Car Rental in Bogota, Colombia: A Practical Guide

However, navigating the city's strict traffic regulations, such as the Pico y Placa license plate restrictions, requires careful planning.

Renting a car in Bogota, Colombia, is a practical option for travelers wanting to visit the surrounding Andean highlands, but driving within this metropolis of 7.6 million residents comes with unique challenges. Navigating the city requires strict adherence to local traffic laws, including the complex Pico y Placa driving restrictions and low speed limits. This guide covers everything you need to know to secure a car hire in Bogota, Colombia, from age and document requirements to avoiding heavy fines. You will learn about security deposit ranges, mandatory SOAT insurance, and the rules for driving outside the city. By understanding these local regulations, you can avoid common pitfalls, choose the right vehicle type, and plan a safe road trip through the Cundinamarca department.

L'essentiel

Driving a rent a car in Bogota, Colombia, requires knowing the 'Pico y Placa' system. This traffic restriction applies to private and rental vehicles from Monday to Friday, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. It restricts driving based on the last digit of the license plate: plates ending in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 can circulate on odd-numbered days, while plates ending in 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0 can circulate on even-numbered days. Violating this rule in 2026 carries a fine of 522,900 COP and vehicle immobilization. Additionally, starting in the first semester of 2026, vehicles registered outside Bogota face restrictions on two Saturdays per month. Electric and hybrid vehicles are completely exempt from these rules.

Other essential rules include:

• Speed limits: 50 km/h on main urban tracks, 80 km/h on highways, and 30 km/h in residential zones.
• Age limits: Minimum age is 21, but drivers under 25 often face young driver surcharges.
• Deposits: A credit card in the primary driver's name is required to block a deposit of $500 to $1,500 USD (or at least 1,000,000 COP).

Prices and booking timing

When planning a car hire in Bogota, Colombia, understanding the pricing structure helps you budget accurately. The average daily rental cost for a small car ranges from $30 to $67 USD. If you prefer or require an automatic transmission, expect to pay an additional daily cost of $20 to $40 USD compared to a manual vehicle.

To secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability, it is highly recommended to book your vehicle well in advance, especially if you need an automatic car or an exempt hybrid/electric vehicle to bypass the Pico y Placa restrictions. Every rental rate must include SOAT (Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito), which is the legally mandated basic traffic accident insurance in Colombia. Be sure to verify that this is included in your initial quote to avoid unexpected fees at the rental counter.

Where to get your vehicle

Most travelers choose to pick up their rent a car in Bogota, Colombia, directly at El Dorado International Airport (BOG), where major international and local rental desks are located. Picking up your vehicle at the airport allows you to start your journey immediately without navigating the congested city center first.

Alternatively, rental agencies operate offices in major commercial districts and upscale neighborhoods in the north of the city, such as Chico or Chapinero. When picking up your vehicle, you must present a valid national driver's license (foreign tourists can use theirs for up to 90 days) and a credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is only mandatory if your national license is printed in a non-Roman script.

Tips for trips out of the city

Taking your rental car out of Bogota opens up beautiful destinations in the surrounding Andes. However, you must keep several rules in mind. First, driving rental cars across Colombian borders into neighboring countries like Ecuador or Venezuela is strictly prohibited by all rental agreements.

Second, pay close attention to speed limits when transitioning from urban roads to national highways, where the standard limit is 80 km/h. Keep cash or a compatible electronic tag ready for toll booths (peajes) along the highways. Finally, if you plan to return to the city on a weekday, check the Pico y Placa calendar for that day to ensure your license plate is allowed to enter the city during the restricted hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., or plan your return outside of these hours.

Where to go by car

Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.