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.
Quick answer (if you don’t want to overthink it):
Traveling with kids or want comfort → Rent a car
Couple or solo in dry season → ATV
Group + adventure → Side-by-side
Staying beachfront only → Golf cart (rarely the best choice)
Not sure what actually makes the most sense for your trip?
👉 We can help you figure it out based on where you’re staying and what you want to do.
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. If you’re planning to explore waterfalls or do day trips, having the right setup makes a big difference (see our waterfall guide).
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're traveling with kids, you might also want to read our guide about bringing kids to Nosara.
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 sometimes 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. Many of the most popular ATV tours also double as a way to explore waterfalls and surrounding areas.
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. If you're still deciding where to stay, read our guide on the different areas of Nosara(so you don’t book the wrong area).
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)
Still not sure what to rent—or how to plan it all out?
This is one of the most common things people get wrong in Nosara—and it can completely change how your trip feels once you’re here.
👉 If you want, we can map out exactly what makes sense for your trip (transport, activities, timing, and more) so everything flows easily.
Or if you just have a quick question, feel free to send us a message.
Prefer Whatsapp? Send us a message here.
Common Questions
Do you need a car in Nosara?
Not always. If you’re staying near the beach and don’t plan to explore much, you can get by with a golf cart. If you are traveling by yourself or just with one other person, ATVs can be great for getting around and parking. But for most families or anyone wanting flexibility — a car is the easiest and most practical option.
Is it safe to drive in Nosara?
Driving in Nosara itself is fairly straightforward and safe, but roads can be bumpy and dusty. The bigger challenge is getting there — especially from San José, which can be a long and busy drive.
Are golf carts worth it in Nosara?
They can be convenient for short distances near the beach, but they’re slow and not ideal for main roads or longer trips. They’re best for very specific situations.
Is it better to rent a car at the airport or in Nosara?
It depends. Some people prefer to take a shuttle and rent locally to avoid the long drive. Others rent at the airport for full flexibility.