How to Rent a Car in Colombia: Why I Use Localiza (And You Should Too)

I’ve tried renting cars in Colombia through the big international names — Hertz, Budget, Sixt. They all work, but they’re overpriced and the pickup process is painfully slow. Then I found Localiza, and I haven’t looked back.

Localiza is Latin America’s largest car rental company — 63 locations across Colombia, an app that handles everything from booking to return, and prices that are consistently 30–50% cheaper than the international competition. Here’s my complete guide to renting a car in Colombia and why Localiza is my go-to.

Why I Use Localiza (And Not Hertz, Budget, or Sixt)

Let me be direct: Localiza offers the best price-to-quality ratio of any car rental company in Colombia. Here’s the comparison:

That’s right — Localiza is often half the price of Hertz for the same class of car. And it’s not some budget outfit cutting corners. Localiza is a publicly traded company headquartered in Brazil, operating across all of Latin America, and actually partners with Hertz globally (Hertz Colombia rentals often go through Localiza’s fleet). So when you rent from Hertz here, you’re sometimes getting a Localiza car at a Hertz markup.

Here’s what makes Localiza specifically great:

• 63 locations across Colombia — more than any other rental company. Pick up in Medellín, drop off in Cartagena. They’re in airports, city centers, and smaller cities.
• Everything through the app — booking, insurance selection, contract signing, payment, and even digital vehicle inspection. I’ve walked up, scanned a QR code, and driven off in under 10 minutes.
• Insurance included — basic CDW/LDW insurance is included in the standard rate. Full coverage (“cobertura total”) is available as an add-on and worth it for peace of mind on Colombian roads.
• No hidden fees — what you see in the app is what you pay. No surprise charges at the counter. This alone sets them apart from some international brands.
• Newer fleet — most vehicles are 1–2 years old. I’ve consistently gotten clean, well-maintained cars with low mileage.

How to Rent a Car Through the Localiza App (Step by Step)

The entire process takes about 5 minutes from your phone:

1. Download the Localiza app — available on iOS and Android. Or go to localiza.com/colombia/es-co.
2. Create an account — register with your passport or cédula de extranjería, email, and phone number. Takes 2 minutes.
3. Search for your dates and location — choose pickup and drop-off locations (they can be different). Set your dates and times.
4. Pick your car — browse available vehicles filtered by category: economy, compact, SUV, pickup truck. Prices are shown per day in COP.
5. Select insurance — basic coverage is included. I recommend upgrading to “cobertura total” (full coverage) — it adds COP 30,000–50,000/day but covers you for everything including tire damage and windshield cracks.
6. Pay in the app — credit card or debit card. You’ll see the total cost with no surprises. They accept international cards.
7. Pick up the car — show your ID, driver’s license, and the app confirmation. Do a quick walkaround inspection (take photos through the app), sign digitally, and drive off.

The whole pickup experience is streamlined compared to the traditional rental counter where you stand in line, get upsold on insurance three times, and wait 30 minutes. With Localiza, most of it is already done on your phone.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Colombia as a Foreigner

Before you book, here’s what you’ll need:

If You’re on a Tourist Visa (Under 180 Days)

• Valid driver’s license from your home country — must be current and appropriate for the vehicle class
• Passport with entry stamp showing you’re within the 180-day tourist period
• Credit card for the deposit/hold (most companies require this)
• Minimum age 21 (some companies require 23 for SUVs)
• International Driving Permit (recommended but not legally required) — if your license isn’t in Spanish or English, an IDP is strongly recommended. Some rental agents will ask for it.

If You Have a Cédula de Extranjería (Resident)

Here’s the important legal nuance: once you hold a cédula de extranjería, your foreign driver’s license technically expires after 180 days. Colombian law (Article 25, Law 769 of 2002) only recognizes foreign licenses for tourists in transit. As a resident, you’re expected to get a Colombian driver’s license.

In practice, many rental companies still accept foreign licenses with a cédula, but it’s a gray area. If you’re staying long-term, getting a Colombian license is the safest move — especially for insurance claims.

Already have your cédula? Good. If not, here’s how to get your cédula de extranjería.

How Much Does It Actually Cost?

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you’ll pay renting through Localiza for a weekend trip or a week-long road trip:

Add COP 30,000–50,000/day for full insurance. Gas in Colombia is cheap — about COP 15,000/gallon ($3.60), roughly half the US price.

Compare that to hiring a private driver for day trips (COP 300,000–500,000/day) or taking multiple domestic flights, and renting a car is the clear winner for flexibility and value — especially if you’re exploring regions like the Coffee Triangle, the Caribbean coast, or driving between cities like Medellín and Bogotá.

Best Road Trips to Take With a Rental Car in Colombia

Having a car unlocks Colombia in a way that flights and buses never can. Here are my favorite routes:

1. Medellín → Guatapé (2 hours)

The most popular day trip from Medellín. Wind through mountain roads to the famous rock of Guatapé, stop at roadside arepas stands, and explore the colorful town. Having a car means you can stop wherever you want and avoid the packed tourist buses.

2. The Coffee Triangle (3–4 days)

Pereira → Salento → Filandia → Manizales. Drive through coffee country, visit fincas, hike the Valle de Cocora, and stay in rural hostels. Public transport between these towns is infrequent and slow — a rental car makes this trip 10x better.

3. Cartagena → Santa Marta → Palomino (Caribbean Coast)

Cruise the Caribbean coastal highway. Stop at Barranquilla, detour to Tayrona National Park, end at the beach town of Palomino. About 5 hours total driving but best spread over 3–4 days.

4. Bogotá → Villa de Leyva (3 hours)

Colonial architecture, fossil museums, and the stunning Boyacá countryside. An easy weekend escape that’s infinitely better with your own wheels.

Not sure which region to explore first? Check our ranking of the best cities to live in Colombia for inspiration.

Driving Tips for Foreigners in Colombia

Colombian roads are… an experience. Here’s what I wish I’d known before my first rental:

• Mountain roads are narrow and winding. If you’re from a flat country, take it slow on the Andean highways. Use the horn on blind curves — everyone does.
• Tolls are everywhere. Major highways have frequent toll booths (peajes), usually COP 10,000–15,000 each. Budget COP 50,000–100,000 in tolls for a cross-country drive. Keep cash ready — not all accept cards.
• Avoid driving at night. Visibility is poor on mountain roads, animals wander onto highways, and security is better during daylight. Plan to arrive before dark.
• Gas stations are plentiful. You’ll rarely go more than 30 minutes without seeing one, even on rural routes. Corriente (regular) is fine for rental cars.
• Download Waze. Google Maps works, but Waze is king in Colombia. It routes around traffic, speed traps, and road closures. Check our list of essential apps for living in Colombia.
• Take photos of the car at pickup. Document every scratch, dent, and ding in the Localiza app before you drive off. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage.
• Learn basic Spanish road terms. Desvío (detour), peaje (toll), retorno (U-turn), reductor de velocidad (speed bump). If your Spanish is rusty, check out our guide on learning Spanish in Medellín.

Essential Tools for Your Road Trip

A few things that’ll make your Colombian road trip smoother:

• NordVPN — essential for using streaming services and accessing your home country banking apps while traveling. Also secures your connection on hotel and restaurant Wi-Fi.
• Remitly — pay for gas, tolls, and hotels in pesos at the real exchange rate. Much better than using your home credit card with foreign transaction fees.
• SafetyWing — travel health insurance that covers you in Colombia. If you have an accident while driving, you’ll want medical coverage beyond what the car insurance provides.
• Waze app — the navigation app Colombia runs on. Real-time traffic, police alerts, and road hazard warnings.
• Offline Google Maps — download the map for your region before you go. Cell service drops in rural mountain areas.

When Renting a Car Doesn’t Make Sense

To be fair, a rental car isn’t always the best choice:

• Within Medellín or Bogotá — traffic is brutal, parking is expensive, and the Metro/TransMilenio systems are excellent. Use Uber or InDrive instead.
• If you don’t drive manual — many economy cars in Colombia are manual transmission. Localiza offers automatics, but the selection is smaller and pricier. Filter for “automático” when booking.
• Very short trips — for a single day trip to Guatapé or Villa de Leyva, a tour bus or shared van might be more cost-effective once you factor in gas and tolls.

For everything else — weekend getaways, multi-city road trips, beach runs, Coffee Triangle exploration — a rental car is king. And Localiza is how you do it without breaking the bank.

Bottom Line

Localiza is the best car rental option in Colombia for foreigners. Period. The app makes it ridiculously easy, the prices are 30–50% cheaper than international brands, and with 63 locations you can pick up and drop off almost anywhere.

If you’re planning to explore beyond the cities — and you absolutely should — download the Localiza app, book a car for your next weekend trip, and discover why Colombia is one of the best countries in the world to road trip.

Just remember: check your visa situation, bring your valid license, and don’t forget to take photos of the car before you drive off. Happy driving. 🚗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Colombia with a US driver’s license?

Yes. If you’re in Colombia on a tourist visa (under 180 days), your valid US driver’s license is legally accepted. An International Driving Permit is recommended but not legally required. Most rental companies including Localiza accept US licenses.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Colombia?

Economy cars on Localiza start at COP 120,000–180,000 per day ($29–$43 USD). SUVs run COP 180,000–240,000/day ($43–$58). International brands like Hertz and Budget charge 30–50% more for equivalent vehicles. Weekly and monthly rentals offer significant discounts.

Is it safe to drive in Colombia?

Yes, with precautions. Major highways between cities are well-maintained and heavily patrolled. Avoid driving at night in rural areas, use Waze for navigation, and take mountain roads slowly. Colombia’s roads are much safer than their reputation suggests — millions of Colombians drive them daily.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Colombia?

Legally, no — not if your license is in Spanish or English. However, if your license is in another language, an IDP is strongly recommended. Some rental agencies may ask for one regardless. An IDP costs about $20 and is valid for one year.

Can I pick up in one city and drop off in another?

Own a vehicle you no longer need? Learn how to sell your car in Colombia.

Yes. Localiza offers one-way rentals across their 63 Colombian locations. There’s usually a one-way fee (COP 100,000–200,000 depending on distance), but it’s worth it for road trips. Book through the app and select different pickup/drop-off locations.