What to expect when visiting 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.
3 ways to get from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre
There are three ways to travel the distance of 6 km (4 miles) from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre: by transcaribe bus (20 minutes), taxi (15 minutes) and private transfer (15 minutes). The journey takes between 15 minutes - 20 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 2,500 COP ($0.60) for the transcaribe bus.Where to stay in Cartagena?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cartagena at the bottom of this page.
Cartagena Airport to the City Centre by Transcaribe Bus
The orange and white buses run by Transcaribe, line T102, run frequently from just outside Cartagena 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 ($0.60).
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.
Cartagena Airport to the City Centre by Taxi
The taxi service at Cartagena Airport runs 24 hours a day and is available from just outside the arrivals gate.
Taxi prices are fixed depending on the area of your destination. Follow the signs to the taxi counter right outside the arrivals gate and indicate the area or neighbourhood where you’re going to. They will hand you a ticket with the price printed on it, which you should give 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 ($3.70), but it can be slightly more or less depending on the distance.
Cartagena Airport to the City Centre 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 you want, 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 ($12.50) and it’s a set price to any location within the urban area. You can book online via BookAway.
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 - Treating 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
Frequently Asked Questions about Cartagena Airport to the City Centre
What is the distance from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre?
The distance from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre is 6 km (4 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre?
The fastest way to get from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre is by taxi and takes 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre?
The cheapest way to get from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre is by transcaribe bus with ticket costs starting from 2,500 COP ($0.60).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre. 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!
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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.
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
