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, a jewel on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is best explored with the freedom a rental car provides. While the historic walled city is pedestrian-friendly, a car unlocks access to nearby beaches, charming towns, and natural wonders.
Explore Beyond the Walled City. Get out to beautiful beaches like Playa Blanca or venture to the Totumo mud volcano for a unique experience. A rental car makes these trips easy.
Discover Nearby Towns. Visit the colorful fishing village of La Boquilla or the historic city of Barranquilla without relying on public transport schedules.
Enjoy Comfort and Convenience. If you’re traveling with family or have bulky luggage, a rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to get around. No waiting for taxis or navigating public transport.
Before renting a car in Cartagena, familiarize yourself with the rental terms. These typically include age restrictions, license requirements, insurance policies, and fuel guidelines. Understanding these conditions will help ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 572 square kilometers (221 square miles)
Population
Around 1 million residents
Time Zone
Colombia Time (COT), UTC-5
Ideal for
Exploring nearby beaches and towns
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7 AM - 9 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Cartagena require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.
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 you can opt for additional coverage. A security deposit is required and is typically held on a 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 the same amount of fuel as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS or child seats.
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 January): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (April to June, September to November): 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.
Booking a car in Cartagena is easy if you follow these steps. Comparing prices, choosing the right car, and reviewing rental terms are crucial.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the coast.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements carefully.
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 license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental.
Cartagena is a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning coastal scenery. Exploring beyond the walled city requires understanding local traffic rules and parking regulations.
Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating destination with its colonial architecture, lively culture, and beautiful beaches. While the historic center is easily walkable, renting a car is advantageous for exploring the surrounding areas. Understanding local traffic conditions and parking options is essential for a smooth driving 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 impressive fortress for panoramic views of the city.
Bocagrande
Enjoy the modern beachfront area with hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for secure parking in designated garages around the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and meters, as regulations are strictly enforced.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the walled city and using taxis or buses to access the center.
Gas Stations in Cartagena
Availability
Fuel stations are available throughout the city and on major roads.
Major Brands
Find well-known brands like Terpel and Esso.
Payment
Most stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Cartagena
Traffic
Be aware of heavy traffic during peak hours, especially around the walled city.
Road Conditions
Roads can be narrow and crowded, so drive defensively.
Language
Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.
Safety
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid driving in unsafe areas at night.
Major Bus Stations
Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena
Serves both local and long-distance buses, connecting Cartagena to other cities in Colombia.
Airports
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
Located within the city limits, it serves both domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Cartagena requires a few essential documents and meeting certain conditions. Here’s what you’ll typically need.
A valid driver’s license from your country of residence 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, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
A credit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of official identification may be required.
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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.
Cartagena charmed me! So easy to get around with a car, and the beaches were breathtaking.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 13.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 10.12.2024
Heard so much about Cartagena, and it lived up to the hype! Getting around was a breeze, and the walled city was stunning.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 08.12.2024
Cartagena exceeded expectations! A perfect, spontaneous weekend.
Evelyn Brown
Reviewed: 28.01.2025
Absolutely loved Cartagena! Having a car made exploring the beaches and the city so easy. Such a relaxing getaway.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 10.04.2025
Cartagena was vibrant! A whirlwind weekend exploring the city and nearby beaches was perfect. So glad I had a car for easy access to everything.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 10.02.2025
Back in Cartagena after ages! It's even more beautiful, although the historical sites felt a bit underwhelming.
Maya Singh
Reviewed: 12.05.2025
Cartagena was magical, but the food was a bit bland.
Mia Lee
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Car rental fine, city kinda meh. Food bland.
Sophia Martinez
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
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Cartagena was a fantastic stop on our road trip! Exploring the city with our rental car was so convenient. Beautiful architecture and vibrant culture.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 25.09.2024