How to find a cheap car hire deal in Columbia
Searching for a cheap rental car in Columbia? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging 47 € a day, we compare all the best deals so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
Daily rental prices in Columbia start from just 28 €.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from 209 € and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Get the timing right and book about one week ahead to grab the best price on a Columbia car hire.
Rent your wheels from Alamo, Enterprise or Budget. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Alamo or another supplier includes with your Columbia car hire can vary, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at 65 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 66 €, this provider comes in next.
The third option also performs well on price. Cruise away in one of their rentals for roughly 79 € a day.
If you're still weighing up which ride is right for you, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most commonly booked car type in Columbia.
Flying to Columbia? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Columbia, be on your way quicker by booking a car hire at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 19 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Columbia
Small: These cheap rental cars in Columbia may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: A reliable pick when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra room compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Columbia car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or zipping along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Columbia big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group trips, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Columbia car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can make all the difference. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Columbia.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before locking in your reservation.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your Columbia car hire reservation.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
If you haven't driven before in the United States, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't possible.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Columbia for drivers
Offering parking, Extended Stay America Suites - Columbia - Greystone takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central Columbia and also comes with air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbia Downtown makes things simpler with accessible parking and features like room service and a games room. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Columbia for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Columbia and your hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Begin your sightseeing at popular attractions such as African American History Monument, Martin Luther King Jr. Park and 701 Centre for Contmporary Art.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Columbia
Sumter should be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Swan Lake Iris Gardens and Sumter Historic District. This city is about 64 kilometres east of central Columbia.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Sumter include Red Roof Inn Sumter and Mount Vernon Inn.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Columbia and then take off to Aiken. About 80 kilometres southwest of Columbia, Hopelands Gardens and Blueberry Lake are highlights that make the extra drive worth it.
Aiken has some great accommodation options including Quality Inn & Suites Aiken East and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Aiken, SC. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.
Rest your head in West Raleigh at either Red Roof PLUS+ Raleigh Downtown - NCSU/Conv Centre or Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown. They've got a bed waiting for you and parking availability too.
