$9 Car Rental San Rafael

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Rafael

Renting a car in San Rafael offers immense freedom and flexibility for your adventure in Costa Rica. With a rental vehicle, you can explore attractions at your own pace, making it ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers. For families or those with lots of luggage, a rental car allows for easy luggage management and comfortable travel. Key sites like Sabana Park, located just 2 miles away, and the Costa Rica Convention Center, 3 miles from San Rafael, are easily accessible, providing opportunities for outdoor and cultural experiences. Additionally, the Museum of Costa Rican Art, also 3 miles away, offers a glimpse into the rich culture of the region. The convenience of having a car extends to nearby destinations such as Aserri, which is 5 miles away, and Escazu, only 0.7 miles away, where you can find more parks and museums. This level of mobility ensures you can make the most of your time in and around San Rafael, whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities, urban exploration, or outdoor adventures.

Most popular car rentals in San Rafael

• Fullsize SUV: This option is popular among families and groups, accommodating up to 6 travelers with ample space for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. The Fullsize SUV is perfect for those looking to explore the diverse attractions around San Rafael, offering comfort and flexibility for your luggage and travel plans.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples and smaller families, the Standard SUV comfortably fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle option strikes a balance between space and manageability, making it a great choice for navigating the scenic routes around San Rafael while ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
• Midsize SUV: A versatile choice for families, couples, or small groups, the Midsize SUV accommodates up to 5 travelers with room for up to 3 large suitcases. This option provides sufficient space for luggage without compromising on comfort, making it a solid pick for discovering the surrounding nature and culture of San Rafael.

Top rated car suppliers in San Rafael

• Budget: Budget features 1 rental location in San Rafael, making it a convenient choice for travelers. They are known for their great value and flexibility, allowing you to explore the beautiful surroundings at your own pace. The most booked vehicles with Budget are the Fullsize SUV and Standard SUV, ideal for comfortable travel across Costa Rica's diverse landscapes.
• Avis: With a rental location in San Rafael, Avis provides an excellent option for those looking for reliable service. Their fleet includes popular choices like the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, perfect for navigating both urban areas and rural adventures. Avis is recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring a smooth rental experience.
• Economy Rent a Car: Economy Rent a Car also has a location in San Rafael, catering to travelers seeking affordable rates and dependable vehicles. Their most booked models include the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, offering versatility for various travel needs. With a focus on customer service, Economy Rent a Car makes it easy to get on the road and start your adventure in Costa Rica.

Where to go in San Rafael

• Escazu: Located only 0.7 miles from San Rafael, Escazu is a lively area known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like the Museum of Costa Rican Art, which offers a cultural insight into the nation’s artistic heritage. Sabana Park, an urban park suitable for outdoor activities, is also nearby, making it a great spot for relaxation and recreation.
• Aserri: Situated 5 miles away from San Rafael, Aserri is another vibrant city attracting travelers seeking outdoor adventures and family experiences. Key points of interest include the National Museum of Costa Rica, which showcases the country’s rich history and culture, and Sabana Park, perfect for outdoor family activities. Aserri also offers access to beautiful parks and the stunning scenery of the local volcanoes.
• San José: As the capital metropolis, San José is in close proximity to San Rafael and offers a diverse range of activities. Visitors can enjoy the scenic environment at Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The city also features Sabana Park, ideal for family outings, and Parque Viva, an entertainment facility that hosts various events. San José is a great base for exploring both urban and natural attractions.

10 tips to save on your San Rafael car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary with demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, requiring you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well; just remember to return the vehicle empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

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 moderately low and demand is steady. September and November also offer good deals, with similar price and demand levels. In contrast, January and February are the most expensive months, characterized by high demand and moderately high prices. March and June see average prices but with varying demand, while the summer months remain busy with steady rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
February	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately High
March	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	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	Low	Moderately Low
June	68.0°F (20.0°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
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	Moderately Low
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately 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	Moderately 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 $9.

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