How to find a cheap car hire deal in Medellin
Make your move with a cheap rental car in Medellin. With prices averaging $86 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From no-frills city cars to big-capacity SUVs, we'll help you find your ideal ride at a price that fits.
$62 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Medellin.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $337 and fit more into your itinerary.
If you want to get the timing right, book about one week ahead to score yourself the best price on a Medellin car hire.
Check out the offers available with Localiza, Green Motion and Confort Rent a Car. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.
The coverage Localiza or another company includes with your Medellin car hire can differ, so be sure to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $113 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $134, this provider is next in line.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $129 a day.
If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Mini rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Medellin.
Flying to Medellin? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Medellin, hit the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Jose Maria Cordova International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 32 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes.
Or grab the keys and make a swift exit with a car hire from Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport. It'll take roughly 15 minutes to drive the 5 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Medellin
Small: These cheap rental cars in Medellin may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Medellin car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or cruising along uninterrupted highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Medellin handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Medellin car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so always compare your options.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Medellin by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Colombia may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
If you've got the kids in tow, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Medellin car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any additional requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in Colombia might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 45kph in urban areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Colombia is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 7am. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
Best hotels in Medellin for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Hotel Romanza. About 0.80 kilometres from central Medellin, it comes with accessible parking, internet access and room service.
Binn Hotel also works well for a trip built around driving. It features valet parking, plus a spa and express check-out. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 5 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Medellin and pick the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Medellin and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Begin your sightseeing at must-see attractions such as EcoParque Comuna 13, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Museo comuna 13.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Medellin
Around 18 kilometres south of central Medellin, Caldas easily earns a place on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy and La Alqueria.
Ibis Budget Medellín Itagüí Metro and Hotel Caldas Plaza are reliable accommodation options with parking in Caldas.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Medellin and head roughly 23 kilometres southeast to Rionegro. Featuring Catedral de San Nicolas and Palacio de la Cultura, its highlights live up to the hype.
Relax after a day of exploring Rionegro at Movich Hotel Las Lomas or Hotel Lagoon. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Looking to cover more ground? Pereira is a top road trip destination that's about 161 kilometres south of Medellin. Make a few pit stops at Paisaje Cultural Cafetero and Reserva Natural, Termales de San Vicente.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. Movich Hotel de Pereira and GHL Hotel Abadia Plaza have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Pereira.
