- Drive on the
- Right
- Typical limits
- 60–80 km/h
- Best navigation
- Waze
- Sunset year-round
- ~5:30 pm
Driving times between destinations
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| San José / SJO → La Fortuna (Arenal) | 3 h |
| San José / SJO → Monteverde | 3.5 h |
| San José / SJO → Manuel Antonio | 3 h |
| San José / SJO → Jacó | 1.5 h |
| San José / SJO → Puerto Viejo | 4.5 h |
| San José / SJO → Tamarindo | 4.5–5 h |
| La Fortuna → Monteverde | 3.5–4 h |
| Monteverde → Manuel Antonio | 4 h |
| Liberia / LIR → La Fortuna | 3 h |
| Manuel Antonio → Uvita | 1 h |
Do you need a 4x4?
The main highways are paved, and a regular car manages the classic Arenal–Monteverde–Manuel Antonio loop in the dry season. A 4x4 or high-clearance SUV is recommended for the Nicoya Peninsula, the Osa Peninsula, many hillside lodges and anywhere in the green season, when gravel roads turn to mud and small rivers rise.
Rental insurance: read this first
Costa Rican law requires third-party liability insurance (often called SLI, TPL or PLI), which is bought from the rental company and is not covered by credit cards. Many online quotes exclude it, so the price at the desk can be much higher than expected. Compare prices that include it. Collision damage cover (CDW) is optional if your credit card covers it, but you'll need a letter from the card issuer and the rental company will put a large hold on your card.
Rules and safety
- Your home licence is valid for up to 90 days with your passport entry stamp.
- Speed limits are usually 60–80 km/h on highways and 40 km/h or less in towns. Fines are high.
- Use Waze: it is the standard in Costa Rica and knows about traffic and road closures, though it sometimes picks rough shortcuts.
- Avoid driving after dark: roads are unlit, with pedestrians, cyclists and potholes.
- Never leave anything in a parked car, especially at beaches, trailheads and the Tárcoles bridge.
- Petrol stations are full service: say "lleno con regular, por favor".
- Ruta 27 has tolls (cash in colones or dollars, or card at some booths). Ruta 32 through Braulio Carrillo is sometimes closed by landslides after heavy rain.
Plan your trip to your road trip
Tours & tickets
Prefer not to drive? Shared shuttles and private transfers link every destination.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?
Yes, with care. Roads can be narrow, winding and potholed, and local driving can be aggressive. Drive in daylight, use Waze, and never leave valuables in the car.
Is rental car insurance mandatory in Costa Rica?
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory by law and must be bought from the rental company. Collision damage cover is optional if your credit card provides it.
Can I use my driver's licence in Costa Rica?
Yes. A valid licence from your home country can be used for up to 90 days from your entry date, together with your passport.
Last reviewed October 2026. Opening hours, prices and road conditions change: check official sources before you travel.