How to get from Bogota Airport to the City Centre
Why visit Bogota?
Bogota is the capital of Colombia and the centre of most economic, political, and cultural activities. It sits 2600 metres (8530 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Here, you can enjoy a temperate climate all year round.
Modernity and culture collide in this vibrant city, where you will find skyscrapers alongside colonial architecture. Every other guide to Bogota will tell you it is home to some of the most incredible street art in the world. And we totally agree! You will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to museums, art galleries and food.
Bogota El Dorado Airport
Bogotá El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is Colombia’s primary gateway, about 15 km west of the city centre. It’s one of the top three busiest airports in Latin America and is consistently ranked among the world’s best, thanks to its clean facilities, spacious seating, plentiful power outlets, and efficient security.
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1, which handles both international and domestic flights, and Puente Aéreo (T2), used for domestic overflow.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
You don’t need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Colombia. But it’s strongly recommended to get one if you’re heading into Colombia’s jungle regions or national parks — including the Amazon, Chocó, or the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
El Dorado Airport offers free yellow fever vaccination at its clinic in Terminal 1, on the second floor near Gate 5. It’s open daily from 7:00 to 17:00, but they only hand out vaccine tokens until 16:00.
There’s no need to book in advance. Just bring your passport, and you’re all set. Keep in mind, you’ll need to get the vaccine at least 10 days before entering any high-risk area. Getting it at the airport can be a real lifesaver if you forgot to do it before arriving in Colombia.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Bogota Airport to the City Centre?
There are 3 ways to travel the 15 kilometre (9 miles) distance from Bogota Airport to the City Centre. You can choose between the bus (TransMilenio), shared minivan and private transport. The journey takes 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus (transmilenio) with tickets starting at 3,000 COP ($0.90).
Where to stay in Bogota?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bogota.
Bogota Airport to the City Centre by Bus (TransMilenio)
Bogota El Dorado Airport (BOG) is within the city. It takes around 1 hour to travel between the airport and the tourist centre by bus, as long as you don’t get stuck in traffic.
Just a heads up: bus rides can be a bit of a hassle if you are carrying large bags. They tend to get crowded, and pickpocketing is common, so you will need to keep a close eye on your belongings.
TransMilenio, the Bus Rapid System in Bogota, is the cheapest option for this route. The fare is 3,000 COP ($0.90) and has to be paid with the TuLlave card.
What’s a TuLlave card and where to get one
The TuLlave card is your key to getting around Bogotá on the TransMilenio. The best place to get a TuLlave card is at the airport, especially if you’re planning to take a TransMilenio bus into the city and around it.
You can buy one for 8,000 COP ($2.20) at the TuLlave ticket desk on the second floor, near Entrance 4. Once you have it, just top it up with credit and you’re good to go.
You can also buy a TuLlave card at any TransMilenio station or portal in the city, but getting it at the airport saves time and hassle later, so you can dive straight into exploring Bogotá.
From Bogotá Airport to the city
To get to downtown Bogotá, you’ve got two main options depending on where you’re headed:
To La Candelaria
Take the free Shuttle 16-14 to El Dorado TransMilenio Station. If you didn’t get the TuLlave card at the airport yet, you can buy it here before hopping on Line 1 to Universidades Station. From here, you can walk to most hotels in La Candelaria or take a quick taxi if you’re carrying heavy luggage.
Here is the schedule:
- Monday to Saturday: 04:30-23:00
- Sunday and public holidays: 04:30-22:00
To other popular neighbourhoods in Bogota
Heading to other tourist favourites like Teusaquillo, Chapinero/Zona G, Chicó, Usaquén or San Felipe? Catch the K86-M86 dual route bus directly from the airport. It won’t drop you right in these neighbourhoods, but within walking distance or a quick taxi ride.
You can map out the bus stops on Moovit and find which one is closest to your destination.
Keep in mind that you need a TuLlave card to take this bus. You can find the schedule below:
- Monday-Friday: 04:30-22:00
- Saturday: 04:30-22:15
- Sunday and public holidays: 04:30-21:15
From the city to Bogota Airport
If you’re going to Bogota Airport from the city centre, just take the same route in reverse. You have two options:
- From La Candelaria: Take Line 1 from Universidades Station to Portal El Dorado. From there, hop on feeder bus 16-14 to reach the airport terminal.
- From other popular neighbourhoods in Bogota: Head to the nearest bus stop for line K86-M86, which goes straight to the airport from Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá.
Bogota Airport to the City Centre by Private Transport
Taking a private transfer is the most convenient way to get to and from El Dorado International Airport (BOG). A ride to the city centre takes about 30 minutes, though during rush hour (between 16:30 and 19:30), it can take twice as long.
Popular options include ride-hailing apps like Uber and InDrive, official airport taxis, or pre-booking a private car through BookAway.
Keep reading to find out which ride most travellers trust, and which ones are better to skip.
Ride-hailing Apps
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and InDrive are technically legal in Colombia, but the situation on the ground can be a bit tricky. Some drivers might ask you to sit in the front or meet at a discreet pickup spot to avoid trouble with taxi drivers or the police.
Despite this, ride-hailing apps are the most popular option when travelling from Bogota Airport to the city centre. They offer a balance of convenience and reliability. You see prices upfront, no need to negotiate or worry you’re being overcharged.
InDrive
If you’re heading to La Candelaria, a ride with InDrive typically costs around 30,000 COP ($8.10). One of the app’s unique features is that you get to suggest the fare. Drivers can either accept it or try to negotiate a final rate.
The downside? There’s no guaranteed pickup time, so you might end up waiting a while for someone to accept your offer.
Uber
With Uber, many travellers recommend requesting a taxi rather than an Uber car. The difference? Uber taxi connects you with official yellow cabs through the app, while regular Uber rides use private vehicles.
Uber taxis are often cheaper, with fares from 29,000 COP ($7.80). With an Uber car, prices start from about 40,000 COP ($10.80).
Note that if you’re taking an Uber taxi, you might need to go up to the departures area to meet your driver, so give yourself a few extra minutes.
Airport Taxi
Taxi Imperial is the official taxi provider at Bogotá Airport. You’ll find their kiosk inside the airport, just after you clear customs. They offer standard yellow taxis (parked right outside) and white cars for special service.
White Taxis
If you want a prepaid ride, you can either visit their kiosk after landing or pre-book via WhatsApp (+57 317 3003000) at least 3 hours in advance. You can also check their Facebook page for more info.
Travellers have reported that the final price can end up being higher due to taxes, route taken, and traffic. A pre-booked ride typically costs around 95,000 COP ($25.50).
Yellow Taxis
You can skip the line at the kiosk and head straight to the taxi ranks, where their yellow taxis are waiting. These taxis are metered, so you pay based on distance and time. A ride to La Candelaria usually costs around 80,000 COP ($21.50).
PRO TIP: Whether you go for the yellow metered taxi or the prepaid white taxi, Taxi Imperial is often the most expensive option when travelling between Bogota Airport and the city centre. On top of that, drivers are known for inserting hidden fees, so it’s not always reliable.
Private Cars via BookAway
If you prefer a smooth arrival, book a private car in advance. A 2-seater car with BookAway costs around 46,000 COP ($12.30). Prices are fixed, no hidden fees.
Your driver will be waiting at the arrivals hall. No confusing pickup points or last-minute messages. This is the most comfortable and reliable option, especially if you’re arriving late or just want to get to your hotel without the fuss.
City Centre to Bogota Airport
Bogota Airport to the City Centre by Shared Minivan
Shared minivans are a good choice for solo travellers who want to be dropped directly at their hotel/accommodation.
The ride takes around 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, but may be longer due to traffic or multiple drop-offs.
Receptivo Colombia runs services to popular areas like Quinta Paredes and Chapinero. Destino Colombia is another option, and you can book seats online for both companies through BookAway. Prices start from 37,000 COP ($10).
Keep in mind that shared minivans don’t offer much space. If you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it might feel a bit cramped.
Also, don’t forget to check private transfers. In some cases, they can be cheaper than minivans and come with the bonus of a more comfortable, direct ride.
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City Centre to Bogota Airport
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Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bogota Airport to the City Centre. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bogota Airport to the City Centre
What is the distance from Bogota Airport to the City Centre?
The distance from Bogota Airport to the City Centre is 15 kilometre (9 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bogota Airport to the City Centre?
The fastest way to get from Bogota Airport to the City Centre is by private transport and takes 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bogota Airport to the City Centre?
The cheapest way to get from Bogota Airport to the City Centre is by bus (transmilenio) with ticket costs starting from 3,000 COP ($0.90).
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
