Car hire in Colombia

Rent a budget car from 7€/day · Electric cars start at 26€/day · Convertibles from 43€/day

Decided to rent a car in Colombia? Here’s Everything You Need to Know:

Car hire in Colombia

Colombia's diverse landscapes and vibrant cities make it an ideal destination for a road trip. If you've decided to rent a car in Colombia, Bookingautos is here to help you navigate the process and ensure a smooth journey. Here's everything you need to know before hitting the Colombian roads:

Requirements for Renting a Car

  • Valid driver's license from your home country
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) - recommended but not always required
  • Passport
  • Credit card for deposit
  • Minimum age: usually 21, but may vary by rental company

Driving in Colombia

Driving in Colombia can be an adventure, but it's important to be prepared:

  • Colombians drive on the right side of the road
  • Speed limits: 30 km/h in residential areas, 60-80 km/h in cities, and up to 120 km/h on highways
  • Be cautious of motorcyclists and pedestrians, especially in urban areas
  • Road conditions can vary greatly, from modern highways to unpaved rural roads
  • Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle if you plan to explore remote areas

Insurance and Safety

Always opt for comprehensive insurance coverage when renting a car in Colombia. This should include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
  • Theft Protection
  • Third-party liability insurance

For your safety, avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas. Be aware of your surroundings and park in secure locations.

Popular Road Trip Destinations

Colombia offers numerous scenic routes for road trips. Some popular destinations include:

  • The Coffee Triangle, encompassing Quindío, Risaralda, and Caldas departments
  • The Caribbean coast, from Cartagena to Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park
  • The Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis) for stunning mountain landscapes and charming towns

Remember, Bookingautos can help you find the best car rental deals from top providers in Colombia. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, renting a car in Colombia can be an excellent way to explore this beautiful country at your own pace.

A Video Guide for First-Time Visitors

Road Trip Ideas in Colombia: Explore the Beauty and Adventure

Colombia, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers an incredible backdrop for unforgettable road trips. Exploring this vibrant country by a rented car allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the true essence of Colombian hospitality. Here are some exciting road trip ideas to help you plan your Colombian adventure:

The Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero)

Begin your journey in the heart of Colombia's coffee country. Drive through lush green hills, visit traditional coffee farms, and explore charming towns like Salento and Filandia. Don't miss the opportunity to hike in the Cocora Valley, home to the world's tallest palm trees.

Caribbean Coast

Start in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and drive along the stunning coastline. Visit the colorful city of Barranquilla, explore the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park, and end your trip in the picturesque town of Santa Marta.

The Andes Mountains

Embark on a scenic drive through the Andes, starting from Bogotá. Visit colonial towns like Villa de Leyva, explore the Chicamocha Canyon, and make your way to the adventure capital of San Gil. Your rental car will allow you to stop at breathtaking viewpoints along the way.

Tips for Your Colombian Road Trip

  • Always carry a physical map as backup to GPS navigation.
  • Be prepared for varying road conditions, especially in rural areas.
  • Learn basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Check your rental car's insurance coverage before setting out.
  • Plan your route in advance, considering fuel stops and accommodation options.

A road trip through Colombia offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. From the Caribbean coast to the Andean highlands, every region has its unique charm waiting to be discovered. So, grab the keys to your rental vehicle and set out on an unforgettable journey through this diverse and captivating country.

Remember: Always prioritize safety and follow local traffic rules. For more information on road conditions and travel advisories, visit the official Colombia Travel website.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Alamo

Most popular car class

Compact

Average price

27 € / Day

Best price

19 € / Day

Popular tourist locations in Colombia

Documents needed to rent a car

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Car Rental

Download Google maps offline

Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.

Colombia 1

Early Booking Discount

Colombia is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.

Which car to choose

Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, Fiat 500 or Ford Focus. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting Fiat Tipo Estate in Colombia will cost €32 per day.

What you need to pay attention to when receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance recommendations

When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.

Colombia 2

What types of insurance are available for car rental?

  • Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Fuel Policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Colombia for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

Colombia 3

Rent without mileage limit

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

Colombia 4

Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Colombia, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.Colombia 5

Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in Colombia are SIXT with an average rating of 9 points and BUDGET (rating - 8.9).

Getting a car at a rental office

You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.

Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.

Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.

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Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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