Car rental in Columbia, United States

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There are 8 car rental providers in Columbia. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pickup spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Columbia

Renting a car in Columbia: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car rental companyAvis
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceAED 502
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Columbia

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car rental rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Columbia car rental search.

How to find a cheap car rental deal in Columbia

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Columbia and get going for around AED 502 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • Daily rental prices in Columbia start from just AED 191.

  • Planning to stay longer? Book a weekly rental from AED 1,341 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Columbia car hire. Try booking around three weeks before you go.

  • Line up your ride with Hertz, one of the city's most established providers.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Columbia car rental policy, whether you go with Hertz or another supplier. Some may charge separately for it instead of including it in the base rental.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.

Best value car rental options right now

  • The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at AED 284 a day.

  • Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around AED 487.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly AED 407 a day with this supplier.

  • Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Compact rental category is the top choice for travelers visiting Columbia.

Flying to Columbia? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Get a head start on your Columbia trip by picking up a car rental at Columbia Airport. The city center is about 13 kilometers from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.

Compare car rental types in Columbia

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Columbia may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.

  • Medium: A top choice when you need something that's easy to maneuver but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Columbia car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Columbia that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group travel, business needs or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Columbia car rental providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Columbia.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a surcharge, so carefully review the policies before locking in your reservation.

  • Kids coming with you? Car seat rules vary from one location to another, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your Columbia car rental booking.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.

  • If it's your first time driving in the United States, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits are usually about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, leave the driving to someone else or take another form of transport.

  • One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.

  • You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for day-to-day spending here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.

Best hotels in Columbia for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time relaxing at Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East. Around 3 kilometers from central Columbia, it comes with accessible parking, a 24-hour front desk and air conditioning.

  • Alternatively, take advantage of the accessible parking at Candlewood Suites Columbia Hwy 63 & I-70 by IHG. The city center is roughly 5 kilometers from this stay, which also features a 24-hour front desk and a games room.

  • Explore the full range of hotels in Columbia and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.

  • You're ready to make some memories now you've locked in a car rental deal in Columbia and your hotel. From Museum of Art and Archaeology to Mizzou Botanic Garden and Francis Quadrangle, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Columbia

  • Keep traveling to Jefferson City. Around 40 kilometers south of central Columbia, you'll find must-see sights like Missouri State Penitentiary and Missouri State Penitentiary Museum.

  • You'll be well taken care of at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City and Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Jefferson City.

  • Sedalia has plenty going for it too. Pick up your cheap car rental in Columbia and head about 80 kilometers west to discover attractions like Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.

  • Super 7 Motel and American Inn are comfy places to stay in Sedalia if you're settling in for a while. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Springfield, roughly 209 kilometers southwest of Columbia. Make your first stop Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, then take your time exploring Original Section of Historic Route 66.

  • Next up: catching some z's. Lamplighter Inn-South and University Plaza Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Springfield.

Frequently asked questions

On average, renting a car in Columbia will set you back around AED 502 per day or AED 2,100 per week. 
The cheapest car rental company in Columbia is currently Hertz, followed by Enterprise.
Scoring the best car rental deal depends on when you book – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. However, according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Columbia is currently January.
On average, around AED 2,100. But the best price we found for a car rental for a week in Columbia is AED 1,341.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to rent a car in Columbia for a whole month is AED 9,120. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Columbia, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car rental deals with a "full to full" fuel policy as opposed to a "half-full to full" one.

We also clearly highlight car and van rental options in Columbia that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car rental companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select "Return car to a different location" when you search with us.
Public transportation can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and for as long as you want. You'll also be able to discover more outside of Columbia.
Most places – Columbia included – allow people under the age of 25 to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance deductible for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is AED 191 per day. The average price per day is around AED 437.
Of course. Most major car rental companies like Avis, Budget and Hertz offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travelers rated Turo as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the Internet for all kinds of vehicle rental deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van rental in Columbia.