Car Rental San Carlos

These San Carlos insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 30, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Carlos

Renting a car in and around San Carlos offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. This city serves as a great base for discovering nearby attractions and engaging in outdoor adventures. With a rental car, you can easily visit stunning spots like Manuel Antonio Beach, located 17 miles away, and Marina Pez Vela, just 14 miles from San Carlos. For those who appreciate scenic beauty, Rainmaker is a lush jungle adventure only 8 miles away. The convenience of a rental car allows you to manage your luggage effortlessly, making it ideal for families or travelers with equipment for outdoor activities. You can explore nearby cities like Quepos, 13 miles away, and Llano Bonito, just 4 miles from San Carlos, each featuring their own unique offerings such as Playa Espadilla and Sabana Park. Whether you’re seeking beach relaxation or thrilling outdoor experiences, having a rental car enables you to create a flexible travel itinerary that fits your interests, ensuring a memorable visit to this beautiful region of Costa Rica.

Where to stay around San Carlos

• Quepos: Located 13 miles from San Carlos, Quepos is an excellent choice for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. This city offers proximity to beautiful locations such as Playa Espadilla and the Marina Pez Vela, both ideal for beach vacations and adventurous activities. The nearby La Culebra Waterfall provides a romantic and adventurous backdrop for exploration.
• Llano Bonito: Just 4 miles away from San Carlos, Llano Bonito is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy Sabana Park, an urban park suitable for family outings, or explore the lush Rainmaker jungle, which offers breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the proximity to Marina Pez Vela allows for various adventure and beach activities.
• San Lorenzo: Located only 4 miles from San Carlos, San Lorenzo attracts travelers looking for outdoor experiences and scenic landscapes. Key highlights include the beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach and Playa Espadilla, both perfect for beach vacations. Furthermore, the Marina Pez Vela is nearby, providing numerous opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summertime fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often allows you to secure lower prices and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This also applies to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well—just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience can sometimes justify the extra cost.
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 of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Carlos

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in San Carlos

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in San Carlos. 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 Carlos

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

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