How to find a cheap car hire deal in Columbia
Grab a cheap rental car in Columbia and get going for around $94 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll help you find a home that keeps up with your trip.
Daily home prices in Columbia start from just $82.
Planning to stay longer? Book a weekly home from $517 and explore more than just the top attractions.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Columbia car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.
Line up your ride with Hertz, one of the city's most established providers.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Columbia car hire policy, whether you go with Hertz or another supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base home.
Consider booking a one-way home. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $126 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $175.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly $243 a day with this supplier.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Compact home category is the top choice for travellers visiting Columbia.
Flying to Columbia? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Columbia trip by picking up a car hire at Columbia Airport. The city centre is about 13 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Columbia
Small: These cheap rental cars in Columbia may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: A top choice when you need something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Columbia car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Columbia that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Columbia car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Columbia.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a surcharge, so carefully review the policies before locking in your reservation.
Kids coming with you? Car seat rules vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your Columbia car hire booking.
You'll be asked for some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If it's your first time driving in the United States, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for day-to-day spending here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
Best hotels in Columbia for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time relaxing at Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East. Around 3 kilometres from central Columbia, it comes with accessible parking, a 24-hour front desk and air conditioning.
Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at Candlewood Suites Columbia Hwy 63 & I-70 by IHG. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this stay, which also features a 24-hour front desk and a games room.
Explore the full range of hotels in Columbia and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
You're ready to make some memories now you've locked in a car hire deal in Columbia and your hotel. From Museum of Art and Archaeology to Mizzou Botanic Garden and Francis Quadrangle, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Columbia
Keep travelling to Jefferson City. Around 40 kilometres south of central Columbia, you'll find must-see sights like Missouri State Penitentiary and Missouri State Penitentiary Museum.
You'll be well taken care of at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City and Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Jefferson City.
Sedalia has plenty going for it too. Pick up your cheap car hire in Columbia and head about 80 kilometres west to discover attractions like Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.
Super 7 Motel and American Inn are comfy places to stay in Sedalia if you're settling in for a while. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Springfield, roughly 209 kilometres southwest of Columbia. Make your first stop Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, then take your time exploring Original Section of Historic Route 66.
Next up: catching some z's. Lamplighter Inn-South and University Plaza Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Springfield.
