compact SUVs also makes it easy to navigate through traffic in the city.
What’s the speed limit in Alajuela?
The speed limit in Alajuela varies depending on the type of road and the zone. The speed limit within the urban areas is 40 km/h (24 mph) and is enforced with speed cameras and police monitoring. On country roads, the speed limit is 60 km/h (37 mph), and on highways, the speed limit ranges from 80 to 100 km/h (50 to 62 mph), depending on the section and traffic conditions.
Where are the best places to park in Alajuela?
In Alajuela, it is generally recommended to use paid parking lots rather than leaving your car on the street. There are several paid parking lots in the center of Alajuela, including the Central Parking Lot (Estacionamiento Central) and the El Parqueo lot. The average cost for parking in these lots is around ₡500-₡1000 (around $0.80-$1.60) per hour, with a daily rate of ₡7000-₡9000 (around $11.50-$15) per day.
Alajuela car rental reviews and directory
Avis
5.3
Fair
53 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.4
Value for money
4.6
2 locations in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Juan Santamaria Intl Apo
+506 2293 2222
Ruta San Antonio Del Tejar
+506 2509 5950
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Feb 2024
2.0 Poor
Mar 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
6.0 Okay
Apr 2021
Cons:
The GPS didn’t work at all.9.2 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Pros:
Check in and check out were fastCons:
Car could be in better condition ( probably it suffered a small crash in the previous rentals)Payless
5.1
Fair
63 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
5.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
4.6
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Juan Santa Maria Intl Apo
+506 2430 4647
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
8.0 Very Good
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Jun 2023
6.0 Okay
Apr 2021
Pros:
The staff was friendlier than most car rentals I have experienced at SJO. However, the car was pretty beaten up, though it ran okay. And, they told me the car had 3/8 of a tank of gas when it was closer to 1/4, but the contract said it had 3/4. I brought it back with 5/8 and they honored what they had said about 3/8, but it still cost me extra in gas, just to be sure.Cons:
This car was pretty beaten up and probably shouldn't be rented. Also, be more careful about gas levels.4.0 Mediocre
Feb 2021
Pros:
Staff was very friendlyCons:
It’s a scam. The price of the rental literally ended up costing 11x the reservation price due to the “mandatory insurance”. Everyone picking up a car felt they had been ripped off. This is probably the case with all Costa Rica car rental agencies but doesn’t make it right.2.0 Poor
Feb 2021
Cons:
Transparency about the actual price when we arrived to the counterAce
3.6
Poor
60 reviewsCleanliness
4.9
Comfort
4.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.7
Value for money
3.3
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Across from Hampton Inn Hotel
+506 4036 7431
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Pros:
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.Cons:
Have the car that you booked available.3.2 Poor
Dec 2019
Pros:
Staff was available and responsiveCons:
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
Pros:
They did finally change the car for us after telling us previously there weren’t any other cars.Cons:
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.”2.0 Poor
Nov 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
I have a printed confirmation from you for $110.00. In fairness it does read estimated taxes and fees $57.12. Confirmation # CRF8702737. After paying for a shuttle to the isolated offsite I was told the rental was $450.00 no negotiation and he kept pointing to the estimated taxes and fees. Extremely deceptive business practice. While Adolfo in customer service was very good and resolved my issue I would highly reccomend these deceptive business practices and disclose to your customers what the actual fees will really be.4.8 Mediocre
Jul 2019
Cons:
Charged us an extra $420 'compulsory' insurance on our $115 rental. We were not allowed to opt out of it even though we already have rental car insurance. This was a scam and made our rental 4 times more expensive than originally booked!!2.0 Poor
Jun 2019
Pros:
Had to pay a ton of money once I showed up to the counter, as the Allianz insurance recommended on the Kayak website and that I had paid for was deemed invalid by the Ace staff at the pick-up point. I had to pay from $50 I had paid online to $300 at the point of pick-up.Cons:
Misinformation should be cleaned up from the Kayak website regarding the Ace rental details and charges.Sixt
8.6
Very Good
3 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Oficentro Plaza aeropuerto C3
+506 2431 3803
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
May 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2023
Economy Rent a Car
6.3
Okay
1 reviewCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
7.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
6.5
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Airport Boulevard
+506 2299 2000
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Feb 2017
Cons:
The reservation was booked on Kayak.com for approximately USD $144 for 2 days. Upon arrival they claimed to have absolutely no inventory, then, after waiting ~2 hours, they colluded with a partner rental company and charged my credit card USD $1,000.00 for a 2 day rental. Criminal!keddy by Europcar
4.6
Mediocre
1 reviewCleanliness
5.9
Comfort
5.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.6
Value for money
5.2
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
San Jose Airport
+506 2519 9308
Filters
No reviews available
NU Car
4.4
Mediocre
22 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
4.1
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
1.4km E. Of Holidayinn Express
+506 2442 6000
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Jun 2023
4.0 Mediocre
May 2023
2.0 Poor
Apr 2023
8.0 Very Good
Apr 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2023
MEXRENTACAR
4.2
Mediocre
5 reviewsCleanliness
4.2
Comfort
3.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.4
Value for money
4.4
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2022
2.0 Poor
Feb 2022
1.9 Poor
Aug 2021
1.9 Poor
Aug 2021
NextCar
3.7
Poor
25 reviewsCleanliness
5.5
Comfort
5.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.2
Value for money
3.3
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
600 meters East of the Airport
+506 7004 0090
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
It was close to the airport.Cons:
It was a complete scam. We were quoted a price and I even paid extra for an insurance plan. The van to the rental place was so hard to find at the airport. The guy gave us a tiny beat up car and said the only way we could take it was to pay for his car insurance. It was midnight and we had nowhere to go. He showed us a paper that he had written the different prices which seemed sketchy. We could pay like $590 and a $3000 deposit or like $500 and a $500 deposit. I told him I already purchased insurance and he said that doesn’t matter. We finally paid to get the heck out of there and the locks on the car didn’t work, the trunk was impossible to shut, the key clicker didn’t work, it was a piece of junk. We had to go up a hill on our drive on a regular road and the car gave out and couldn’t even make it up a hill. We were so happy to get rid of that car at the end of our trip. When we pulled up to drop it off no one was in the office and finally a guy came out in such a bad mood. Definitely never going back there.10.0 Wonderful
May 2023
2.0 Poor
Apr 2023
2.0 Poor
Mar 2023
GREEN MOTION
2.0
Poor
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
ALAJUELA AIRPORT Office is located across from Hampton Inn Hotel
+506 2441 1411
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jul 2021
Pros:
The only thing easy was the drop off.Cons:
It took way too long to pick up the car. I purchased insurance just to be told it was not enough coverage and was charged three times the car rental for their insurance which was mandatory. Not happy at all.Budget
10.0
Wonderful
1 review2 locations in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
300 West Of Apo Holiday Inn
+506 2436 2010
3km From Intl Apo
+506 2436 2000
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2018
Pros:
Smooth pick up and drop off. Was shuttled back and forth from my San Jose hotelCons:
Bought supplemental insurance from Allianz from Kayak site that Budget in Costa Rica didn’t accept. Wasted $90Firefly
2.5
Poor
No reviews available
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
De la Iglesia La Agonia, 100 metros Sur y 200 Este, final de la calle
+506 4001 7828
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Juan Santamaría International Airport
+54 11 6009 3539
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
200 meters west from Casino Fiesta Rio Segundo Alajuela, Costa Rica
+506 2105 0648
Provincia de Alajuela, Rio Segundo, , Costa Rica
+506 7004 0090
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Alajuela
Locations in Alajuela
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Alajuela
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Alajuela
Car hire insurance in Alajuela
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver
Some Alajuela car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Alajuela.
Deductible
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a no-deductible option to your Alajuela car hire.