How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Marta
Searching for a cheap rental car in Santa Marta? This is where the booking magic happens. With prices averaging RM252 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book easily, save more, and drive away happy.
RM191 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Santa Marta.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from RM934 and pack in more adventures.
Get the timing right and book about one week ahead to score yourself the best price on a Santa Marta car hire.
Line up your ride with Localiza, Green Motion or Alamo. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Santa Marta car hire policy, whether you go with Localiza or another supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Santa Marta.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Explore without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at RM363 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around RM292.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly RM393 a day with this supplier.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Mini rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Santa Marta.
Flying to Santa Marta? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Simon Bolivar International Airport. If you're flying to Santa Marta through this airport, simply collect your ride after landing and go. The drive to the city centre is about 16 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Santa Marta
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Santa Marta puts you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Santa Marta car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and an open view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Santa Marta that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Santa Marta car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Santa Marta.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Colombia. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you should add a child car seat to your Santa Marta car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Driving in Colombia may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 45kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Colombia is 0.05%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Around 7am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
Best hotels in Santa Marta for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time enjoying the comfort of Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa. Around 2 kilometres from central Santa Marta, it comes with parking, a sauna and a beauty salon.
Hotel the Dolphin makes travel simpler with parking and features like internet access and a laundry. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the full range of hotels in Santa Marta for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
You're ready to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in Santa Marta and your hotel. From Natural Tayrona National Park to Ciudad Perdida and Playa Taganga, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Marta
Barranquilla should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Gran Malecon Puerta de Oro and Miramar Park. This city is about 72 kilometres southwest of central Santa Marta.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Barranquilla include Sky Collection Lifestyle Hotel & Suites Barranquilla and Movich Buro 51.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Santa Marta and travel roughly 72 kilometres southwest to Soledad. Featuring Salamanca Park and La Viola Park, its attractions are worth the drive.
Soledad has some good accommodation options such as Hotel El Prado and Howard Johnson by Wyndham Barranquilla Versalles. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Sincelejo, about 257 kilometres southwest of Santa Marta. Make your first stop Ecológico Park, then take your time exploring Catedral de San Francisco.
Check out the room availability at Ayenda Hotel Carivdi or Hotel Panorama. Make one your base for exploring everything Sincelejo has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
