Car Rentals in Central America

Central America is made up of seven small tropical countries along the thin strip of land that links North and South America. While exploring these unique countries, a Central America rent a car can be a very accessible and exceptionally affordable option for getting around. Bus travel is very inexpensive throughout the region, but can be slow, crowded, and uncomfortable. Central America car rentals allow you flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace and stop wherever you are like.

Central America rent a car agencies are available at international airports including Juan Santamaría in San Jose, Tocumen in Panama City, and Philip Goldson in Belize City. Services are provided by Alamo, Payless, National, Hertz, Avis, Advantage, ADA, Exotic, Dollar, Crystal and Budget, as well as several smaller private agencies. Make sure to go with a company you trust to provide you with a reliable vehicle, and avoid discounts on older cars in bad repair, which are likely to break down (like many taxis). Most companies offer discount rates for booking early. Always call ahead to assure the type of car you prefer is available, especially if you think you'll need an SUV or if you are not comfortable with a manual transmission. Compared to the US, Central America car rentals can be incredibly cheap, but gas is about twice as expensive. Age requirements vary from 18 to 25 (often with double surcharges for younger drivers).

Each country is incredibly unique, and smooth paved roads may become rocky dirt paths as soon as you cross from one to the next. The Pan-American Highway runs all the way from Mexico to Panama, and is in good condition most of the way. In contrast, most secondary roads, and routes through rural areas like the dense interior jungles and the nearby islands, require 4X4s or boats where cars cannot travel easily. Make sure you plan your route carefully and rent the appropriate vehicle for your trip. Some insurance policies will be invalidated if you take your rental car off paved roads, so make sure you understand everything that is included in your plan and purchase some sort of roadside-assistance coverage, when optional, to assure peace of mind. Stay familiar with the local laws, conditions, and drivers license requirements wherever you plan to travel, and be sure that your car rental agency permits you taking your vehicle across international borders before you set out.