Easily cross the border with the Inter-Countries Service

Impressive destinations like Nicaragua and Costa Rica are becoming increasingly popular for car-based trips in Central America. The Inter-Countries Service from Alamo.nl makes it more convenient to combine multiple countries during your trip because it allows you to swap your rental car at the border.

What does the service entail?

The Inter-Countries Service lets you pick up your rental car at Managua airport and drop it off at the Peñas Blancas rental location in Nicaragua, which is close to the Costa Rica border. The drop-off charge is USD 50. A short transfer is arranged to cross the border and bring you to the Peñas Blancas rental location in Costa Rica, where a new rental car will be waiting so you can continue your journey through Costa Rica. Despite the short stop and car exchange, the service makes the one-way trip possible.

How to make use of the service

You can request the Inter-Countries Service on arrival at Managua airport or when making your reservation. The cost is USD 50 per border crossing and must be paid locally. Requesting the service takes up to three days. Upon arrival at Peñas Blancas (Nicaragua) you must provide the expected arrival date and time for Peñas Blancas in Costa Rica so the local team can prepare your vehicle. This service is only offered between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

How to book the vehicles

If you plan to visit both countries, book a rental for each country: a one-way from Managua to Peñas Blancas (Nicaragua) and a rental starting at Peñas Blancas (Costa Rica), which can also be a one-way to another Costa Rica destination (for example, San José airport). The Inter-Countries Service is only available for certain vehicle types: Economy, Compact, Intermediate SUV or Standard SUV. We recommend booking an SUV for a Central America road trip.

Discover versatile Panama

You can add Panama to your trip, but the Inter-Countries Service is not available for this route. There are alternative options: drop off your car at Paso Canoas (Costa Rica) and take a bus to David (Panama). From David you can take a taxi to Enrique Malek International Airport to pick up a new rental car and continue your Panama trip. If you need help booking or have questions about the Inter-Countries Service, contact our customer service department.