San Jose Costa Rica Intl Airport (SJO) Car Rental

Start a Reservation

*Indicates required field

San Jose Costa Rica Intl Airport (SJO)

Follow signs to baggage claim area. Pass customs and proceed to the Alamo counter in the car-rental area. After being serve in the counter, an agent will take you to the shuttle to the Alamo rental facility, where you will obtain your rental agreement and the vehicle.

Location Services

  • You can save time at the counter when you activate Accelerated Check-in online. Just provide your driver's license and contact information that are normally collected at pick-up and we will be ready when you arrive. You'll be on the road and on vacation before you know it!

  • Unavailable at this location

    Skip the rental counter lines and check-in directly by using Alamo's touch-screen kiosk. Check-in using the kiosk and a receipt-sized rental agreement is printed. You'll be directed to your rental car on the lot. At the exit booth, show the booth agent your rental agreement and driver's license - and simply drive away.

  • Unavailable at this location

    No need to visit the counter or kiosk. You can go straight to your car!

    In order to take advantage of this optional free service, you'll need to activate Accelerated Check-in online then choose the 'Skip the Counter' option. You will be required to confirm your protection options, agree to the Rental Agreement Terms & Conditions and enter a valid credit card (no charge is made until you return your vehicle). Simply print your rental agreement to bring with you, and you are all set! Go directly to your car, show the booth agent your rental agreement and driver's license - and get on the road!

  • Unavailable at this location

    After Hours Pick-up:

    Picking up your vehicle after the location closes is easy with Alamo. After Hours Pick-Up might require you follow a few additional steps, which you'll see in your confirmation email.

    After Hours Return:

    Returning your vehicle after the location closes is easy with Alamo. We'll tell you where to park it; just drop the keys in the dropbox and you're on your way!

Rental Policies

  • All additional drivers must meet all rental requirements.
    Additional drivers must appear at the rental counter with the primary renter.
    Additional drivers must sign the rental agreement.
    An additional daily fee may apply for any Additional Drivers.

    The additional driver can only be added to the contract at the pick up location.
    Maximum of four additional drivers per contract.

  • Customer must pre-arrange after hours service in advance.

    After hours service is available at some locations.

  • Minimum age to rent a vehicle is 21, and there is no maximum rental age.

    Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 will incur an additional daily fee.

  • Alamo Protection Package (APP) is a package product which includes Collision Damage Waiver - Theft Protection (CDW-TP), Tire and Windshield Protection (TWP), Deductible Protection (DP) and Third Party Liability (TPL) at a discounted price. APP is not insurance. If you purchase APP, the rental company contractually waives your responsibility for the cost of damage to, loss or theft of the vehicle, and up to the policy limits for damages and injuries to third parties during the rental period in Costa Rica, subject to the actions listed on the rental agreement that invalidate the coverage as described in the rental agreement.

    No deductible applies.

  • Cross Border Policy-
    Unrestricted Driving in Costa Rica.
    Renters wishing to visit Nicaragua must prearrange at the time of rental for a vehicle exchange at the border. A three, 3, day minimum notice is required.
    Customers can only rent the following vehicles- Economy, Compact, Intermediate SUV and Standard SUV

    Upon vehicle exchange at the border, the original agreement is closed, a second rental agreement is issued by the other country, and the same rate is applied. A vehicle exchange fee totaling 50 USD for Nicaragua. When the renter returns to Costa Rica, the same process applies plus an additional 50 exchange fee.
    Renters not planning to return to Costa Rica must notify the rental location in Costa Rica when prearranging the vehicle exchange.

  • Customer must pre-arrange delivery/collection  or pick-up/drop off of vehicle in advance

    Delivery/Collection is available at no additional cost for hotels within 20 KM

    Delivery/Collection is available at an additional cost for anything over 20 KM. Additional cost may range from $20- $150

    Pick-up & Drop is available at no additional cost between San Jose Airport and the city of Alajuela

    Pick-up & Drop is available at no additional cost between Liberia Airport to any nearby Alamo location

  • If you wish to discuss or dispute any matters concerning damage to your rental vehicle then please contact the Rental Company using the contact information below:  customer.service@alamo.cr (506)2242-7733

  • All one way rentals must be booked in advance and are subject to availability. One way charges apply and are payable at the time of rental. One way charges cannot be prepaid.

  • Collision Damage Waiver- Theft Protection (CDW-TP) is not insurance. The purchase of CDW-TP is optional in order to rent a vehicle in Costa Rica or the customer can purchase Alamo Protection Package (APP) which includes CDW-TP. If you purchase CDW-TP, the rental company contractually waives your responsibility for all or part of the cost of damage to, loss or theft of the vehicle during the rental period in Costa Rica unless you invalidate the coverage as provided in the rental agreement. TWP is included on CDW-TP. A deductible of up to 1000.00 USD for CDW, and a deductible of 2000.00 USD for Theft Protection will apply. Please be aware that most auto insurance policies from outside Costa Rica do not provide coverage in Costa Rica. Liability insurance purchased on third party travel websites is not an acceptable form of coverage. Employees of the local rental car company are not qualified to evaluate the adequacy of the customer's personal auto insurance coverage. The renter should contact their insurance company prior to arrival with any questions regarding their specific coverage. Further, if the renter provides acceptable proof of current coverage in Costa Rica and declines both CDW-TP and APP, the renter is responsible for the full value of damage to or loss of the vehicle and an additional authorization on the renter's credit card will be taken at the time of rental in the amount of 500.00 USD plus the estimated cost of the rental. Customers with credit cards issued by a Costa Rican bank, who wish to decline CDW must show written proof of coverage toward the rental vehicle.

  • As a customer, you have a choice as to how you would like to pay for fuel.

    Option 1  Prepay Fuel
    This option allows the renter to pay for the full tank of gas at the time of rental and return the tank empty. No refunds will be issued for unused gas.  Prepaid gas is available at 5 percent less than the local fuel prices

    Option 2  We Refill
    This option allows the renter to pay Alamo at the end of the rental for gas used but not replaced. Price per gallon will be higher than local fuel prices. A 50 percent surcharge will apply.

    Option 3 You Refill
    This option allows the renter to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas to avoid extra fuel charges.

  • A passport, in addition to a credit card, with available credit and on the renters name, must be presented. The signature on the back must match the name imprinted on the card. In addition, if the renter has an online transaction, the number and name printed on the card presented by renter must match the name and number stored for the online transaction.  Credit Cards honored: American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Diners Club.  An authorization on the credit card in the amount of 500 USD, plus the estimated cost of the rental, will be taken at the time of rental. This authorization amount may be used toward damages of vehicles or late charges.   Debit/Check cards are only accepted at this location as a form of final payment. Debit/check cards are considered to be any non-credit card American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Diners Club, Discover logo. Any other non-credit card without one of these logos are not accepted.  Apple Pay/Apple card or Android Cards are not allowed for deposit or final payment.  Cash is only accepted at this location as a form of final payment.

  • Roadside Assistance (RSP) - If selected and paid for at the time of rental, Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 without additional charges.

    RSP includes towing (not related to an accident), flat tire service (if no inflated spare is available, vehicle will be towed), and lockout service (if keys are locked inside the vehicle). Jumpstarts and fuel delivery service for up to 5 gallons (or equivalent liters) of fuel is also provided. Tire damage beyond repair as a result of driver neglect is the responsibility of the renter.

    RSP does not include the replacement of lost keys (including remote entry devices), the replacement cost of the key is 500.00 USD and will be added to the rental agreement.

  • Customers must have a valid drivers license from the country of origin.  Temporary driving permits or driver's license renewal documents are not accepted.  Must meet the locations minimum age requirements to rent. Must present a major credit card in the renters name at the time of rental.  A customer can drive in country using their drivers license from country of origin for up to 60 days. If staying in country longer, they will need an International driving permit.  International drivers must provide a valid license from their country of residence. In addition to the driver's license, if the characters are not in English or Latin Characters an international driver's permit is recommended. If the driver's license is in characters other than Latin, an International Permit is required, or a Notarized English Translation is accepted.

  • Toll pass devices are available at the locations for an additional daily fee. The toll pass allows the customer to breeze through the toll facilities. Just drive thru and take the "fast" lane.

  • Third Party Liability (TPL) The purchase of Third Party Liability (TPL) is required by the rental location on all vehicles unless you provide proof of liability coverage or purchase the Alamo Protection Package (APP), which includes TPL.

    Customers can obtain coverage for damages and injuries to third parties under the local rental car company's insurance by purchasing its TPL protection, and such a purchase is required unless the customer presents valid written proof of current liability insurance specifying coverage in Costa Rica or if the customer purchases Alamo Protection Package (APP) which includes TPL. TPL provides coverage for incidents which occur during the rental period in Costa Rica. TPL coverage is subject to the actions listed on the rental agreement that invalidate the coverage as described in the rental agreement. A maximum deductible of 5,000 USD will apply. The minimum deductible is 250 USD.


    Please be aware that most auto insurance policies from outside Costa Rica do not provide coverage in Costa Rica. Liability insurance purchased on third party travel websites and insurance that accompanies US credit or debit cards are not acceptable forms of coverage. Employees of the local rental car company are not qualified to evaluate the adequacy of the customer's personal auto insurance coverage. The renter should contact their insurance company prior to arrival with any questions regarding their specific coverage. 

Can't find what you're looking for? View Car Rental FAQs

Belén Heredia

500 E And 200 S From Marriot Belen 40703 CR

Location Details
Book Now

Hotel Marriott Hacienda Belen

At Mariott Hotel LA ASUNCION DE BELEN La Asuncion 40703 CR

Location Details
Book Now

San José Herradura Wyndham Hotel

At Hotel Wyndham Herradura ROUTE 1 Belen 40703 CR

Location Details
Book Now

Drive Happy® with the new Alamo Rent A Car app.

Create a reservation fast, easily view or modify upcoming reservations, and get directions to your rental location.