Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Cartagena
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Cartagena
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Cartagena
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Cartagena
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Cartagena, with its vibrant culture and historic sites, is best explored at your own pace. While taxis and public transport are available, renting a car provides the freedom to discover hidden gems and surrounding areas with ease.
Explore Beyond the City Walls. A rental car lets you easily access beaches like Bocagrande and Castillo Grande, or venture to nearby attractions such as the Totumo mud volcano.
Enjoy Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with family or carrying luggage? A car offers the space and comfort needed for a hassle-free journey.
Cost-Effective for Day Trips. If you plan multiple excursions, renting a car is often more economical than relying on taxis or tours.
Personalized Itinerary. Create your own adventure, stopping where you want, when you want, without being tied to fixed schedules.
Before renting a car in Cartagena, familiarize yourself with the local rental terms. These include age requirements, license validity, insurance options, and deposit policies to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 572 square kilometers (221 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1 million residents
Time Zone
Colombia Time (COT), UTC-5
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during peak hours, especially from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have additional surcharges for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage for peace of mind. A security deposit is typically required via credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck mileage limits and fuel policies. Returning the car with a full tank is often the most cost-effective option.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 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 January, June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (March to May, September to November): Often comes with discounts and better availability.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Secure the best car rental deals in Cartagena by comparing prices, choosing the right vehicle, and understanding the rental terms. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring beyond.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking early.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental.
Cartagena, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, offers a unique blend of colonial architecture and modern attractions. Navigating Cartagena requires awareness of local traffic customs and parking regulations, especially when venturing beyond the historic center.
As a major tourist destination in Colombia, Cartagena is known for its well-preserved walled city and stunning Caribbean coastline. While the city has public transportation options, renting a car provides greater flexibility for exploring nearby beaches and attractions. However, driving within the walled city can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking rules for a smoother experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
Explore the historic heart of Cartagena with its colorful buildings and charming streets.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Visit this imposing fortress for panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
Bocagrande
Relax on the beaches of this modern area with hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for secure parking garages in Bocagrande and Getsemaní.
On-Street Parking
Available but limited, especially in the walled city. Be sure to check parking regulations.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking for guests, but it's best to confirm availability beforehand.
Gas Stations in Cartagena
Terpel
One of the main gas station chains in Colombia, with several locations in and around Cartagena.
Petrobras
Another major fuel provider with stations throughout the city.
Brio
A commonly found fuel brand in Cartagena.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cartagena
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour. Plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel.
Use Navigation Apps
Apps like Waze or Google Maps can help you navigate and find the best routes.
Stay Hydrated
Cartagena is hot and humid, so drink plenty of water.
Bargain with Taxis
If you choose to take a taxi, negotiate the fare beforehand.
Major Bus Stations
Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena
The main bus terminal serving destinations throughout Colombia.
Airport
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
Located within the city limits, serving domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Cartagena is straightforward, but it’s important to have the necessary documents and meet the basic requirements.
A valid driver’s license is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport is required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Cartagena as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Cartagena with my family was a dream! Having a car gave us such freedom to discover hidden gems.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Summer in Cartagena was incredible! Having a car let us explore beyond the city walls, discovering stunning beaches and charming towns. Highly recommend!
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 24.09.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.12.2024
Cartagena was perfect for a weekend getaway! So easy to explore everything.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 30.06.2025
Cartagena exceeded expectations! Getting around for my quick business trip was a breeze, thanks to having a car. Highly recommend.
Mia Lee
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 16.01.2025
Cartagena lived up to the hype! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and the beaches were stunning.
Evelyn Martinez
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Back in Cartagena after years, and it's even more beautiful! Having a car made exploring so effortless.
Katherine Hernandez
Reviewed: 09.11.2024
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Cartagena was amazing! Renting a car made getting around with friends so easy. The walled city was beautiful, although the street vendors could be a bit overwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 31.03.2025