Bogota to Cartagena in 2.5-19 hours (2026)

Cartagena is Colombia's walled Caribbean city, 666 kilometres (414 miles) north of Bogota. Its old town is a maze of colourful colonial streets and sea-facing ramparts. Flying is the quickest option, taking 2h 15m - 3h 30m. By road, the cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena is the bus at $38 (122,000 COP). The ride is a long one, around 19h - 1d 6h.

DISTANCE

Distance from Bogota to Cartagena

Bogota and Cartagena are about 666 km (414 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 978 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 15m - 3h 30m.

~666 km

Straight-line distance

~978 km

Route distance

2h 15m

Fastest

COMPARE

3 ways to travel from Bogota to Cartagena

There are three ways to travel from Bogota to Cartagena. You can choose between the flight, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 15m–19h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $38 (122,000 COP).

TransportDurationPrice

Flying is the best way to get from Bogota to Cartagena. The whole journey only takes around 2h 15m - 3h 30m, including airport transfers. It's also the cheapest option for this route at just $40 (126,000 COP).

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

30m-1h$1 (3,200 COP)

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 $9.40 (30,000 COP), while Uber Taxi costs around $9.10 (29,000 COP) to $12 (37,500 COP).

If you prefer to book ahead, you can do so via BookAway:

Shared minivan - $10 (32,000 COP) per seat
Private car - $12 (39,000 COP) for 2 people

On a budget? The TransMilenio bus costs only $1 (3,200 COP), 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

1h 30m$38 (120,000 COP)

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 $38 (120,000 COP).

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.

Check Flights with Skyscanner

Step 3: Cartagena Airport to the City Centre

15m-1h$1.10 (3,400 COP)

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 $5.60 (17,800 COP). 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 $10 (32,000 COP) 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 - $5.60 (17,800 COP) per seat
Private car - $17 (55,000 COP) for 2 people

On a tight budget? You can take the Transcaribe T102 bus for $1.10 (3,400 COP). 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.

Cartagena

We don't really recommend travelling by bus from Bogota to Cartagena. It's a long journey, around 19h - 1d 6h. Apart from being an all-day trip, it often ends up being more expensive than flying. Combined fares start from $38 (122,000 COP).

If you really prefer to travel by bus, read on for a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: City Centre to Bogota Bus Terminal

30m-1h$1 (3,200 COP)

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 $9.40 (30,000 COP). Taxis are usually cheaper at around $4.70 (15,000 COP), 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 $1 (3,200 COP), making it the cheapest way to reach the terminal.

Step 2: Bogota to Cartagena by Bus

18h - 1d 4h$37 (116,000 COP)

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 $37 (116,000 COP), 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.

23hConcordeNon-AC SeaterBogotaCartagena16:30$37116,000 COPTickets

21h17mBerlinas del FonceSleepingBogotaCartagena11:0018:3020:30$37118,000 COPTickets

25hCoflonorteStandardBogotaCartagena10:0017:4520:00$39124,000 COPTickets

21h30mBerlinas del FonceBerlinave Super ConfortTerminal de SalitreTerminal de Cartagena18:30$40128,000 COPTickets

21h30mBerlinas del FonceBerlinave Super PlusTerminal de SalitreTerminal de Cartagena14:30$42134,000 COPTickets

Show all 11 companies

21h30mBerlinas del FonceStandardBogotaCartagena14:30$42134,000 COPTickets

22h30mExpreso BrasiliaStandardBogotaCartagena07:0009:0009:4010:0010:3012:30+8$43136,000 COPTickets

21h20mCopetranPreferencial de LujoTerminal de Transport Salitre BogotaTerminal de Transporte Cartagena01:0007:0017:0021:00$43138,000 COPTickets

21h20mCopetranStandardBogotaCartagena01:0007:0008:4509:4512:0014:00+3From $44140,000 COPTickets

23h5mCopetranNon-AC SeaterBogotaCartagena19:00$45144,000 COPTickets

18hFlota La MacarenaTouristTerminal de Transport Salitre BogotaCartagena Transport Terminal Terminal (Cartagena de Indias09:0011:3014:0016:3019:0021:30$56178,000 COPTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 3: Cartagena Bus Terminal to the City Centre

30m - 1h$1.10 (3,400 COP)

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 $14 (44,500 COP), 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 $1.10 (3,400 COP).

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.

Cartagena

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 19h.

Also, this is the most expensive way to travel between Bogotá and Cartagena.

Prices for private transfer start at $1550 (4,900,000 COP) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $515 (1,640,000 COP) each.

Private transport options from Bogota to Cartagena

19h$1550 (4,900,000 COP)

Viajes Imperial

Standard Car 3 PAX

$1550 (4,900,000 COP)

$515 (1,640,000 COP) per person

Tickets

Viajes Imperial

SUV Car 5 PAX

$1560 (4,950,000 COP)

$310 (990,000 COP) per person

Tickets

Viajes Imperial

Standard Minivan 7 PAX

$1590 (5,100,000 COP)

$230 (730,000 COP) per person

Tickets

Viajes Imperial

Sprinter Minivan 12 PAX

$1620 (5,200,000 COP)

$135 (430,000 COP) per person

Tickets

Available atBookaway

Cartagena

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Where to StayWhere we'd stay in Cartagena4 places we've picked out, for every budget

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Bogota to Cartagena, roughly 666 kilometres (414 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest non-flight fare is $38 (122,000 COP), though if you're lucky with timing you might find a flight ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 2h 15m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Bogota to Cartagena?

The distance from Bogota to Cartagena is 666 kilometres (414 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 2h 15m - 3h 30m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena?

The cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cartagena is by bus with ticket costs starting from 122,000 COP.

About the Authors

Ela

Senior Travel Writer

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.

FayeReviewer

Travel Writer

A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.

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How to Get From Bogota to Cartagena

Distance from Bogota to Cartagena