How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Marta (SMR)
Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Santa Marta rental car. Pick from options averaging 78 € a day and go where you want for less.
45 € is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental at Santa Marta.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from 314 € and explore beyond the usual highlights of Santa Marta.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap SMR car hire. Book about one week before you travel to score the best price.
Check out the offers available with Localiza, Alamo and Tu Roll Rent a Car. These are some of the better-known providers at Santa Marta.
Whether you go with Localiza or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Santa Marta car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in SMR by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Santa Marta with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices coming in at 79 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 71 €, this provider follows in second place.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly 80 € a day with this provider.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other at SMR.
Compare car hire types from Santa Marta (SMR)
Small: These cheap Santa Marta rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this SMR car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Santa Marta takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different SMR car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your journey easier and more relaxed 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 some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' box and enter your age to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your SMR car rental reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Guidelines vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to go.
Make sure you have the necessary documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
Driving in Colombia may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so along highways. Always follow the posted signs.
In Colombia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, hand the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SMR car hire, you're the boss when it comes to your next move. If central Santa Marta is your first stop, it's around 16 kilometres north of the airport and a trip of about 25 minutes.
During rush hour, expect the drive from Santa Marta to the centre to take as long as 40 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 7am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, consider picking up a car hire in Santa Marta instead of at the airport. Collect your ride at a time that works for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Santa Marta (SMR)
Begin with some of the standout attractions in Santa Marta, like Natural Tayrona National Park and Ciudad Perdida. Whether you take your car or get there another way, you'll want to tick off these highlights before you move on.
Around 64 kilometres west of SMR, Barranquilla belongs on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Gran Malecon Puerta de Oro and Obelisco Barranquilla - LA VENTANA AL MUNDO.
Add Soledad to your holiday plans. Around 64 kilometres west of the airport, drive there in your Santa Marta car hire to see leading attractions like Museo Bolivariano, Soledad, Atlántico, Colombia and Casa Museo Del Grabado "Samuel Buelvas".
Not done driving yet? Sincelejo is another fun destination that's around 241 kilometres southwest of SMR. Catedral de San Francisco and Museo Arqueologico Zenu Manuel Huertas make perfect pit stops.
