Compare Car Hire Prices in Colombia

Search car hire at Colombian airports and city locations, compare prices and choose a car that suits your budget. You’ll also find practical information about Pico y Placa restrictions, toll roads, mountain driving and local speed limits below.

Popular Colombia collection points

Location	Useful for
Bogotá El Dorado Airport	Bogotá, Villa de Leyva and central Colombia
Medellín / José María Córdova Airport	Medellín, Guatapé and Antioquia
Pereira Airport	Coffee Region, Salento and western coffee country
Armenia Airport	Quindío, Salento and Coffee Region routes
Cartagena Airport	Cartagena and Caribbean coastal routes
Cali Airport	Cali and south-western Colombia
Santa Marta Airport	Santa Marta and nearby Caribbean coast

Pico y Placa restrictions

What it is	Pico y Placa restricts when certain vehicles can be driven according to their registration plate.
Cities	Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and other cities operate their own schemes.
Rules vary	Days, times, number-plate groups and exemptions are set locally and can change.
Bogotá	The current scheme for private cars operates Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Rental cars	A rental vehicle can be affected. Ask the rental provider about the car's plate number and current restrictions before driving in a city with Pico y Placa.

Do not rely on an old Pico y Placa timetable. Check the current city schedule shortly before driving.

Colombia toll roads

Peajes	Toll plazas are common on many intercity routes.
Cash payment	Manual cash payment remains available at toll stations.
Colpass	Colpass is Colombia's interoperable electronic toll system.
Electronic TAG	A Colpass-compatible TAG can be used at participating toll stations across the country.
Rental cars	Ask whether the vehicle has a toll TAG and how electronic charges or administration fees are billed.

Colombia driving rules

Drive	On the right
Urban roads	Maximum 50 km/h unless a lower signed limit applies.
Residential and school areas	Maximum 30 km/h.
National and departmental roads	Maximum 90 km/h unless signs specify a lower limit.
Suitable dual carriageways	Up to 120 km/h where the road meets the legal requirements and the limit is authorised.
Signs	Posted limits always take priority.

Mountain driving in Colombia

Journey times	Mountain roads can make apparently short distances take several hours.
Heavy vehicles	Slow-moving trucks are common on steep intercity routes.
Rain	Heavy rain can reduce visibility and contribute to landslides, roadworks or temporary closures.
Fog	Fog can be severe on higher routes. Reduce speed and allow extra stopping distance.
Night driving	Avoid unnecessary long rural or mountain journeys after dark on unfamiliar roads.

Required road-safety equipment

Warning equipment	Two reflective warning triangles or permitted flashing warning lights.
First-aid kit	Required.
Fire extinguisher	Required.
Wheel equipment	Jack, wheel brace, two wheel chocks and spare tyre.
Tools	Basic tool kit and flashlight are also included in the statutory equipment list.
Rental car	Check the road-safety kit before leaving the rental location.

Useful Colombia driving information

Fuel	Petrol is called gasolina and diesel is often referred to as ACPM. Fuel is widely available on major routes.
City traffic	Bogotá, Medellín and Cali can have heavy congestion. Allow considerably more time during peak periods.
Motorcycles	Motorcycles are numerous in many cities. Check mirrors carefully before changing lanes.
Parking	Use formal or secure parking where practical and keep valuables out of sight.
Cross-border travel	Do not assume a Colombian rental car can be taken into a neighbouring country. Check the provider's restrictions before booking.
Emergency number	Call 123 for emergency assistance.

Driving licence requirements

Tourists can use a valid foreign driving licence in Colombia during their authorised stay. The normal period is three months and may be extended for a further three months. Carry your original driving licence together with your identification document.

Colombia does not require an International Driving Permit to replace a valid foreign licence. Check the rental provider's own document requirements before collection.

Official Colombia driving information

Pico y Placa schedules, toll charges and road conditions can change. Check current official information and your rental provider's terms before travel.