English (Malta)

Medellin

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Medellin with Green Motion Car Rental. Dive into the rich tapestry of Colombian culture as you explore the city's eclectic neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Poblado to the vibrant energy of Laureles. With our convenient locations and reliable service, you can effortlessly navigate Medellin's winding streets and discover hidden gems around every corner. Whether you're seeking adventure in the surrounding mountains or indulging in the city's world-renowned cuisine, Green Motion Car Rental provides the perfect vehicle to make your Medellin experience truly extraordinary.

Tips for renting a car in Medellin

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.

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Good to know about car rental in Medellin

 

Driving in Medellín is a mixed experience. Within the city, streets can be steep, narrow, and heavily trafficked, especially during weekday rush hours. But once you leave the city limits, driving becomes an enjoyable and scenic experience, especially through the coffee hills and Andean countryside.

Cars drive on the right-hand side, and most vehicles are manual transmission — automatics are available but less common and more expensive. Road signage follows international standards, but some roads in rural areas may lack markings or street lights.

Speed limits in Colombia are:

30–60 km/h (19–37 mph) in urban zones

80 km/h (50 mph) on highways and open roads

100 km/h (62 mph) on dual-lane express routes (where permitted)

Traffic in the city can be unpredictable. Expect aggressive lane changes, frequent motorcycles weaving between cars, and one-way streets with limited signage. GPS apps like Waze or Google Maps are essential — not just for directions, but for avoiding congestion and road closures.

Pico y Placa restrictions are in effect in Medellín — this system prohibits cars with certain license plate numbers from driving during specific hours on weekdays to reduce congestion and pollution. If you rent a car in the city, check with the rental agency to understand how the rule applies to your vehicle.

In rural Antioquia, the roads are generally paved and in decent condition, but expect sharp curves, steep climbs, and occasional landslides, especially during the rainy season (April–May and October–November). Drive slowly and be cautious when overtaking on mountain roads.

Fuel stations (called “Estaciones de Servicio”) are common, though fewer in remote areas. Most accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some Colombian pesos for small transactions or emergencies.

Tolls are frequent on highways leading in and out of Medellín. Keep cash (COP) handy, as many booths don’t accept cards.

Police checkpoints are common, especially on intercity roads. Be respectful, carry your driver’s license, passport, rental agreement, and insurance documents, and comply with any instructions. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Spanish or doesn’t use Latin characters.

If you need help while in Medellin, don't hesitate to contact our office. In an emergency, dial 112, Iceland’s national emergency number.

Enjoy your journey and explore Iceland’s stunning landscapes with confidence! 🚗

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Why Rent a Car in Medellín?

 

Though Medellín’s metro system is excellent within the city, a rental car gives you full access to Colombia’s Coffee Axis, countryside villages, and Andean landscapes that lie beyond. A car allows you to:

Take scenic drives to Guatapé and climb the famous El Peñol rock

Explore the coffee-growing region of Jardín, Jericó, and Santa Fe de Antioquia

Reach nature reserves, waterfalls, and hiking trails without needing a guide

Venture to Parque Arví, La Ceja, or the Río Claro canyon on your own schedule

Travel comfortably between Medellín and José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro

 

Useful Information about renting a car in Medellin

Where do you pick up your car?

Green Motion Medellin Downtown is located at Calle 9 Cra 43 A 31, 050021, Medellin. If you require assistance, please call 317-365-9708.

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Average temperatures

17°C (63°F) – 28°C (82°F)

FAQs about car hire in Medellin

Is it safe to drive in Medellín?

Yes, though traffic can be intense in the city center. Extra caution is needed for city driving, but rural driving is calm and rewarding, especially along well-traveled tourist routes.

Do I need an international driver’s license?

It’s recommended, especially if your license is not in Spanish. Some rental agencies will ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP).

What is “Pico y Placa”?

It’s a license plate-based traffic restriction in Medellín that applies on weekdays. Check with your rental agency — violating it can lead to fines.

Are toll roads common around Medellín?

Yes. Most highways into and out of Medellín include tolls. Carry Colombian pesos in cash, as many booths don’t take cards.

Can I drive to Guatapé and back in one day?

Absolutely. Guatapé is just 2 hours away and a popular self-drive day trip with well-maintained roads and scenic views.

Is parking easy in Medellín?

In most neighborhoods, you’ll find private parking lots or garages. Street parking is limited and may require a prepaid voucher or app.