How to get from Bogota to Cartagena
Why visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is known as Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast. Unlike the rest of the country, it has been a tourist hub for quite a while because it’s a common stop for cruise ships sailing the Caribbean.
Its attraction lies in the almost intact and colourful, colonial-style mansions in the walled old city. Inside these walls, you’ll be transported back in time and into a foodie’s paradise. A tip when exploring Cartagena: for safety, stay out of the city’s outskirts! The tourist centre is generally safe.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Bogota to Cartagena?
There are 3 ways to travel the 1061 kilometre (659 miles) distance from Bogota to Cartagena. You can choose between the bus, private transport and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 15 minutes to 1 day 6 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at 127,000 COP ($34.50).
Where to stay in Cartagena?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cartagena.
Bogota to Cartagena by Flight
Flying is the best way to get from Bogota to Cartagena. The whole journey only takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, including airport transfers. It’s also the cheapest option for this route at just 127,000 COP ($34.50).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Bogota Airport
Flights from Bogota to Cartagena depart from El Dorado International Airport (BOG), about 30 minutes from the city centre by private transport. If you’re flying in the evening, leave early. Rush hour traffic (16:30–19:30) can double travel time.
We recommend taxi-hailing apps like InDrive and Uber. InDrive fares start from 30,000 COP ($8.10), while Uber Taxi costs around 29,000 COP ($7.80) to 38,000 COP ($10.20).
If you prefer to book ahead, you can do so via BookAway:
-
- Shared minivan – 37,000 COP ($10) per seat
- Private car – 45,000 COP ($12.30) for 2 people
On a budget? The TransMilenio bus costs only 3,000 COP ($0.90), but you’ll need a TuLlave card — cash isn’t accepted. Also note that buses are often crowded and usually require a transfer.
Check out our page on Bogota Airport for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Bogota to Cartagena by Flight
There are four airlines flying this route: Avianca, LATAM, JetSmart and Wingo. All of them offer cabin luggage-only fares.
Flights are available throughout the day, from early morning until late evening, with the last ones taking off around 22:30. Flight time takes about 1h 30m, and prices start from 120,000 COP ($32.50).
Wingo and JetSmart only operate 3 to 5 flights a day, so you’ll have fewer departure times to pick from compared to Avianca and LATAM.
Step 3: Cartagena Airport to the City Centre
The easiest way to get from Rafael Núñez International Airport to the city centre is by airport taxi or Uber.
Airport taxis have fixed fares starting from 18,000 COP ($4.80). Grab a ticket from the yellow digital kiosk at the exit — this shows the official fare — then give it to the first driver in the taxi line.
You can also hail a ride via Uber with prices from 32,000 COP ($8.70) to the Walled City. We don’t recommend taking a regular taxi because they often try to overcharge tourists.
If you prefer to book in advance, BookAway offers shared and private transfers:
-
- Shared minivan – 21,000 COP ($5.60) per seat
- Private car – 63,000 COP ($17.20) for 2 people
On a tight budget? You can take the Transcaribe T102 bus for 3,000 COP ($0.90). It’s the cheapest choice, but the nearest bus stop is a block away from Cartagena Airport. Also note that you’ll need a Transcaribe card because cash isn’t accepted.
Check out our guide for Cartagena Airport for more details.
Bogota to Cartagena by Bus
We don’t really recommend travelling by bus from Bogota to Cartagena. It’s a long journey, around 19 hours to 1 day 6 hours. Apart from being an all-day trip, it often ends up being more expensive than flying. Combined fares start from 141,000 COP ($38).
If you really prefer to travel by bus, read on for a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: City Centre to Bogota Bus Terminal
Buses operating from Bogota to Cartagena depart from Terminal Salitre. The fastest way to get to the terminal from the city centre is via a 30-minute taxi or Uber.
Uber offers more comfort and reliability with fares starting at 30,000 COP ($8.10). Taxis are usually cheaper at around 15,000 COP ($4.10), but taxi drivers are known to overcharge tourists.
Travelling on a budget? Hop on Bogotá’s TransMilenio metrobus. From Universidades Station, take Line 1 towards Portal El Dorado and get off at the station El Tiempo – Cámara de Comercio. The fare is just 3,000 COP ($0.90), making it the cheapest way to reach the terminal.
Step 2: Bogota to Cartagena by Bus
The companies covering this route are Expreso Brasilia, Copetran, Berlinas del Fonce, Flota La Macarena and Coflonorte.
Buses depart from Terminal Salitre at different times throughout the day. You can buy your ticket at the terminal or book online in advance.
Tickets cost 135,000 COP ($36.50), and the journey takes around 18h - 1d 4h.
If you book with Bookaway, some operators accept a voucher or e-ticket, while others may ask you to print your ticket or swap it at the terminal. Check the instructions in your confirmation email so you’re not caught off guard. Visit our Colombia transport guide for more details.
Step 3: Cartagena Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Cartagena Bus Terminal is quite far from the city centre. The fastest way to get into the Walled City is with a 30-minute Uber ride. It’s reliable, and you’ll know the fare upfront — no haggling, no surprises. Prices start at 44,000 COP ($12), though they can go up depending on traffic or time of day.
Taxis are available right outside the terminal. While fares are technically regulated in Cartagena, it’s pretty common for drivers to overcharge, so we don’t really recommend taking a taxi from here.
The bus is cheaper, but it takes longer
If you’re after a budget-friendly option, take the Transcaribe bus to the city centre for just 3,000 COP ($0.90).
The bus terminal is well connected to Cartagena’s city centre and popular areas like Getsemaní and San Diego via Transcaribe buses. You’ll find them just outside the terminal. Hop on line X104 to get into town.
If you’re heading to the Walled City, get off at the last stop, La Bodeguita. For Getsemaní or San Diego, hop off one stop earlier at Centro B1 Bus Stop. The journey takes around 1 hour.
To board a Transcaribe bus, you’ll need a Transcaribe card — cash isn’t accepted. You can buy the card at any Transcaribe station or from authorised shops like SuperGiros.
Bogota to Cartagena by Private Transport
Private transport is an option if you’re landing at Bogotá Airport and don’t feel like booking another flight, or if you’re keen to experience the journey overland. But keep in mind: the journey takes around 19 hours.
Also, this is the most expensive way to travel between Bogotá and Cartagena.
Prices for private transfer start at 5,698,000 COP ($1,550) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,899,000 COP ($515) each.
Private transport options from Bogota to Cartagena
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bogota to Cartagena. 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 to Cartagena
What is the distance from Bogota to Cartagena?
The distance from Bogota to Cartagena is 1061 kilometre (659 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena?
The fastest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena is by flight and takes 2 hours 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena?
The cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena is by flight with ticket costs starting from 127,000 COP ($34.50).
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.
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!
