How difficult is it to drive in costa rica. is it advisable to rent a car?

Question

How difficult is it to drive in costa rica. is it advisable to rent a car?

Answer 1

Short version:  

-Is not very difficult and fairly safe

- If you can afford it, I would rent a car.

Details:

Driving in Costa Rica is not as organized as in North America, but is better than say city driving in Italy or Spain and defenitively much better than say India, Indonesia or Guyana.  

It is advisable to drive defensively and be prepared to deal with drivers that will cut you off or that will open a second lane where there is none. Any experienced driver should have no problems.  In my experience, the main issue in Costa Rica is very agressive driving rather than bad driving itself.

The infrastructure (roads, signs) is ok for main turistic destinations.  Remote locations do not have very good signage, and some of the most exotic locations may require a 4x4 vehicle.  However, note that most Costa Ricans do not own 4x4 due to cost and get along just fine.

On the other hand, the reach of the public transportation system puts to shame many developed countries in the world.  You can reach almost any place in Costa Rica by public transportation.  However the comfort standards of the public transportation system are not very high (i.e. at times overcrowded, not very comfortable busses).   You will not travel with a chiken on you lap (as many movies may lead you to believe), but you won't be quite comfortable either.    The problem with the public system is that there has been issues around safety for turist (e.g. petty burglars, women being harassed, etc.).  You might want to check with the locals about which routes and bus stops are safe.

There have been complains about rent a car agencies trying to charge you more than originally agreed, or trying to claim that you scratched the car after you return it.  It is advisable insist on a full quote  (are you sure that includes ALL the costs?) before you rent, and at the time of the rental, ensure that you inspect the car and they write in the form every single scratch or damage to the car.  Also, most Costa Rican cars are manual, if you need an automatic, ensure that the rental company has one.

Answer 2

Its not dificult, and theres a lot of places to rent a car to drive here you just have to have a map and then go and enjoy the wonderful places!

Answer 3

The roads are mostly all dirt except for major highways. It is very bumpy and you get sloshed around in your car or bus very easily!!! I recommend getting a car.

Answer 4

is not difficult but if you want to rent and leave it parked at a place for a day or two... is not worth it. rent it and just drive and enjoy like, with no destination. go to a beach in the morning and in the afternoon anotheror probably up in the mountain or wondered around the places you are in

Answer 5

I often drive in Costa Rica and I will be going there in a week and I will rent a car.  Whether you should rent a car or not depends on your itinerary.  

If you are spending your time in San Jose, don't rent a car.  In San Jose streets are not marked and there is virtually no place to park.  Driving is a total hassle there. So in San Jose and environs (Escazu, Santa Ana etc) it makes more sense to use taxis (which are far cheaper than car rentals and parking fees).  

If you are travelling outside of the San Jose area and will be moving quite a bit-- or have lodging in an isolated spot--  renting a car is adviseable.   I enjoy driving in rural Costa Rica.

That said-- Costa Rica has one of the world's highest traffic accident rates--many roads are narrow and windy and have no shoulders.  Costa Rican drivers are also pretty unpredictible and there is always someone who decides to pass a slow truck on a curve in dense fog.    You have to be very alert but if you are and you do not drive agressively, driving is actually an exhilerating --if not tiring--experience.   Avoid driving at night if you can,  besides the pedestrians, bicycles, livestock and wildlife that you will find on unlit highways, there is the occasional truck without running lights (don't ask me why).

If you do rent a car,  remember that breaking into rental cars is a well-established industry in many places (beach areas and Arenal especially).  Until your luggage and valuables are stowed in your hotel, NEVER let the car out of your sight--it takes a professional crew about 3 minutes to break into a car and abscond with all of your luggage.