Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Colonia
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Colonia
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Colonia
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Colonia
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.
Colonia is a beautiful city with numerous historical sites, charming neighbourhoods, and picturesque landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore Historical Sites. Colonia is rich in history, and many of its historical sites are best accessed by car. Visit the Colonia del Sacramento and other historical landmarks without being limited by public transport schedules.
Discover Charming Neighbourhoods. With a rental car, you can easily explore the various charming neighbourhoods in and around Colonia, each offering unique attractions and local experiences.
Picturesque Landscapes. Driving allows you to soak in the beautiful scenery along the coast and through the countryside at your own leisurely pace, stopping whenever you wish to enjoy the views.
Before renting a car in Colonia, ensure you understand the rental terms and conditions. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 12,000 square kilometres
Population
Approximately 27,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT-3
Ideal for
Sightseeing and road trips
Rush Hours
Limited traffic congestion except during peak tourist season
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Colonia require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have a higher minimum age for certain vehicle categories.
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 Spanish or Portuguese. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.
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, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats. Always check for these fees when booking.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (December to February): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (June to August): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Colonia, follow these steps to ensure a seamless experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
Colonia is a blend of history and natural beauty, ideal for day trips and sightseeing. Renting a car allows visitors to explore hidden gems, but understanding local traffic rules and parking is essential.
Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Uruguay's oldest towns, offering a unique mix of colonial architecture and tranquil landscapes. While the town is relatively small and walkable, renting a car opens up opportunities to explore the surrounding areas, including beaches, vineyards, and nature reserves. Driving in Colonia is generally straightforward, but it’s wise to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Colonia del Sacramento
A UNESCO World Heritage site with cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
Faro de Colonia del Sacramento
A lighthouse offering panoramic views of the city and the Río de la Plata.
Plaza Mayor
The main square surrounded by historical architecture and charming cafes.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Areas
Designated parking areas are available throughout the historic centre and along the waterfront.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but it can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking facilities for guests, providing a convenient option.
Gas Stations in Colonia
ANAP
The primary gas station brand in Uruguay, with stations located on the outskirts of Colonia.
Private Stations
Smaller, privately-owned gas stations are also available, but may have limited hours.
Fuel Availability
Ensure your tank is full before venturing into more remote areas, as gas stations can be sparse.
Useful Tips for Visiting Colonia
Carry Local Currency
While credit cards are accepted in many places, it’s useful to have Uruguayan pesos for smaller establishments and street vendors.
Be Aware of Siesta Hours
Many businesses close for siesta in the afternoon, typically between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Check Road Conditions
If planning to drive outside the city, check road conditions, especially on unpaved roads.
Respect Local Traffic Laws
Adhere to speed limits and traffic signals to avoid fines.
Ferry Terminal
Buquebus Terminal
Located in Colonia del Sacramento, it provides ferry services to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Bus Terminal
Colonia Bus Terminal
Offers connections to Montevideo and other cities in Uruguay.
Airport
Colonia Airport (CYR)
A small airport with limited domestic flights.
Renting a car in Uruguay is a straightforward process. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth rental experience.
A valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in Spanish or Portuguese.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may have additional fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit. Some rental companies may prefer credit cards.
A passport or other form of identification is typically required for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Colonia 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.
Chill vibe, good drives
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Colonia was even better than I remembered! So easy to get around with a car, and the beaches were stunning after all these years.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 16.11.2024
Quick business trip, but Colonia charmed me! Exploring by car was perfect.
David Lee
Reviewed: 27.02.2025
Charming Colonia weekend! Having a car was great, although the waterfront restaurants were a bit pricey.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Peaceful, really liked it
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Relaxing, really liked it
Ava Jones
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
First trip to Colonia, and I loved it! Getting around with a car was effortless; so much to see.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 17.02.2025
Low-key lovely
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.05.2025
Colonia was a delightful stop on our road trip! Having a car allowed us to easily explore the picturesque countryside and charming town. Highly recommend!
Katherine Martinez
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Colonia exceeded expectations! Meeting friends there, and having a car made exploring so effortless.
Isabelle Thompson
Reviewed: 26.10.2024
Such a scenic drive through Colonia! Getting around with a rental was a breeze; loved every moment.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
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Colonia in the summer was beautiful, and having a car made exploring so easy. The beaches were amazing, though the crowds were a bit much sometimes.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 11.07.2025