How to rent a car in Costa Rica: a guide to exploring with Adobe Car Rental.
If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’re in for a treat—this country is packed with stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and...
top of page
Adobe car rental Costa Rica: exclusive deals
As your trusted travel partner in Costa Rica, we're thrilled to offer exclusive rental car savings and benefits through our partnership with Adobe Rent a Car.
Known for its reliability and outstanding customer service, Adobe’s locally owned franchise is one of the country's most reputable car rental companies and the only company we trust and recommend.
Why book with Pura Vida Traveling?
Exclusive discount
By booking your rental car through Pura Vida Traveling, you gain access to exclusive discounts. We’ve partnered with Adobe Rent a Car to secure special rates just for our customers, helping you save money while you explore the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica.
Exclusive additional benefits
When you book using our Pura Vida Traveling's Car Rental Link, you will receive exclusive benefits that typically cost extra. These benefits include adding a driver for free (a $5 per day value) and free rental car delivery or pick up (a $30 value). Stay tuned, as our benefits won’t stop there. Our partnership is new, but as it develops, so will our benefits package.
Support Local Business
By booking with Adobe Rent a Car, you are supporting a locally-owned business. Since 1990, Adobe has been owned and operated by locals here in Costa Rica.
Why we work exclusively with Adobe Rent a Car?
With over 12 years of experience in Costa Rica, Esteban exclusively recommends Adobe Car Rental due to the numerous issues he’s encountered with other agencies. Adobe Rent-A-Car is a top choice for travelers seeking a dependable, cost-effective rental option. Here’s why:
1. Amazing Reviews and Exceptional Customer Service
2. Costa Rica-owned and Operated
With a reputation for excellent customer service, Adobe Rent A Car ensures a smooth rental experience from start to finish. Friendly staff, easy booking processes, and flexible pick-up and drop-off options make renting with Adobe a hassle-free experience. Don't take our word for it. Adobe Rent-A-Car in Costa Rica has reviews that prove it stands above the rest.
Adobe Car Rental is proudly Costa Rican-owned and operated, with 15 physical locations nationwide. This extensive network is incredibly valuable in case of accidents or vehicle damage, as having a local office nearby makes replacing your vehicle quick and convenient.
4. Wide Range of New Vehicles
3. No Hidden Fees
Adobe Car Rental Costa Rica provides a versatile selection of vehicles to meet any travel need. From compact cars ideal for city driving to rugged SUVs perfect for off-road excursions, Adobe’s fleet includes 15 different vehicle types. All vehicles are kept fresh and up-to-date, as Adobe refreshes its fleet every two years.
When booking a rental car, full transparency is key! A common concern we hear from travelers is that they book a rental car online at a great rate, only to find out upon arrival that the rate doesn’t include insurance or other fees, resulting in significantly higher costs. This does not happen with Adobe Rent a Car. When you make your reservation with Adobe, what you are quoted is what you pay and insurance options are clear and transparent.
5. Free door-to-door delivery*
Adobe’s rent a car Costa Rica offers door-to-door delivery of their vehicles within a 25-minute radius of any Adobe office. *This added benefit normally costs $30 extra, but if you book through Pura Vida Traveling's Car Rental Link, this added benefit comes to you at no additional cost.
6. Free Additional Driver*
Want multiple drivers covered for your rental? Car rentals in Costa Rica are allowed with one driver. Be prepared to pay $5 daily for each additional driver you want covered for your rental. *Use our Pura Vida Traveling's Car Rental Link to get an additional driver for free.
FAQ about Rental car Reservation
Can I pick up my rental car late at night or early in the morning?
Adobe Car Rental in Costa Rica typically allows late-night and early-morning pickups. However, informing them before your arrival time is important so they can make the necessary arrangements. Many rental companies offer after-hours services, but confirming this with Adobe when you make your reservation is always a good idea to ensure a smooth pickup experience.
Can I get my rental car in the early morning before my flight?
If you need to return the rented vehicle before 8:30 am, you can do so at the Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) parking lot. Notify Adobe, and they will give you specific directions on how to leave your vehicle. Returning the car like this includes a $10 airport parking fee.
What is Costa Rica’s mandatory rental car insurance? Is it included, and can it be declined?
In Costa Rica, rental cars are subject to government-required basic liability insurance. This coverage is mandatory, and all rental companies, including Adobe, must apply this charge by law. You cannot decline it, even if you have other types of insurance. Unlike many other companies, Adobe includes this mandatory insurance in its quotes, listed as "Liability Protection" during the online booking process and in the reservation confirmation email. Separate from this is **Car Protection**, which covers damage to the rental vehicle. This coverage can be declined if you prove that your credit card includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) coverage. To do so, you'll need a letter from your credit card company that includes your name, the last four digits of your card, and a statement confirming CDW coverage in Costa Rica. This letter can usually be obtained with a quick call to your card’s benefits department or via this link: [eclaimsline.com](https://www.eclaimsline.com/). Additionally, **Extended Protection** is offered by Adobe for more comprehensive coverage, which can be purchased either when booking or at the rental counter. For more information on Costa Rica’s rental car insurance options, check out the blog post, *Understanding Rental Car Insurance in Costa Rica – A Traveler’s Guide*.
Why do Rental Companies require a deposit?
All rental companies place a hold or deposit on your credit card at the time of rental to cover potential vehicle damage. Adobe typically requires a deposit between $1,000 and $1,500. It's important to note that credit cards are only accepted for this deposit; debit cards are not allowed. Be aware that some companies may require significantly higher deposits
Is there an airport surcharge?
No. Adobe has no surcharge to pick up or drop off at the airport. Some other rental companies and third-party booking sites have an airport surcharge, so be sure to look for one or ask the company before confirming your reservation.
Airport Pick-ups/Drop-offs – Can I get the car right from the airport?
No rental companies, including Adobe, have vehicles directly at the San José or Liberia airports. However, their offices are located nearby. When making your reservation, be sure to provide your flight details, and a representative will meet you outside the airport holding an Adobe sign. They’ll then take you to their office in a comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle just a few miles away, where you’ll collect your rental car. It can get quite busy and chaotic outside the airport with many people around. The Adobe representative, wearing a blue shirt, will be looking for you. If you don’t spot them right away, feel free to ask someone for assistance, as they typically stand in the same area, and other drivers, taxi services, or airport staff can point them out.
Will Adobe deliver my rental car to me?
Yes, Adobe provides rental car delivery or pick up within a 12-mile (19 km) radius of their offices. This service is especially convenient for those arriving on late flights or with early morning departures. Delivery or pick-up of your vehicle is normally a $30 extra charge but comes free as an added benefit when you reserve using Pura Vida Traveling's Car Rental Link Be aware that some companies may require significantly higher deposits
What is the minimum age for renting a car in Costa Rica? Young drivers
The minimum age to rent a car in Costa Rica is generally considered to be 21 years old. However, some rental companies may have slightly different policies. For Adobe, you have to be at least 23 years old. Other companies accept younger drivers but there may be an additional daily charge.
What is the maximum age to rent? Senior drivers
In Costa Rica, most rental car companies, including Adobe, do not have a maximum age limit for senior drivers. However, age policies may vary between rental companies. Hence, it’s always best to check the specific company’s terms and conditions to confirm if there are any age-related restrictions for senior drivers.
Does Adobe Rent a Car have car seats?
Yes, they have car seats and booster seats available for an extra per-day cost. Just be sure to request them when reserving online.Be aware that some companies may require significantly higher deposits
Do I need a four-wheel drive in Costa Rica?
Whether you need a four-wheel drive (4WD) in Costa Rica depends on where you plan to travel. If you're sticking to major cities or well-paved highways, a regular vehicle will suffice. However, if you're heading to more remote areas, beaches, mountainous regions like Monteverde or the Osa Peninsula, or during the rainy season when roads can become muddy and rough, a 4WD is highly recommended. It provides better traction and control on unpaved or uneven terrain, making your trip smoother and safer in challenging conditions. If you’re visiting areas like Monteverde, Nosara, or San Gerardo de Dota, it's best to choose a 4-wheel drive. Roads around Uvita and Dominical that lead into the mountains also require a 4x4. Additionally, if you plan to venture off the main roads anywhere in Costa Rica, having a 4-wheel drive will come in handy.
Do I need Wi-Fi or GPS?
Costa Rica is well-known for its lack of clear road signage, and directions are often based on landmarks like “100 meters past the Banco Nacional.” Navigating the capital city of San José can be particularly tricky, making it easy to get lost. While GPS devices can help, we recommend using Waze, as it is the country's most widely used navigation app and offers the most up-to-date directions. Be sure to download maps to your phone when connected to Wi-Fi so you can still access GPS without internet service. Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card or rent a Wi-Fi hotspot from Adobe for continuous connectivity.
Need more information on how to rent a car in Costa Rica? Discover our blog articles
bottom of page