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How to get from Bogota to Cartagena
Cartagena is considered to be Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast. Unlike the rest of the country, Cartagena has been a tourist hub for quite a while as 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 old city that are surrounded by huge stone walls. Inside these walls, you’ll find a variety of delicious food on offer and smiling locals saying hello. Cartagena also hosts multiple international cultural festivals between January-March.
The distance from Bogota to Cartagena is 1061 km. The most popular ways to travel this distance are a 1.5-hour flight or a 22-hour bus ride. Prices range between 90,000 COP ($18.50) and 350,000 COP ($73).
2 ways to get from Bogota to Cartagena
For most people, a 22-hour journey is too long to spend on a bus, so many travellers choose to fly from Bogota to Cartagena. Flights are pretty cheap for this route and a lot of the time they’re actually cheaper than buses, especially when booking in advance. If you do choose to fly, consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Itinerary from Bogota to Cartagena
Bogota to Cartagena by Flight
Step 1: Bogota to Cartagena
Flights from Bogota to Cartagena depart from El Dorado Airport (BOG). Departures are frequent, every 1 – 2 hours from 06:00 to 23:00, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There are 4 airlines covering the Bogota to Cartagena 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, offering a fairly good service too.
Wingo is a low-cost airline providing a basic service, but it does the job pretty well and you can save some money rather than using the big carriers.
Viva air, on the other hand, is a low-cost airline that charges 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: Cartagena airport to city centre
There are 3 ways to get from the airport to the city centre: bus, taxi or private transfer.
Buses are a good option if you don’t have a lot of luggage but keep in mind that drop off stations can sometimes be 15-minute walks away from most hostels/hotels. Therefore, the most comfortable way is to take a taxi.
Option 1: Cartagena Airport by Transcaribe Bus
The orange and white buses run by Transcaribe, line T102, run frequently from just outside of the airport. This service passes by the city centre and runs from 05:30-21:00 every day. The ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
The bus stop is on Calle 70 and Carrera 4, one block from the airport. The only Transcaribe line stopping there is the T102 so you won’t get lost. The bus rate is 2,500 COP ($0.50).
There are 2 stops equally close to the city centre , one is called ‘Parque Apolo’ and the other one ‘Boquete San Diego’. Don’t be afraid of the long names, you can just ask for ‘Centro’ or ‘San Diego’ and the driver or other passengers will help you to get off at the right stop.
Option 2: Cartagena Airport by Taxi
The taxi service runs 24 hours a day and is available from just outside of the arrivals gate..
Taxi prices are fixed depending on your destination area. Follow the signs to the taxi counter right outside the arrivals gate and indicate the area or neighbourhood where you are going. They will hand you a ticket with the price printed on it. You should give this ticket to the driver at the end of the ride along with your payment.
An average price for a ride to most hotel areas is 15,000 COP ($3.10), but it can be slightly more or less depending on the distance.
Option 3: Cartagena Airport by Private Transfer
Unlike other countries, Colombia’s taxi’s service is relatively poor; most vehicles are small and drivers are often rude. If you prefer comfort and good customer service, the best option is to hire a private transfer.
Multiple companies offer transfer services between the airport and the city centre. The driver usually waits for you outside the terminal.
You can book the type of car, and most will offer amenities such as water bottles, AC and music.
The price of a private transfer for 2 people starts from 50,000 COP ($10) and it’s a set price to any location within the urban area. You can book online via BookAway.
Book a Private Transfer with BookAway
Bogota to Cartagena by Bus
Step 1: Bogota Cartagena bus terminal
Buses from Bogota to Cartagena depart from Module 3 of Terminal Salitre in Bogota. The companies covering this route are Expreso Brasilia, Copetran and Berlinas del Fonce.
Berlinas del Fonce has a superior service but only offers 3 departures a day, while Expreso Brasilia offers 10, so it can be more convenient.
All buses will be equipped with a toilet, AC and reclining seats, whilst the premium ones will offer more comfortable seats, charging ports and individual TVs.
Bus schedule from Bogota to Cartagena
Step 2: Cartagena Bus Terminal to the city centre
Cartagena bus terminal is quite far from the city centre. There are 2 ways to connect from there: a 1-hour bus or a 30-minute taxi ride.
Option 1: Cartagena Bus Terminal to city centre by Transcaribe Bus
The bus terminal is well connected by Transcaribe buses that take you to Cartagena city centre and the popular neighbourhoods of Getsemani and San Diego. You can find these buses just outside the bus terminal and they run once every 30 minutes. The line that takes you to the city centre is X104.
You should get off at the last stop, ‘La Bodeguita’, for the old city, or the one before called ‘Centro’ if you’re going to the Getsemani and San Diego areas.
Option 2: Cartagena Bus Terminal to city centre by Taxi
Taxis can be found right outside the bus terminal. Expect to pay 18,000 COP ($3.70) for a ride to the old city. Taxi rates are regulated by the local government. Nevertheless, as a general rule in Cartagena, it is better to agree on the price before stepping in.
Uber does not really work in Cartagena, but if you prefer using an app, locals use InDriver, which allows you to bid the rate you want to pay and drivers will accept or decline it.
Our favourite places to stay in Cartagena
Cartagena is a popular international tourist destination in Colombia. This means that it’s flooded with hotels, particularly luxury resorts.
Finding a cheap place to stay here can be a bit harder due to the high demand, but there are many great options to choose from.
Here are our favourite places to stay in Cartagena:
San Lazaro Art Hotel — Treat Yourself
How often do you get to stay in a hotel that overlooks a castle? With floor to ceiling windows in most rooms, you’ll never want to close your curtains and stop looking at San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
The rooftop pool, terrace restaurant and bar also offer the same incredible view. All of the rooms offer ultimate comfort, with huge beds and modern bathrooms.
- Rooftop pool
- Incredible views from the restaurant and terrace
- Amazing staff
- Great breakfast included
Double rooms available from $80 per night
Posada La Fe — Mid Range
Cartagena can get hot, so having a pool to take a dip in is the perfect touch. All of the modern and spacious rooms have air conditioning too.
The staff go above and beyond to make sure that your stay is nothing short of perfect. By the end of your stay, you’ll feel like you’re leaving family. The location is also hard to beat!
- Exceptional staff
- Light and airy rooms with air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Hotel Santa Cecilia B&B — Mid Range
Offering a light and neutral colour palette, Santa Cecilia oozes relaxation. The large beds guarantee a great night’s sleep too.
The location is great, with some rooms offering balcony views over the city. Just across the road, you’ll find a selection of food trucks, a nice place to grab some delicious food and chill out.
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Calm and relaxing rooms
- Great location
- A large and delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Ayenda Casa Roman — Budget Friendly
Ayenda is a chain of hotels found in Colombia, and Casa Roman in Cartagena is one of the best. Being close to the main boulevard and the beach makes this an ideal location to stay.
The modern rooms and terrace with hammocks are perfect for relaxing after a busy day. Helpful staff and a delicious breakfast will help to set you up right for the day ahead.
- Large and modern rooms
- Terrace with hammocks
- Great location
- Superb breakfast included
Double rooms between $20-$40 per night
More routes to Cartagena
Cartagena Airport to Cartagena
More routes from Bogota
Most popular routes in Colombia
About the author(s)
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.
