How to get from Bogota to Salento
Why visit Salento?
Salento is a charming and colourful town within the mountains and in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Despite its small size, it exudes beauty everywhere you go — so much so that the town even inspired aspects of the Disney movie Encanto!
There are two things you must do when in Salento: visit a coffee plantation and hike to the beautiful Cocora Valley, home to the tallest palm trees in the world. Whether you are a coffee lover or a nature lover, Salento is a great place to go.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Bogota to Salento?
There are 5 ways to travel the 300 kilometre (186 miles) distance from Bogota to Salento. You can choose between the bus via Armenia, private transfer, flight via Armenia, bus via Pereira and flight via Pereira . The journey takes 2 hours 15 minutes to 13 hours and the quickest way is by flight via Pereira. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus via Armenia with tickets starting at 60,000 COP ($16.20).
Where to stay in Salento?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Salento.
Bogota to Salento by Bus via Armenia
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Bogota to Salento. But there’s a catch: there are no direct buses operating from Bogota to Salento. You’ll have to make a bus transfer either in Armenia or in Pereira.
We think it is best to travel via Armenia. Thanks to the frequency of the buses leaving from Armenia to Salento, you won’t have to wait too long. Buses from Armenia leave every 20 minutes, while buses from Pereira leave every hour.
Also, in case of delays, the chance of missing the last bus connection is lower when you travel via Armenia. The last bus departs from Armenia to Salento around 20:00, while the last one from Pereira to Salento leaves earlier around 18:30.
No matter which route you take, it’s best to go with a night bus from Bogota, preferably the bus with the latest departure time. That way, you won’t arrive too early in the morning in Armenia or Pereira. Travelling overnight also saves you the cost of a night’s accommodation.
Alternatively, you can leave Bogota early in the morning so you can arrive in Salento before the end of the day.
Step 1: How to get to Bogota Bus Terminal
Buses running from Bogota to Armenia leave from Terminal Salitre. The fastest way to get there from the city centre is a 30-minute ride by taxi or Uber.
Uber is more comfortable and reliable, with prices from 30,000 COP ($8.10). Taxis cost around 15,000 COP ($4.10), but many drivers try to overcharge tourists.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can take the TransMilenio bus. From Universidades Station, take Line 1 towards Portal El Dorado and get off at El Tiempo – Cámara de Comercio. It costs just 3,000 COP ($0.90), but the travel time is at least 1 hour.
Kate’s insider tip: You need a Tullave card to pay for your fare on Transmilenio buses. If you don’t already have one, you can buy this card for 8,000 COP ($2.20) at any Transmilenio bus station in Bogota.
Step 2: Bus from Bogota to Armenia
Two main companies operate on the Bogota to Salento route: Expreso Bolivariano and Flota Magdalena. Ticket prices start from 50,000 COP ($13.50), and the journey takes around 7h 30m - 8h.
For convenience, we recommend booking your tickets online beforehand on BookAway. It saves you the hassle of getting to the station early, and you won’t have to stress about seats selling out.
You can also buy your ticket directly at the terminal, but try to get there at least one hour before departure for a better chance of getting a seat on your preferred bus. Terminal de Transporte Salitre is quite big and can be intimidating for first-time visitors. But don’t worry, there are signs everywhere and finding your way around is easy.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Step 3: Armenia to Salento by Bus
At Armenia Bus Station (Terminal de Transportes de Armenia), most of the time someone is walking around to call for and collect passengers to fill up the bus going to Salento.
In case there is none, you can walk towards the parking lot until you find the sign saying “Salento.” Here you can catch your second bus.
This is a smaller local bus that takes you to Salento Bus Terminal in 45 minutes. A bus ticket costs around 7,000 COP ($1.90).
There’s no timetable. The Armenia-Salento bus runs every 20 minutes or when full, from 05:00 until 20:00. You can pay on the bus, to the driver or the attendant.
Bogota to Salento by Bus via Pereira
Travelling by bus from Bogota to Salento via Pereira takes a little longer than the Armenia route. The whole journey takes around 9 hours 15 minutes to 13 hours, since the Bogota to Pereira leg is about three hours longer than the trip to Armenia.
In Pereira, you’ll need to transfer to your second bus, which takes you to Salento in about 45 minutes. But unlike the frequent local buses from Armenia to Salento, buses from Pereira to Salento are available only every hour.
Combined rates start from 81,000 COP ($22).
Step 1: How to get to Bogota Bus Terminal
Like buses bound for Armenia, Bogota-Pereira buses depart from Terminal de Transporte Salitre. As we mentioned above, you can get from Bogota city centre to Salitre in 2 ways: a 30-minute taxi or Uber for 15,000 COP ($4.10) – 30,000 COP ($8.10), or a 1-hour bus for 3,000 COP ($0.90).
Step 2: Bus from Bogota to Pereira
More bus companies run this route compared to Armenia, but the trip takes longer. Buses run throughout the day, with departures from morning to evening.
The main companies are Expreso Bolivariano, Flota Magdalena, Velotax, Expreso Palmira and Flota La Macarena.
Fares start from 67,000 COP ($18), and the journey takes around 8-11h. We recommend taking one of the overnight buses so you can hopefully sleep for the most part of the long journey.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Step 3: Pereira to Salento by Bus
For the last part of the trip (Pereira to Salento), Expreso Alcalá is the only bus operator. Buses depart from Pereira Bus Station, the same terminal you arrive in from Bogota.
There are hourly departures from 06:30 to 18:30. It’s worth noting that these buses depart on “Latino times,” which means that delays are rather the rule than the exception!
The bus fare is 13,000 COP ($3.40) for a ride that takes around 45 minutes.
TIP: In case you have to wait for a little while, there are cafeterias in the terminal where you can eat, drink and relax safely.
If you have enough time, you can also explore the shopping mall named La 14 (La Catorce), across the street. You will find some restaurants, a food court and a supermarket. Perfect for hungry travellers on the go!
Bogota to Salento by Flight via Armenia
Travelling by plane from Bogota to Salento is fast and easy. However, you will miss the beautiful scenery along the way. Also, you will still need to transfer as Salento doesn’t have an airport.
From Bogota Airport (El Dorado International Airport, BOG) you have two options, a 1-hour flight to Armenia or a 1-hour flight to Pereira.
Just like the bus, flying to Armenia is more convenient. The bus line from Armenia to Salento is more frequent than from Pereira to Salento.
In this section, we talk about taking a flight from Bogota to Salento via Armenia.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: How to get to Bogota Airport
Flights from Bogota to Salento via Armenia 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:
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- 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: Flight from Bogota to Armenia
Avianca, Wingo and LATAM all fly from Bogota to Armenia. Flights take about 1 hour, with ticket prices starting from 109,000 COP ($29.50).
There are five flights a day, with the earliest at 06:14 and the last one at 21:00. On Sundays, the earliest flight can be as early as 05:20. For up-to-date schedules and prices, check Skyscanner.
Step 3: Armenia Airport to Salento
Flights arrive at Armenia Airport, also known as El Eden International Airport. From here, you have 2 options to get to Salento: by direct taxi/Uber or by a combination of taxi and bus.
If you opt for a taxi or Uber from Armenia Airport directly to Salento, expect to pay about 92,000 COP ($25).
Looking to save some bucks? A combined taxi and bus from Armenia Airport to Salento costs around 32,000 COP ($8.70). First, take a 25-minute taxi to Armenia Bus Terminal for about 25,000 COP ($6.80). Here, you can transfer to a bus going to Salento. A bus ticket costs 7,000 COP ($1.90) and buses are available until 20:00 daily.
Bogota to Salento by Flight via Pereira
Flying from Bogota to Salento via Pereira takes just about as long as the flight via Armenia. The only difference is that there are fewer buses operating on the Pereira to Salento route.
That means that there’s a chance you’ll be waiting a while for your connecting bus. And if you miss the last bus of the day, you’ll have no choice but to take an expensive taxi from Pereira to Salento.
Step 1: How to get to Bogota Airport
As we mentioned above, you can reach Bogota Airport from the city centre in two ways: via a 30-minute private transfer or a 1-hour bus. Fares start from 29,000 COP ($7.80) for an Uber Taxi and 3,000 COP ($0.90) for the bus.
For more convenience, you can book your ride in advance via BookAway. Prices start from 48,000 COP ($13) for a private transfer.
Check out our page on Bogota Airport for more details.
Step 2: Flight from Bogota to Pereira
The three carriers flying from Bogota to Pereira Airport, also known as Matecaña International Airport, are Avianca, LATAM and JetSmart.
Flights are available several times a day from 05:14 until 22:25. Prices start from 109,000 COP ($29.50). The flight takes around 1 hour.
Important: If you’re planning to take the bus from Pereira to Salento, note that the last trip departs at 18:30. That means you’ll have to take one of the earlier flights to make it to the last bus trip.
Step 3: Pereira Airport to Salento
The easiest and fastest way to get to Salento from Pereira Airport is by taxi or Uber.
You will find a taxi queue just outside Matecaña International Airport. The ride takes about 45 minutes and fares start from around 150,000 COP ($40.50). Make sure to agree on a price before getting in the taxi! No driver in Pereira will agree to turn on the meter for this long-distance taxi journey.
If you’re not in the mood to haggle, you can also book an Uber for fixed prices. It’s slightly more expensive, though, with rates starting around 174,000 COP ($47).
Prefer to take the bus?
If you want to take the bus, you will first need to take a taxi to Pereira Bus Terminal. This takes about 25 minutes and costs around 25,000 COP ($6.80).
A cheaper, but more complex, way to reach the bus terminal is by using Pereira’s Megabús public transport system. We don’t recommend this option, though. The trip takes around 45 minutes and you’ll need to take three buses:
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- Catch the yellow bus #25 from just outside the airport. Get off at El Viajero Station.
- Transfer to a green Megabús (Line 1, 2 or 3). Ride it to Intercambiador Cuba Station.
- Switch to yellow bus #27 heading to Terminal de Transportes de Pereira.
It’s worth noting that the bus fare from Pereira Airport to Pereira Bus Station costs only about 3,000 COP ($0.90), but keep in mind you’ll need a Tarjeta Megabús card — cash isn’t accepted.
From the terminal, you can transfer to a 45-minute bus to Salento. A ticket costs 13,000 COP ($3.40). You can get more details about this in the bus section for Pereira to Salento above.
Bogota to Salento by Private Transfer
Looking for a direct transfer from Bogota to Salento? Then booking a private transfer is the way to go. One important thing to note though is that this journey will take around 7 hours 45 minutes. Therefore we strongly recommend booking with a trusted driver.
If you have any local contacts, you can ask them. But otherwise, we recommend booking your private transport via BookAway. They offer professional drivers and nice cars (more comfortable and spacious than regular taxis). You can get a 3-seater private car with prices starting from 876,000 COP ($235).
Bear in mind that because it’s a long-distance journey, availability can be limited. It’s a good idea to check ahead before locking in your plans.
Private Transport option from Bogota to Salento
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bogota to Salento. 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 Salento
What are my options from Bogota to Salento?
You have 3 ways to get to Sorrento from Bogota: a 9-hour bus, a 2-hour flight (including transfers), and an 8-hour taxi.
Travelling by bus from Bogota to Salento is the cheapest option, but it is not direct. You can only take a bus to Armenia or Pereira, and then transfer to another bus going to Salento.
The Bogota to Salento taxi is the only direct option for this route, but it is also the most expensive with prices from 860,000 VND ($33).
Is there a direct bus from Bogota to Salento?
There are no direct buses from Bogota to Salento. You can first take a bus from Bogota to Armenia, and then take another bus or hop on a taxi to Salento.
Another option would be to take a bus from Bogota to Pereira, and then transfer to a bus going to Salento. But we recommend the indirect bus via Armenia because it’s faster.
How to get from Armenia to Salento?
Where can I go after Salento?
After visiting Salento, a good next destination is Medellín, 280 km north. Also called the City of Eternal Spring, the city is known for its year-round spring-like weather, beautiful parks, and friendly people. Rich in culture and history, Medellin is also home to a number of museums and art galleries — the most popular being the Antioquia Museum, which features a huge collection of art pieces from Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez.
Find out how to get from Salento to Medellin in our detailed guide.
What is the best way to get from Salento to Armenia Airport?
The most convenient way to get from Salento to Armenia Airport would be to take a taxi. Rates range from 95,000 COP ($25.50) – 120,000 COP ($32.50).
On a budget? You can also first take a bus to Armenia Bus Terminal for 5,000 COP ($1.30). From here, you can then take a short taxi ride to Armenia Airport for around 20,000 COP ($5.40).
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!
