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How to get from Bogota to Cali
Cali is a warm and welcoming city, considered to be Colombia’s salsa capital. It is famous for the Feria de Cali, a salsa carnival happening in the last week of December each year. Cali is also the door to other popular destinations such as San Cipriano, Popayan and Malpelo and the Gorgona Islands.
Bogota to Cali is 463 km (287 miles) journey. The most popular ways to cover this distance are a 1-hour flight or an 11-hour bus ride. Fares range between $15 (70,000 COP) – $61 (280,000 COP).
2 ways to get from Bogota to Cali
When choosing between the two keep in mind that both cities are situated on mountains. Therefore, travelling by bus from Bogota to Cali means it’s not going to be a straightforward journey, literally! The roads include a lot of bends, making the journey a reasonably unpleasant one if you get travel sick easily.
However, a night bus can be a good way to save on accommodation while catching some sleep. And, if you are travelling by day you will get some stunning views of Colombia’s mountainous landscapes.
On the other hand, flying can be more convenient for those only visiting for a short amount of time because it takes a little more than 1 hour. In contrast, the time on the bus is around 11 hours without even considering additional time for traffic and roadworks.
In Colombia, domestic flights are affordable and the prices tend to compete with the bus rates. If you book some time in advance the chances of finding cheap flights significantly increases and can be equal or just a little above the bus fare.
If you do choose to fly from Bogota to Cali, consider including a carbon compensation fee with your ticket to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Bogota to Cali by Flight
Taking a flight from Bogota to Cali is the faster yet more expensive way to complete this journey.
Step 1: Bogota to Cali
Flights from Bogota to Cali depart from El Dorado Airport (BOG). Departures are frequent, roughly every 2 hours, from 05:00 to 23:00 and the flight time is approximately 1 hour.
There are 4 airlines covering this route; Avianca, Latam, Viva Air and Wingo. They all offer a cabin-luggage-only fare, so if you’re travelling light, you can save some money here.
In terms of service, Avianca is a bigger airline and their service is superior. They offer refreshments and most planes have an individual tv and charging port. Latam is a good second choice though, also offering a good service.
Wingo offers a basic service but since the flight is so short, it does the job pretty well. However, it only has 1-2 departures a day.
Viva air, on the other hand, is a low-cost airline and therefore they will charge extra for everything, even checking in at the airport. Most of the time their service is poor so, unless the price difference with the other airlines is significant (which is not often the case), we don’t really recommend it.
Step 2: Cali Airport to the city centre
All flights will arrive in Cali’s International Airport (CLO) located 30 km away from the city.
There are two main ways to get from Cali airport to the city centre. The first one is by taxi and the second a combined ride of bus and taxi.
Taxis are available 24 hours while buses only run from 06:00 to 21:00.
Taxis will charge between $13 (60,000 COP) to $15 (70,000 COP) and take about 30 minutes. They are the safest option if you arrive at night.
If you want to save some money, you can take a bus with the company Expreso Aeropuerto who have a continuous and direct service between the airport and Cali’s main bus terminal.
Buses depart every 20 minutes from the airport’s first floor, right in front of the national arrivals gate. The price is $2.10 (10,000 COP) and you must pay directly to the driver.
Buses will drop you at Cali’s main bus terminal. To get to the city centre from here, you can take a taxi for around $1.70 (8,000 COP) or Uber starting at $1.50 (7,000 COP).
Note that Uber is not allowed inside the airport. Therefore, if you decide to order it, you may have to walk outside the airport to catch it. For safety reasons, it is better to use the services available at the airport.
Bogota to Cali by Bus
You can save some money if you choose to take the bus from Bogota to Cali. And if you take the night bus, you will also save a night on accommodation.
Step 1: Bogota to Cali
Buses operating from Bogota to Cali depart from Module 1 at Terminal de Buses Salitre from 05:00. Night buses are more popular on this route and some companies offer more frequent services after 17:00.
The main bus companies covering this route are Expreso Bolivariano, Velotax, Flota Magdalena and Expreso Palmira. All companies are very similar in terms of quality and good service, although Expreso Bolivariano is often considered the best.
The buses are quite comfortable. They have reclining seats, AC, a toilet and the newer buses will include individual tv and charging ports.
You can book your tickets online (showing them on mobile is not sufficient, so make sure to print your ticket in advance!). You can also buy your ticket directly at the bus terminal, but keep in mind that night buses tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so it is better to book ahead.
Bus schedule from Bogota to Cali
Step 2: Cali Bus Terminal to the city centre
The bus will arrive at Cali’s main bus terminal. To get to the city centre, you can take a taxi for around $1.70 (8,000 COP) or Uber starting at $1.50 (7,000 COP).
Our favourite places to stay in Cali
Cali is world famous for its salsa. It should also be known that Cali has a ton of budget-friendly accommodations. You might actually struggle to find somewhere expensive!
You can find a great place to stay for a fraction of the price of most other destinations in Colombia!
To help you pick the right place, in the best location, here are our favourite places to stay in Cali:
Alko Hotel Casa Nispero - Treat Yourself
This Alko Hotel really takes things to the next level. If you’re looking for somewhere that oozes luxury, then this is the place! Their rooms are HUGE! We’re talking apartment-sized rooms, boasting ultimate comfort.
Adding to the comfort, every room has its own hot tub bath. The outdoor swimming pool and bar make the hotel a relaxing retreat from the busy city of Cali. This is a stay that you won’t forget!
- Outdoor swimming pool and bar
- Massive and luxurious rooms
- Hot tubs in your bathroom
- Superb breakfast included
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Alko Hotel Integrado - Mid Range
Another Alko Hotel that couldn’t be left out from our top favourites. The hotel feels like a piece of modern art. Its unique designs make it an incredible place to stay. All of the rooms are bright and spacious, with a lot of them offering their own private terrace. The views are great!
You’ll be in a great location here. The friendly staff will also help you to make the most of the area.
- Unique and fascinating design
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Perfect location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
Rossa Palma - Mid Range
With its vibrant pops of colour and tropical swimming pool, it’s hard not to smile when you walk into Rossa Palma. This hotel feels like a mini oasis inside of Cali.
You can choose from beautifully decorated private rooms, to fully equipped apartments. They also have an onsite seafood restaurant that is absolutely delicious!
- Swimming pool
- Onsite seafood restaurant
- Fully equipped apartments and private rooms
- Great breakfast included
Double rooms start from $40 per night
Magic Garden House - Budget Friendly
Its name says it all, this place is magical. Its near perfect reviews also seem to agree! The rooms are uniquely decorated, each of them with their own character. You can see which one suits your style the most.
The incredibly friendly hosts help to add that extra sprinkle of magic. They truly want your stay in Cali to be the best. Starting off with their delicious breakfast every morning!
- Uniquely decorated rooms
- Extremely welcoming and friendly hosts
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $20-$40 per night
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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.
