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Car Rental in Bogota, Colombia

Nestled amidst the vibrant heart of Bogota, Green Motion Car Rental offers unparalleled access to the city's rich tapestry of culture, history, and adventure. Conveniently located near major transportation hubs and key attractions, our rental office provides a seamless starting point for your Bogota exploration. 

Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and largest city, sits high in the Andes at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level. It’s a fascinating mix of colonial history, modern urban life, and Andean culture, with neighborhoods ranging from the colorful colonial streets of La Candelaria to the upscale shopping zones of Zona T and Usaquén. Surrounded by mountains and connected to charming towns like Zipaquirá and Villa de Leyva, Bogotá is both a bustling metropolis and a perfect base for exploring Colombia’s heartland by car.

Embrace the urban energy of Bogota with Green Motion Car Rental as your trusted guide.

Tips for renting a car in Bogota

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

Colombia Bogota 1440x1080
Colombia Bogota 1440x1080

Why Rent a Car in Bogotá?

 

While Bogotá has a solid public transportation system (including TransMilenio buses and ride-hailing apps), a rental car is an excellent choice if you plan to explore beyond the city. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to:

Visit Zipaquirá and the stunning Salt Cathedral

Explore picturesque towns like Villa de Leyva, Guatavita, and Nemocón

Hike in Chingaza National Park or explore the Cundinamarca countryside

Travel at your own pace without being tied to bus schedules

Take scenic Andean road trips toward Tunja, Boyacá, or even into the Coffee Triangle

Useful Information about renting a car in Bogota

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Average temperatures

9°C (48°F) – 20°C (68°F)

FAQs about car hire in Bogota

Is it difficult to drive in Bogotá?

Yes. Traffic congestion and aggressive driving can be stressful. Driving outside the city is much more pleasant. Use navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps.

What is Pico y Placa and how does it affect me?

Pico y Placa restricts cars based on plate numbers during weekday rush hours. Ask your rental agency if your vehicle is exempt or restricted.

Is it safe to drive to nearby towns like Zipaquirá or Villa de Leyva?

Yes. The roads are in good condition and safe during the day. Avoid nighttime driving on rural roads due to poor lighting and potential weather hazards.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, if your license is not in Spanish or lacks Latin characters. Most rental companies will also ask for your passport and home license.

Are there tolls around Bogotá?

Yes, particularly on highways leading north or west. Have Colombian pesos ready, as not all toll booths accept cards.

Can I rent an automatic transmission?

Yes, but automatic cars are limited and more expensive. Book early to secure one if needed.