How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cartagena
Searching for a cheap rental car in Cartagena? With prices averaging RM271 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're after a zippy economy ride, a road trip-ready SUV, or something else entirely, we round up all the best offers to help you spend less.
Daily rental prices in Cartagena start from just RM187.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the main attractions? RM933 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Cartagena car hire. Try booking around four weeks before your departure date.
Browse the offers available with Localiza, Green Motion and Tu Roll Rent a Car. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
The coverage Localiza or another supplier offers for your Cartagena car hire can vary, so always check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Cartagena.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of RM366 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around RM391.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly RM443 a day with this supplier.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Mini rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting Cartagena.
Flying to Cartagena? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Rafael Nunez International Airport. If you're flying to Cartagena through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 6 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Cartagena
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Cartagena car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Cartagena big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Cartagena car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Cartagena.
Good to know
Age requirements vary by provider (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Colombia may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your Cartagena car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest choice.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in Colombia might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In Colombia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a few drinks, pass the keys to someone else or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Around 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
Best hotels in Cartagena for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time relaxing at Las Americas Torre Del Mar. Around 6 kilometres from central Cartagena, it comes with accessible parking, a laundry and a barbeque.
InterContinental Hotels Cartagena de Indias also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, plus a spa and a cafe. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Cartagena and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Cartagena and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Start your trip with leading attractions such as Walled City of Cartagena, Cartagena De Indias and La Fantastica Cartagena - Pirate Ship Tour, Sunset Tour & Rosario Island Tour.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cartagena
Shift gears and take off to Soledad. Around 97 kilometres northeast of central Cartagena, it's home to must-do sights like Salamanca Park and La Viola Park.
Hotel El Prado and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Barranquilla Versalles are reliable accommodation options with parking in Soledad.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Cartagena and then head out to Malambo. Roughly 97 kilometres northeast of Cartagena, El concord and Iglesia Santa Maria Magdalena are among the highlights that make the extra drive worth it.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Valledupar, roughly 257 kilometres east of Cartagena. First, swing past San Martin Park, then follow it up with La Casa en el Aire.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Hampton Inn by Hilton Valledupar and Hotel Arawak Upar have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Valledupar.
