How to find a cheap car rental deal in Santa Marta (SMR)
Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Santa Marta rental car. Pick from options averaging AED 288 a day and go where you want for less.
AED 154 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental at Santa Marta.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from AED 954 and explore beyond the usual highlights of Santa Marta.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap SMR car hire. Book about one week before you travel to score the best price.
Check out the offers available with Localiza, Alamo and Tu Roll Rent a Car. These are some of the better-known providers at Santa Marta.
Whether you go with Localiza or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Santa Marta car rental. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in SMR by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car rental in Santa Marta with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car rental options right now
You get the best value with https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/alamo/650, with average prices coming in at AED 293 a day.
Offering daily rates of around AED 296, https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/enterprise/702 follows in second place.
https://www.skyscanner.ae/car-rentals/car-rental-with-provider/national/656 won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly AED 287 a day with this provider.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other at SMR.
Compare car rental types from Santa Marta (SMR)
Small: These cheap Santa Marta rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to maneuver, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for short trips.
Medium: A solid choice when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this SMR car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and scenic routes alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Santa Marta takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever your trip demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different SMR car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Santa Marta.
Good to know
Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the rules for the supplier you choose before booking your rental in Colombia.
Kids coming with you? Car seat requirements vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your SMR car rental reservation.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's license, extra photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Driving in Colombia might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In Colombia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, get someone else to do the driving or choose another way to travel.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SMR car hire, you're the boss when it comes to your next move. If central Santa Marta is your first stop, it's around 16 kilometers north of the airport and a trip of about 25 minutes.
During rush hour, expect the drive from Santa Marta to the center to take as long as 40 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 7am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, consider picking up a car rental in Santa Marta instead of at the airport. Collect your ride at a time that works for you and avoid paying for rental days you won't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Santa Marta (SMR)
Begin with some of the standout attractions in Santa Marta, like Natural Tayrona National Park and Ciudad Perdida. Whether you take your car or get there another way, you'll want to tick off these highlights before you move on.
Around 64 kilometers west of SMR, Barranquilla belongs on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Gran Malecon Puerta de Oro and Obelisco Barranquilla - LA VENTANA AL MUNDO.
Add Soledad to your vacation plans. Around 64 kilometers west of the airport, drive there in your Santa Marta car rental to see leading attractions like Museo Bolivariano, Soledad, Atlántico, Colombia and Casa Museo Del Grabado "Samuel Buelvas".
Not done driving yet? Sincelejo is another fun destination that's around 241 kilometers southwest of SMR. Catedral de San Francisco and Museo Arqueologico Zenu Manuel Huertas make perfect pit stops.
