South America > 🇨🇴 Colombia
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Colombia can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Colombia; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Colombia?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Colombia?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Colombia
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Acandí | ACD | |
| Araracuara | ACR | |
| Bahía Solano | BSC | |
| Barrancabermeja | EJA | |
| Barranquilla | BAQ | |
| Bogotá | BOG | |
| Bucaramanga | BGA | |
| Buenaventura | BUN | |
| Cali | CLO | |
| Cartagena | CTG | |
| Corozal | CZU | |
| Cúcuta | CUC | |
| Girardot | GIR | |
| Ibagué | IBE | |
| Ipiales | IPI | |
| La Macarena | LMC | |
| La Pedrera | LPD | |
| Manizales | MZL | |
| Medellín | MDE | |
| Mitú | MVP | |
| Montelibano | MTB | |
| Mosquera | MQR | |
| Neiva | NVA | |
| Nuquí | NQU | |
| Pasto | PSO | |
| Paz de Ariporo | PZA | |
| Pereira | PEI | |
| Providencia | PVA | |
| Puerto Asís | PUU | |
| Puerto Leguízamo | AYG | |
| Quibdó | UIB | |
| San Andrés | ADZ | |
| San José del Guaviare | SJE | |
| Santa Marta | SMR | |
| São Filipe | SFX | |
| Tame | TME | |
| Valledupar | VUP | |
| Villavicencio | VVC | |
| Yopal | EYP |
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
Colombia has excellent domestic flights, reliable intercity buses, and affordable ride-hailing apps like Uber, InDrive, and DiDi in major cities.
✅ Ideal No-Car Situations
| Destination | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | Heavy traffic + great taxis and Uber | Taxi, rideshare |
| Medellín | Metro and cable cars cover key areas | Metro, cable car, Uber |
| Cartagena | Historic center is pedestrian-friendly | Walking, taxi |
| Santa Marta & Tayrona | Tours include transport | Guided shuttles |
| Coffee Region | Jeep tours and local transport available | Jeep (Willys), shuttle |
➡ If you plan to stick to major cities or fly between regions, you won’t need a car.
🚗 When Renting a Car Adds Value
Renting a car can be extremely rewarding in regions with beautiful countryside, scenic drives, and small towns.
✅ Best Regions for Renting a Car
| Region | Highlights | Why a Car Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero) | Mountains, coffee farms | Explore villages at your own pace |
| Boyacá & Santander | Colonial towns, canyons | Drive between remote villages |
| Antioquia countryside | Lakes, pueblos like Guatapé | Scenic drives + flexibility |
| Coastal desert (La Guajira) | Sand dunes and beaches | 4×4 recommended |
➡ A car lets you enjoy scenic routes, miradors (viewpoints), and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
🚦 What Driving in Colombia Is Like
-
You drive on the right-hand side
-
Roads in cities can be congested and chaotic
-
Highways are improving but may include sharp curves and mountainous terrain
-
Fuel is affordable
-
Tolls are common on major roads
-
Speed cameras enforce limits strictly
Important: In some rural or border areas, security can be a concern. Always check local guidance before driving into remote regions.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Why It Works Well |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights | Crossing long distances | Fast and inexpensive |
| Intercity buses | Budget travel | Comfortable sleeper coaches |
| Ride-hailing apps | Getting around cities | Safer and easier than taxis |
| Private driver | Countryside travel | Local expertise + stress-free |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Major-city visitor | ❌ No | Traffic and transport apps are sufficient |
| Caribbean coast traveller | ❌ No | Tours and shuttles cover attractions |
| Coffee region explorer | ✅ Yes | Scenic drives and rural towns |
| Adventure road tripper | ✅ Yes | Countryside routes are spectacular |
| Budget backpacker | ❌ No | Buses and flights are affordable |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Colombia?
👉 Yes, if you want to explore the countryside, coffee farms, small villages, or scenic mountain routes at your own pace.
👉 No, if you’re sticking to cities or popular coastal destinations, where public transport already works efficiently.