Costa Rica road trip: an outline guide for UK drivers

By the Travel & Explore team · Last checked 23 October 2026

This guide suits UK drivers who want a self-drive holiday in Costa Rica around Arenal and Monteverde. It is an outline, so check each point against the official sources before you book.

The route

When to go

GOV.UK says June to November is the peak rainy season in Costa Rica. Flooding and landslides can cause road closures and driving hazards. Heavy rain can also cause potholes.

Road conditions are generally good on main routes, according to GOV.UK. The hurricane season usually runs from June to November too. Follow local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

The tourism board labels its eight-day adventure itinerary "Any season". GOV.UK's advice still points to the rainy season, so check your route against both before you choose dates.

Getting there and the car

Fly into and out of San José. The tourism board's adventure itinerary starts and ends there.

GOV.UK says your passport needs an expiry date at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave Costa Rica. Check the full entry rules on the official page before you fly.

GOV.UK says private cars are only allowed to enter the capital, San José, on certain weekdays. It advises you to ask your hire car company for the details, so do that before you choose a pick-up point.

Check what your hire car covers and what the company requires before you book. For general advice, see car hire for a road trip.

Driving there as a UK driver

You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad, and check it is still valid (GOV.UK: driving abroad). For Costa Rica, GOV.UK says a UK photocard licence can be used for up to 180 days, depending on your granted stay (GOV.UK: Costa Rica safety and security).

Costa Rica is not in GOV.UK's country table for International Driving Permits. GOV.UK says to check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to (GOV.UK: IDP). For the general rules, see driving licence and IDP abroad.

GOV.UK says the standard of driving is lower than in the UK. Drivers often speed, overtake dangerously or ignore traffic lights. Take care at bridges, which often narrow the road to a single lane.

If there are injuries or a disputed fault after a crash, GOV.UK says you must not move your vehicle until the traffic police have arrived.

In a hire car, do not stop for strangers signalling for help. GOV.UK warns they could be carjackers. If someone causes a deliberate collision, keep driving to a safe place such as a police station or garage.

Parks, volcanoes and remote stretches

GOV.UK says there are fines for unauthorised entry into restricted conservation areas. For jungle areas, it advises you to go with an experienced local guide.

GOV.UK also advises you to avoid volcanic areas during and immediately after heavy rainfall, because of the increased risk of lava flows.

Before you book

• Check the GOV.UK pages for Costa Rica again close to your travel dates.
• Ask the embassy whether you need an International Driving Permit.
• Ask your hire car company about its vehicle, insurance and San José access terms.
• Get the meeting point and access details from the operator of each activity.
• Choose a weather alternative for each day that depends on outdoor activity.

For the wider picture, see the worldwide road trips hub. To work out which documents to carry, try the driving abroad checklist.

FAQs

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