How to find a cheap car hire deal in Columbia
In search of a cheap rental car in Columbia? With an average price of 188 € a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're after a small ride, a family sedan, or something in between, we round up all the top offers to get you more for your money.
Daily rental prices in Columbia start from just 34 €.
Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from 154 € and squeeze in a few road trips.
If you like to plan with precision, book about three weeks ahead to score the best price on a Columbia car hire.
Get behind the wheel with Hertz, one of the city's most well-known providers.
Whether you go with Hertz or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Columbia car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Columbia.
Skip the hidden fees by booking a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging 53 € a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around 85 €.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly 108 € a day.
The Premium rental category is a solid choice if you're not quite sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Columbia.
Flying to Columbia? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at Columbia Regional Airport. If you're flying to Columbia through this hub, simply collect your wheels after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 13 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Columbia
Small: These cheap rental cars in Columbia may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all in without a hassle. Great for longer journeys, this Columbia car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Columbia that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Columbia car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Columbia.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may rent vehicles to younger drivers at an extra cost, so always check the policies before securing your ride.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Columbia car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card with enough available balance to cover the deposit. If anything extra is required, you'll find it in your booking.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Stay within local speed limits of about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
The language most often spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Columbia for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time enjoying your stay at Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East. About 3 kilometres from central Columbia, it comes with parking, Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk.
Drury Inn & Suites Columbia Stadium Boulevard is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, along with air conditioning and a pool. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse through the full list of hotels in Columbia. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Columbia and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Bear Creek Park, Bear Creek Trail and Sentinel Park are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Columbia
Around 40 kilometres south of central Columbia, Jefferson City deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Missouri State Penitentiary and Missouri State Penitentiary Museum.
Popular accommodation options with parking in Jefferson City include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City and Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Columbia and then set out for Sedalia. Around 80 kilometres west of Columbia, Daum Museum of Contemporary Art and Centennial Park are top attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Super 7 Motel and American Inn are comfortable places to stay in Sedalia if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Book one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Springfield, roughly 209 kilometres southwest of Columbia. First, visit Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, then follow it up with Original Section of Historic Route 66.
The only thing left to do now is hit the pillow. Lamplighter Inn-South and University Plaza Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Springfield.
