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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Columbia
Columbia
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Columbia
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Columbia
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Columbia
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Columbia?
Columbia offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, and hiring a car is the best way to experience it all. While public transport is available, a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City: With a rental car, you can easily venture to attractions such as Congaree National Park or the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
Flexibility and Convenience: A car allows you to travel on your schedule, making spontaneous stops at local restaurants, shops, or scenic overlooks.
Comfortable Travel: Avoid the hassle of public transport, especially if you're travelling with family or carrying luggage. A rental car provides a comfortable and private space for your journey.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Columbia
Before hiring a car in Columbia, be sure to understand the terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
135.2 square miles
Population
Approximately 136,632
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT)
Ideal for
Exploring surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is often included, but you can opt for additional coverage. A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card until the car is returned.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Hire Prices in Columbia – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €35
SUV:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts as demand decreases.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Columbia?
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and affordable car hire experience in Columbia.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental.
General Information About Columbia
Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Hiring a car can greatly enhance your ability to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
Columbia is known for its historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and beautiful parks. Driving in Columbia is generally easy, but it's important to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations. Having a car allows you to visit attractions such as the South Carolina State House, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden with ease.
Top Attractions to Discover
South Carolina State House
A beautiful building with rich history.
Columbia Museum of Art
Features a diverse collection of art.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
A popular destination for families and nature lovers.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Numerous garages are available throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but may be limited during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options for easier access to downtown.
Petrol Stations in Columbia
Major Brands Available
Find petrol stations from major brands like Shell, BP, and Exxon.
Convenient Locations
Petrol stations are located throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Columbia
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush hour traffic, especially during weekdays.
Use Navigation Apps
Navigation apps can help you find the best routes and avoid delays.
Check Local Events
Be aware of local events that may affect traffic and parking.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during the hot summer months.
Key Transportation Hubs in Columbia
Major Bus Stations
Greyhound Bus Station
Provides intercity bus services.
Railway Stations
Amtrak Station
Offers train services to various destinations.
Airports
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Serves domestic flights and is located a short drive from downtown Columbia.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Columbia?
Hiring a car in Columbia is easy, but you'll need to have the right documents and meet certain requirements.
You’ll need a valid driver’s licence. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
Our Content Quality
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Columbia as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Fantastic weekend in Colombia! Getting around with a car was a breeze, making everything so easy. Highly recommend!
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Colombia's beauty surprised me, even after all these years. Renting a car was a smart move; it made exploring so much easier. The museums, however, were a bit underwhelming.
Karen Smith
Reviewed: 14.02.2025
Exploring Colombia was effortless! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning landscapes at my own pace. Absolutely loved it!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Meh. Food was bland.
Ethan Davis
Reviewed: 08.10.2024
Short trip, amazing Colombia! Car rental perfect.
Brian Johnson
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
Colombia exceeded my expectations! Having a car gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace, discovering charming towns and breathtaking landscapes. I'll definitely return.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 07.03.2025
Returning to Colombia after so many years was incredible! Having a car made exploring the diverse landscapes so easy and convenient. From the vibrant cities to the stunning natural beauty, it was a trip I'll never forget.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 24.11.2024
Summer in Colombia was amazing! Getting around with a rental car was so convenient, allowing us to explore hidden gems.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Spontaneous weekend in Colombia! Loved the vibrant culture, though the food was a bit spicier than expected.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 02.05.2025
Peaceful Colombian escape! Cruising the coast with my rental car was so relaxing. The beaches were stunning, and I felt completely rejuvenated.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 30.01.2025