$5 Car Rental San Rafael

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Rafael

Renting a car in San Rafael provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace. This popular choice allows you to manage your luggage easily and adapt your travel plans as needed. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as Sabana Park, located 2 miles away, which is ideal for family and outdoor experiences. The Museum of Costa Rican Art, 3 miles from San Rafael, offers a glimpse into the local culture, while the National Museum of Costa Rica, located 4 miles away, enriches your cultural exploration. Additionally, having a car makes it convenient to venture into nearby cities like Escazu, less than 1 mile away, and La Asunción, 4 miles away, where you can enjoy local parks and attractions. Whether you are traveling with family or seeking outdoor experiences, a rental car enhances your trip, enabling you to discover all that San Rafael and its surroundings have to offer with ease.

Most popular car rentals in San Rafael

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates up to 5 travelers along with up to 3 large suitcases, making it an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups. The spacious interior and ample luggage capacity allow you to explore the attractions in and around San Rafael comfortably, ensuring an enjoyable travel experience with plenty of room for both passengers and belongings.
• Compact: Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families, the compact car can comfortably accommodate 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is great for navigating the streets of San Rafael while providing flexibility in your travel plans. Its smaller size makes it easier to park and maneuver, which is particularly useful in urban areas.
• Standard SUV: The standard SUV offers room for 5 travelers and accommodates up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is particularly suited for couples, families, and groups who want a balance of space and comfort. With its slightly larger frame compared to a compact car, the standard SUV provides a more comfortable ride while still being manageable in the diverse driving conditions around San Rafael.

Top rated car suppliers in San Rafael

• Budget: Budget has a rental location in the area of San Rafael, making it a convenient option for travelers. Known for its focus on value, Budget's most booked vehicles include Fullsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, which are great for exploring the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica. Travelers appreciate the flexibility this supplier provides, allowing them to manage their luggage easily and adjust their itineraries as they explore the region.
• Avis: Avis also operates a rental location in San Rafael, offering travelers reliable vehicle options. The most popular choices with Avis include Standard SUVs and Midsize SUVs, ideal for both comfort and maneuverability on Costa Rica’s varied terrain. Avis is recognized for its customer-oriented service, enabling travelers to enjoy a seamless rental experience as they embark on their adventures around San Rafael.

Where to stay around San Rafael

• San Rafael: Nestled in the heart of San José Province, San Rafael offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Travelers can enjoy the nearby views of the beautiful scenery and partake in outdoor adventures. The proximity to landmarks like Sabana Park and Central Park enhances the experience, making it ideal for family outings and outdoor vacations. With various dining options in the area, San Rafael serves as a comfortable base for exploring the cultural and natural richness of the region.
• Aserri: Located 5 miles from San Rafael, Aserri is known for its outdoor and family-friendly experiences. This city provides access to beautiful parks, including Sabana Park and Central Park, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a picnic. Adventure seekers will appreciate the closeness to national parks and volcanoes, offering ample opportunities for exploration. Aserri also features resorts and spas, making it a great option for those looking to unwind after a day of adventure.
• Rio Segundo: Situated 6 miles from San Rafael, Rio Segundo is an appealing destination for those seeking outdoor activities and spectacular scenery. The city boasts attractions such as Juan Santamaría Park and the nearby Costa Rica Convention Center, catering to both leisure and business travelers. With access to resorts, spas, and dining options, Rio Segundo is perfect for visitors looking to relax and enjoy the local ambiance while staying close to essential landmarks like national parks and beaches.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around San Rafael

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summertime driving, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during busy seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience could make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around San Rafael

The best value period to rent a car in and around San Rafael is October, when prices are at their lowest and demand remains moderate. This is closely followed by September, which also offers low prices with average demand. Additionally, June marks another favorable time, featuring low prices despite high demand. In contrast, January and February are typically the most expensive months, with both high prices and demand during this time.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	High
February	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	High
March	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
April	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
May	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Low
July	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Low
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Low
November	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
December	65.1°F (18.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Rafael

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter San Rafael into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in San Rafael and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in San Rafael

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in San Rafael. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in San Rafael

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $5.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals