How to find a cheap car rental deal in Santa Marta
Pick up a cheap rental car in Santa Marta and get going for around C$165 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Santa Marta is C$77.
Staying a little longer? Grab a weekly rental from C$331 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Around one week in advance gives you the best shot at finding the best price on a Santa Marta car hire.
Check out the offers available with Localiza, Green Motion and Alamo. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
The coverage Localiza or another supplier offers for your Santa Marta car rental can vary, so always go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Choosing a one-way car rental can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Santa Marta.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car rental options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average C$123 a day.
Offering daily rates of around C$122, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly C$130 a day with this supplier.
If you're not sure which ride is right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type in Santa Marta.
Flying to Santa Marta? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by picking up a car rental at Santa Marta Airport. If you're flying to Santa Marta through this airport, simply pick up your wheels after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 16 kilometres and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car rental types in Santa Marta
Small: These cheap rental cars in Santa Marta may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to maneuver, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Santa Marta car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Santa Marta big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group trips, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Santa Marta car rental gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Santa Marta by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Colombia. Rules can vary, and added costs or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, simply uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Check if you need to add one to your Santa Marta car rental booking.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Familiarize yourself with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in Colombia.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Colombia. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Around 7am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
Best hotels in Santa Marta for drivers
Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time relaxing at Hotel the Dolphin. About 6 kilometres from central Santa Marta, it comes with parking, Wi-Fi and ironing services.
Casa Verano Beach Hotel - Adults Only is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, plus Wi-Fi and a lounge. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the selection of hotels in Santa Marta. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car rental deal in Santa Marta and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Natural Tayrona National Park, Ciudad Perdida and Playa Taganga are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Marta
Around 72 kilometres west of central Santa Marta, Barranquilla easily earns a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward can't-miss sights like Gran Malecon Puerta de Oro and Obelisco Barranquilla - LA VENTANA AL MUNDO.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Barranquilla include Sky Collection Lifestyle Hotel & Suites Barranquilla and Movich Buró 51.
Or pick up your cheap car rental in Santa Marta and then take off to Soledad. Roughly 72 kilometres southwest of Santa Marta, Museo Bolivariano, Soledad, Atlántico, Colombia and Casa Museo Del Grabado "Samuel Buelvas" are top attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Relax after a day out and about in Soledad at Hotel El Prado or Howard Johnson by Wyndham Barranquilla Versalles. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Sincelejo, roughly 257 kilometres southwest of Santa Marta. Make your first stop Catedral de San Francisco, then head to Museo Arqueologico Zenu Manuel Huertas.
Time to think about catching some z's. Ayenda Hotel Carivdi and Hotel Ginebra Sincelejo have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Sincelejo.
