Driving in Costa Rica
Understanding Costa Rica’s Driving Environment
Costa Rica tends to stand apart from its neighbors in Central America with the highest GDP per capita, higher literacy rates, and longer life expectancy.
The bad news is that Costa Rica road conditions are among the worst in the world.
An older study by Waze as reported in the Costa Rican Tico Times has Costa Rica among the worst driving experiences in the world – ahead of its Central America Neighbors Panama, Guatemala, and El Salvador and few other countries.
The factors that were incorporated into the study included:
- traffic jams
- road quality and infrastructure
- driver safety based on accidents
- road hazards
- weather
- driver services (like gas stations and parking availability)
Traffic Jams are Common in Larger Population Centers in Costa Rica
The worse a country performed based on these factors, the more likely it was that residents would experience longer drive times.
Arriving from the United States (which is a top 10 driving experience) to Costa Rica (which is a bottom 10 driving experience ) can be jarring for visitors from North America.
So, if you’re flying in from the United States, should you pick up a car rental for your Costa Rica Vacation? Is it even possible to road trip across Costa Rica from destination to destination? Or should you just shuttle from place to place?
While driving is doable, it isn’t necessarily recommended – especially in certain locations.
Variety of Road Types: Paved vs Unpaved
Paved Roads Connect Urban Areas
Costa Rica has a mix of road types. You’ll find modern paved road routes within and connecting major cities (like San Jose and Liberia). These connecting highways are usually very well maintained. This allows for relatively easy driving between larger population centers.
Unpaved Roads / Dirt Roads in Rural Areas
Unpaved Roads are Common in the Mountains and in Rural Areas
Rural and mountain areas are where things get more interesting. Costa Rica Beach communities, National Parks, and the best ecotourism attractions are usually in the rural areas – well away from larger cities.
In rural areas, you’ll come across narrower roads. Oncoming traffic can be closer than drivers from the United States are accustomed to. Some back roads are paved, while others are dirt or gravel. Unpaved roads can be bumpy and challenging. Getting a 4×4 vehicle from the rental car company is recommended if you’re going to challenge these roads.
Mountainous regions that host volcano and National Park access have winding roads. They often lack guardrails and can be steep.
Lack of signage is another problem. As you get away from the major cities, you’ll notice that road signs become much more infrequent. You can get lost if you aren’t prepared.
The Weather
The Rainy Season
Costa Rica’s weather can greatly affect driving conditions. The rainy season (May to November) brings heavy downpours. This can cause flooding and mudslides. A dirt road can become a quagmire, and some roads become impassable.
Roads Can be Muddy – and Oftentimes Dangerous
Rain makes a dirt road slick and difficult to navigate. It also increases the risk of potholes forming on paved roads.
The Dry Season
Not nearly as much of a problem as the rain, but dust can reduce visibility on unpaved roads. You’ll want to keep your speed in check if you notice a lot of dust kicking up as you’re driving.
Fog
Fog is common in mountainous areas, especially in the morning. Drive slowly and use your headlights when visibility is poor.
Snow
If there’s any good news about driving in Costa Rica, there is no snow in Costa Rica – not even on the peaks of the volcanoes.
Legal Aspects of Driving
Driving in Costa Rica requires understanding key legal requirements. Traffic law considerations are a bit different than what you might expect in your home country. You need to know about license rules, insurance obligations, and local driving laws to stay safe and avoid fines.
Driver’s License Requirements
A Costa Rican driver’s license is not required for visitors who are vacationing in Costa Rica. As long as you have a valid driver’s license, you’ll be able to drive in Costa Rica, provided that you’re 18 years or older and your license is in good standing and not expired. Be sure to have your license and your passport with you when driving in Costa Rica.
As with driving in the United States, there may be higher age restrictions that are required by your car rental company in order to rent a car. Fees may also be higher for younger drivers, so be prepared to pay a bit more if you’re looking to rent a car.
Driver’s license rules are being streamlined by the Costa Rica Legislative Assembly. Foreigners holding tourist or transit visas can utilize a license from their home country to drive in Costa for the same period of time as permitted by the license from their home country and their visa.
Insurance Requirements
As is the case in the United States and Canada, insurance is a must when driving in Costa Rica. It would be wise to work with your rental car company prior to arriving in Costa Rica to determine what your total cost will be with the required insurance add ons. That way you can plan ahead and avoid sticker shock when you see insurance fees being tacked on to the cost of your car rental.
- Mandatory Liability Insurance: Costa Rica requires all drivers, including foreigners, to have basic liability insurance. This is often called Seguro Obligatorio de Automóviles (SOA) and typically costs anywhere between $15-$35 per day. This insurance covers minimal damages to third parties but won’t cover your rental vehicle.
- Additional Insurance: While not legally required, many car rental companies in Costa Rica may insist that you purchase their Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance. Note that this can significantly increase the overall cost of your rental.
Insurance requirements and costs can vary between rental companies, so it’s advisable to thoroughly research and compare options before your trip.
Other Insurance Options
Existing Insurance Policies
Before you begin your trip, check with your own auto insurance provider to see if your policy extends coverage to Costa Rica. Some policies may offer international coverage.
Credit Card Insurance
You may not even realize it, but it is possible you have supplemental insurance coverage through your credit card. Some credit cards provide rental car insurance coverage, but be sure to verify if this applies in Costa Rica. As of this writing it appears that Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred may offer some form of rental car insurance to their credit card holders.
Making a Road Trip from the United States or Canada?
If you’re bringing your own car, check with your insurance company about coverage in Costa Rica. Due to the challenging road conditions in Costa Rica, you may find that your insurance coverage doesn’t apply in certain locations outside of your home country.
Driving Laws in Costa Rica
You’re on Vacation and Having Fun – Great! Just Don’t Drink and Drive. Costa Rica has More Strict Legal Blood Alcohol Limits Than the US and Canada.
We’ve narrowed down Costa Rica’s driving laws to the top 10 most important laws that foreign drivers need to know:
- Drive on the right side of the road – This is the same as in many countries, but it’s important to remember, especially if you’re from a left-hand driving country.
- Seat Belts are Mandatory for Everyone – This actually includes back seat passengers. Children under 12 or under 1.45 meters tall must use appropriate child safety seats.
- Drivers Can’t Use Handheld Mobile Phones – You can use hands free navigation (like bluetooth) while driving. But you aren’t allowed to use any handheld devices for communication or navigation. Your focus must remain on the road.
- Don’t Drink and Drive – The legal blood alcohol limit in Costa Rica is lower than it is in the United States, and if you’re a younger driver it is extremely low.
- Carry Appropriate Documents – Mentioned previously, but worth restating here: Always carry your valid driver’s license, passport, and rental car documents.
- Obey Speed Limits: Observe speed limits. In urban areas, the general speed limit is 40 km/h (25 mph), on highways it’s typically 80 km/h (50 mph), and on rural roads, it’s usually 60 km/h (37 mph). Note that while these speeds may seem on the slow side to North American Drivers, the roads in Costa Rica are considerably more challenging than what you’re used to dealing with at home.
- Rainy or Foggy? Headlights Must be On: It is mandatory to have your headlights on when driving through fog or rain, and it’s recommended to keep them on at all times for better visibility.
- No Right on Red – Right turns on red lights are illegal unless otherwise indicated by a sign.
- Accidents Stay in Place – If you’re involved in an accident, you shouldn’t move your car. It must be kept in place until the authorities have a chance to examine the accident scene.
- Up to Date Marchamo – If you’re renting a car, ensure the rental company has paid this, as driving without a valid marchamo is illegal.
Navigational Guides for Drivers
As with traveling to any foreign country, driving in Costa Rica requires knowing how to read local road signs and use reliable navigation tools in order to travel safely and efficiently on your vacation.
Reading Road Signs and Signals
This is as much of a Spanish / metric system reminder as it is help interpreting signs – but these are some of the more important things to remember to avoid running into trouble.
- ALTO – Costa Rica uses international road signs, but some may be unfamiliar to foreign drivers. Stop signs say “ALTO” instead of “STOP.” Yellow signs warn of curves, speed bumps, and animal crossings.
- km/h not mph – Speed limit signs show kilometers per hour. In cities, the limit is usually 40 km/h. On highways, it’s 80-100 km/h.
- UNA VIA – Watch for one-way street signs that say “UNA VIA.” These are common in San Jose and other cities.
Utilizing Maps and GPS Services
Digital navigation with Google Maps and Waze are popular GPS apps that work well in the country. You’ll want to plan in advance though. Download offline maps before your trip in case of poor cell service. This is especially important when driving to remote areas.
Before you arrive in Country, ask your rental car company for a car with built-in GPS. If unavailable, bringing a phone mount would be wise in order to ensure you’re driving safely on unfamiliar and arduous roads.
Car Rental Insights
Renting a car in Costa Rica gives you freedom to explore, but there are important things to know. You’ll need to pick the right vehicle and understand the rental process.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
When renting a car in Costa Rica, consider the roads you’ll drive on. For mountain areas or remote beaches, a four-wheel drive is best. Compact cars work well for city driving and paved roads.
Check the condition of your car before leaving. Take photos with your phone. Look for dents or scratches. Test the AC, lights, and wipers. Make sure there’s a spare tire and jack. Be sure to point out any issues to the rental car company.
Rental Car Procedures and Tips
Book your rental car early, especially during high season. You can often find good deals through Discover Cars or by comparing rates online.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license and credit card to rent a car.
Younger drivers may not be eligible to rent a car – and if they are eligible may end up paying additional fees.
Consider getting full coverage insurance. It costs more but can save you stress. The collision damage waiver is often a good idea on Costa Rica’s bumpy roads.
Safety and Emergency Information
Dealing with Breakdowns and Accidents
If your car breaks down, pull over to a safe spot. Turn on your hazard lights. Keep an emergency kit with you. It should have a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and basic tools.
For accidents, call 911. It’s the main emergency number in Costa Rica. Take photos of the damage immediately. Get contact info from others involved. Don’t move injured people unless they’re in danger.
Rental car agencies often provide 24/7 roadside help. Save their number before you start your trip. They may be able to send a tow truck or mechanic.
Avoiding Common Hazards
Watch out for potholes. They’re common on Costa Rican roads. Slow down when you see them. Be extra careful at night when they’re harder to spot.
River crossings can be risky – even if you haven’t noticed recent rain. Check the water depth before crossing. If it looks deep or fast, find another route. Some bridges may be narrow or in poor condition. Cross them slowly and one car at a time.
Practice defensive driving. Keep a safe distance from other cars. Be ready for sudden stops, especially in city traffic.
Rainy season brings extra risks. Roads can flood quickly. Landslides may block routes. Check weather reports before long trips. Have a backup plan in case you need to change your route.
Practical Driving Tips for Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica requires some careful planning and awareness. Here are key tips to help you navigate fuel, parking, and different driving environments.
Fueling and Fuel Stations
Gas stations in Costa Rica are full-service. You’ll find them easily in cities and along main highways. There’s no need to hunt for the cheapest gas prices as prices are set by the government and are the same everywhere.
Most stations accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash. Fuel costs more than in the U.S., so budget accordingly.
Avoid Letting the Fuel Gauge Get Too Low
Fill up when you see a station, especially in rural areas where they’re less common.
Diesel is widely available if you’re renting a larger vehicle. Some remote areas might only have regular gas, so check your rental car’s fuel type before you go.
Parking and Avoiding Theft
The Same Rules Apply in Costa Rica as They Do Anywhere Else – Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car. The Risk of Theft is Higher in Tourist Areas.
Always park in well-lit, secure areas. Many towns have paid parking lots which are safer than street parking.
Use common sense: don’t leave valuables visible in your car. Hide belongings in the trunk or take them with you.
Some areas have unofficial “guards” who watch parked cars. They may expect a small tip. It’s usually fine to pay them, but use your judgment.
Lock your doors, even if you’re only stepping away briefly. Car theft can happen quickly, especially in tourist areas.
Driving in Urban vs Rural Areas
City driving in Costa Rica can be chaotic. Expect heavy traffic and aggressive drivers, especially during rush hour in larger cities like San Jose.
Use caution at intersections. Not all have traffic lights or stop signs. Yield to buses and larger vehicles.
Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially in mountainous areas. Fog and rain can reduce visibility quickly.
In remote areas, public transport is limited. Having a car gives you more freedom, but plan your route carefully.
Travel Routes and Destinations
Costa Rica offers diverse travel options for road trips. You’ll find popular tourist routes, hidden gems, and varying road conditions that affect travel times.
Popular Tourist Routes
The route from San José to La Fortuna is a favorite among tourists. This 130 km journey takes about 3.5 hours and leads to the Arenal Volcano area. Another popular route connects Liberia to Tamarindo, perfect for beach lovers.
The drive from Jaco to Manuel Antonio is scenic, hugging the Pacific coast. You’ll pass through Quepos before reaching the famous national park.
For cloud forest enthusiasts, the route to Monteverde from either San José or Liberia is a must-do. Be prepared for some unpaved roads on this adventure.
Exploring Off-Beat Paths
Venture off the beaten path to discover Costa Rica’s hidden treasures. The road to Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula offers a chance to see less-visited beaches and waterfalls.
Consider driving to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. This remote area is a gateway to Corcovado National Park, known for its incredible biodiversity.
The Caribbean coast also has gems like Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The drive there from San José takes you through Limón and offers a different cultural experience.
Estimating Distances and Duration
Driving times in Costa Rica often exceed what you might expect based on distance alone. The road infrastructure isn’t the same as what you have back home. You can expect speed bumps, slow trucks, and winding roads can extend travel times much beyond what you’re used to.
A good rule of thumb: plan for an average speed of 50 km/h on main roads and 30 km/h on secondary roads. Add extra time for mountain routes or unpaved sections.
Some example durations:
- San José to Jacó: 1.5 – 2 hours (64 miles)
- Liberia to Tamarindo: 1.5 – 2 hours (48 miles)
- Quepos to Dominical: 1 hour (26 miles)
Remember to factor in breaks and unexpected delays. It’s always better to have extra time than to rush on unfamiliar roads.
Accommodations and Trip Planning
Planning your Costa Rica trip involves finding the right places to stay. Good lodging makes your drive easier and more fun. Let’s look at two key parts of this.
Selecting Lodging with Parking Facilities
When booking your stay in Costa Rica, pick places with safe parking. This is key in towns like Atenas, Cahuita, and Playas del Coco. Look for hotels or rentals that offer:
- Gated or guarded parking lots
- Well-lit parking areas
- Spots close to your room
Some spots in Costa Rica have tight parking. Ask about space size if you’re renting a big car. Beach towns often have sandy lots. Pick a place with paved parking if you want to keep your car clean.
Coordinating with Accommodation Schedules
Match your driving plan to your lodging times. This helps you avoid stress and enjoy your trip more. Here are some tips:
- Check in times vary. Some places let you arrive early.
- Plan your route to reach your hotel before dark.
- Let your hotel know if you’ll be late. Some may lock gates at night.
Driving in Costa Rica can take longer than you think. Build in extra time for your trips. This way, you won’t rush and can enjoy the views. Remember, many roads are winding and can slow you down.