Do You Need a Car or ATV in Nosara? (What to Rent + What to Skip)
One of the biggest decisions when planning a trip to Nosara is how you’re going to get around.
Should you rent a car? An ATV? A golf cart? Or just rely on shuttles?
The answer depends on where you’re staying, what you want to do, and what time of year you’re visiting. Here’s what each option is actually like so you can choose what makes the most sense for your trip.
CARS
For most people — especially families — renting a car is the easiest and most comfortable option.
Good for:
Families
Rainy season travel
Grocery runs
Longer distances
What to know:
A 4x4 vehicle can get you almost anywhere around Nosara and is especially helpful during the rainy season when roads can get rough.
Cars are also the most practical choice if you’re traveling with kids since you can rent one with infant or child seats and have space for groceries, beach gear, and anything else you need.
If you want something simple and reliable, this is usually the safest choice.
ATVs
ATVs are one of the most popular ways to get around Nosara — and for good reason.
Good for:
Getting around town
Easy parking
Short to medium distances
What to know:
ATVs are more affordable than cars and can handle most roads in the area. You can get to almost anywhere you need to go, and they’re especially convenient in busy areas where parking can be tight.
Most are for 2 people max, and many come with surf racks.
Some are automatic and some are semi-automatic, so it’s worth asking before you rent if you’re not familiar with shifting.
They’re also relatively easy to learn, even if you’ve never driven one before.
SIDE-BY-SIDES
Side-by-sides are like a mix between a car and an ATV — fast, powerful, and built for rough terrain.
Good for:
Adventure
Groups (2, 4, or 6 people)
Exploring more rugged areas
What to know:
They’re usually just as expensive as a car (or more), so they’re not necessarily a budget option.
Many don’t have a windshield, which means dust can be intense during the dry season.
Also — if you’re on the shorter side, they can actually be surprisingly difficult to drive comfortably.
GOLF CARTS
Golf carts only make sense in very specific situations.
Only a good idea if:
You’re staying near the beach
You’re only driving short distances
What to know:
They struggle on rough roads, especially in the rainy season when potholes get worse.
They’re also very slow, which can make them feel a bit unsafe on main roads where traffic moves faster.
For most people, they’re not the best choice unless you’re staying in a very central beach area and don’t plan to go far.
GETTING TO NOSARA (THIS MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK)
How you get to Nosara can affect whether you need to rent a car, ATV, or anything at all — so it’s worth thinking through this first.
DRIVING YOURSELF (RENTAL CAR FROM THE AIRPORT)
This is the most flexible option, but it’s not for everyone.
From Liberia (LIR): About a 2.5-hour drive and fairly straightforward. This is the easiest airport to drive from.
From San José (SJO): About a 5–6 hour drive, often with traffic and more challenging road conditions. Not ideal if you’re not comfortable driving in Costa Rica.
Pros:
Full flexibility from the moment you arrive
No need to coordinate transfers
Easy if you’re planning to explore or move around a lot
Cons:
Long drive, especially from San José
Can be tiring after a travel day
Requires confidence driving in a different country
SHUTTLE + RENT LOCALLY
A lot of people choose to take a shuttle from the airport to Nosara, then rent a car or ATV once they arrive.
Pros:
No need to deal with a long or stressful drive
Easier arrival day
You can still rent locally once you’re settled
Cons:
Adds an extra step (shuttle + rental instead of one solution)
FLYING (DOMESTIC FLIGHT)
There are small domestic flights from both San José and Liberia that take less than an hour.
They’re usually just over $100 per person and can save a lot of time — especially compared to driving from San José.
Pros:
Fast and convenient
Avoids long drives completely
Cons:
You have to go through security and collect your luggage first, then go to a separate terminal
You need to arrive about an hour before departure, and with limited flight schedules, it can be difficult to coordinate
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Want comfort and flexibility → Car
Want something fun and easy for getting around → ATV
Want adventure + a group option → Side-by-side
Staying beachfront only → Golf cart (maybe)
If you’re not sure what makes the most sense for your trip, feel free to send us a message — we’re happy to help you figure it out and connect you with reliable rental options.
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