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Cartagena Airport - Colombia
Colombia Cartagena

How to get from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 6 kilometre (4 miles) distance from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Cartagena as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
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Ela writer - Gecko Routes
Kate writer - Gecko Routes
Faye writer - Gecko Routes
Written by Ela & Kate - Senior Travel Writer & Travel Writer & Digital NomadReviewed by Faye - Travel WriterLast updated: September 4, 2025

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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 Cartagena Airport to the City Centre?

There are 3 ways to travel the 6 kilometre (4 miles) distance from Cartagena Airport to the City Centre. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan and private transport. The journey takes 15 minutes - 1 hour and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 3,000 COP ($0.90).

Transport
Duration
Pricing
Transport Options
Bus
15-40m
From 3,000 COP ($0.90)
Read More
Private Transport
15m - 1h
From 18,000 COP ($4.60)
Book Tickets
Shared Minivan
15-40m
From 28,000 COP ($7.30)
Read More

Where to stay in Cartagena?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cartagena.

Cartagena Airport to the City Centre by Bus

Duration: 15m - 40m
Costs: 3,000 COP ($0.90)
Duration: 15m - 40m
Costs: 3,000 COP ($0.90)

The bus is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena Airport, also known as Rafael Núñez International Airport, to the city centre. You can either hop on a public bus or pre-book your ride online.

The journey takes around 15 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination in the port city.

Public bus

Transcaribe is the main bus company operating from Cartagena Airport. Take line T102, the orange and white buses that pass by the Walled City. It runs from 06:00 to 23:00 on weekdays, and until 21:00 on weekends.

The bus stop is just a short walk from the airport, at Calle 70 and Carrera 4, only a block away. The only Transcaribe line stopping there is the T102, so you won’t get lost.

Bus fare is 3,000 COP ($0.90), but keep in mind that cash isn’t accepted. You’ll need a rechargeable Transcaribe card, which you can buy at Transcaribe stations for 6,000 COP ($1.60).

There are two stops equally close to the city centre, one is called Parque Apolo and the other one Boquete San Diego. If you’re confused, you can just ask for ‘Centro’ or ‘San Diego’ and the driver or other passengers will help you get off at the right stop.

Bus via BookAway

You also have the option to pre-book a bus that will take you from the airport straight to your hotel — no need to find your way to and from the bus stops. Plan Tours offers several trips daily with rates from 39,000 COP ($10.10). You can book your ride beforehand through BookAway.

Drugstore La Rebaja (next to Cartagena Airport CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel
08:00
0h 15m
08:15
09:00
0h 15m
09:15
10:00
0h 15m
10:15
11:00
0h 15m
11:15
12:00
0h 15m
12:15
13:00
0h 15m
13:15
14:00
0h 15m
14:15
15:00
0h 15m
15:15
16:00
0h 15m
16:15
17:00
0h 15m
17:15
Plan Tours
39,000 COP ($10.10)
Get Your Tickets

City Centre to Cartagena Airport

Cartagena - Any hotel
Standard
Drugstore La Rebaja (next to Cartagena Airport CTG)
08:00
0h 15m
08:15
09:00
0h 15m
09:15
10:00
0h 15m
10:15
11:00
0h 15m
11:15
12:00
0h 15m
12:15
13:00
0h 15m
13:15
14:00
0h 15m
14:15
15:00
0h 15m
15:15
16:00
0h 15m
16:15
17:00
0h 15m
17:15
Plan Tours
39,000 COP ($10.10)
Get Your Tickets

Cartagena Airport to the City Centre by Private Transport

Duration: 15m - 1h
Costs: 18,000 COP ($4.60)
Duration: 15m - 1h
Costs: 18,000 COP ($4.60)

A taxi is the most convenient way to get to and from Rafael Núñez International Airport. Taxis are easy to spot; they’re usually parked just outside the arrivals hall.

It’s a bit tricky to take taxis in Colombia, though. Most vehicles are small, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to overcharge tourists or come across as unfriendly.

For better cars that come with professional drivers, the best option is to hire a private transfer. We like booking through BookAway for its good customer service. You can pick the type of car you want and book with the taxi company you prefer.

Here’s a quick look at your options:

Airport taxi

The airport taxi service at Cartagena Airport runs 24 hours a day and is available from outside the arrivals gate.

Right at the exit, you’ll see a yellow digital kiosk. Select your destination or neighbourhood, and it’ll print a ticket with the official fare. Give that ticket to the first taxi in line.

Taxi prices are fixed depending on the area of your destination. A ride to the centro usually starts at 18,000 COP ($4.60), but it can be higher if you’re going further out. Rates tend to increase annually, usually between February and April.

Uber

You can book an Uber ride after landing at the airport. Uber rates from Cartagena Airport to the Walled City start at 32,000 COP ($8.30), but the price can vary depending on the time of day and traffic.

Private Cars via BookAway

Booking a private transfer with BookAway is a bit expensive. Prices start from 66,000 COP ($17.20) for 2 persons. What we like about this option is that the driver will be waiting for you at the airport. You won’t have anything to think about as you set foot in Cartagena.

Comfort
Comfort Car 2 PAX
Price per person = 33,000 COP ($8.60)
Colombia Travel Tours
66,000 COP ($17.20)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 17,000 COP ($4.30)
Transturismo Cartagena
66,000 COP ($17.20)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 17,000 COP ($4.30)
Transturismo Cartagena
66,000 COP ($17.20)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 20,000 COP ($5.10)
Transturismo Cartagena
78,000 COP ($20.50)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 2 PAX
Price per person = 41,000 COP ($10.50)
Transglobal Ejecutivos
81,000 COP ($21)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 3 PAX
Price per person = 30,000 COP ($7.80)
VIP Taxi Service
90,000 COP ($23.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 6 PAX
Price per person = 15,000 COP ($3.90)
Transturismo Cartagena
90,000 COP ($23.50)
Get Your Tickets
First Class
First Class Car 3 PAX
Price per person = 31,000 COP ($8.10)
Plan Tours
94,000 COP ($24.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 24,000 COP ($6.20)
SoonCar
95,000 COP ($24.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 33,000 COP ($8.70)
Transportes MSG
134,000 COP ($34.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 10 PAX
Price per person = 14,000 COP ($3.80)
Transturismo Cartagena
145,000 COP ($37.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 41,000 COP ($10.50)
Transportes MSG
162,000 COP ($42)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 6 PAX
Price per person = 31,000 COP ($8)
Marsol Transportes
186,000 COP ($48)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 19 PAX
Price per person = 11,000 COP ($2.80)
Transturismo Cartagena
208,000 COP ($54)
Get Your Tickets
Show 9 more operator(s)

City Centre to Cartagena Airport

Comfort
Comfort Car 2 PAX
Price per person = 33,000 COP ($8.60)
Colombia Travel Tours
66,000 COP ($17.20)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 17,000 COP ($4.30)
Transturismo Cartagena
66,000 COP ($17.20)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 17,000 COP ($4.30)
Transturismo Cartagena
66,000 COP ($17.20)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 20,000 COP ($5.10)
Transturismo Cartagena
78,000 COP ($20.50)
Get Your Tickets
SUV
SUV Car 2 PAX
Price per person = 41,000 COP ($10.50)
Transglobal Ejecutivos
81,000 COP ($21)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 3 PAX
Price per person = 30,000 COP ($7.80)
VIP Taxi Service
90,000 COP ($23.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 6 PAX
Price per person = 15,000 COP ($3.90)
Transturismo Cartagena
90,000 COP ($23.50)
Get Your Tickets
First Class
First Class Car 3 PAX
Price per person = 31,000 COP ($8.10)
Plan Tours
94,000 COP ($24.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 24,000 COP ($6.20)
SoonCar
95,000 COP ($24.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 33,000 COP ($8.70)
Transportes MSG
134,000 COP ($34.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 10 PAX
Price per person = 14,000 COP ($3.80)
Transturismo Cartagena
145,000 COP ($37.50)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Car 4 PAX
Price per person = 41,000 COP ($10.50)
Transportes MSG
162,000 COP ($42)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 6 PAX
Price per person = 31,000 COP ($8)
Marsol Transportes
186,000 COP ($48)
Get Your Tickets
Standard
Standard Minivan 19 PAX
Price per person = 11,000 COP ($2.80)
Transturismo Cartagena
208,000 COP ($54)
Get Your Tickets
Show 9 more operator(s)

Cartagena Airport to the City Centre by Shared Minivan

Duration: 15m - 40m
Costs: 28,000 COP ($7.30)
Duration: 15m - 40m
Costs: 28,000 COP ($7.30)

Shared minivans are a cheap and easy way to get to your hotel from Cartagena Airport. You’ll be dropped off right at the door, no extra transport needed.

The ride usually takes around 15 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and how many stops are on the way. If your hotel’s one of the last, it could take a bit longer.

Minivan fares between Cartagena Airport and the Walled City start at 28,000 COP ($7.30).

Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel in Centro
19:00
0h 40m
19:40
Transturismo Cartagena
28,000 COP ($7.30)
Get Your Tickets
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel in Getsemani
19:00
0h 40m
19:40
Transturismo Cartagena
28,000 COP ($7.30)
Get Your Tickets
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel in La Boquilla
14:30
0h 30m
15:00
Transturismo Cartagena
30,000 COP ($7.70)
Get Your Tickets
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel in Marbella
09:00
0h 30m
09:30
Transturismo Cartagena
30,000 COP ($7.70)
Get Your Tickets
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel in Crespo
09:00
0h 30m
09:30
14:30
0h 30m
15:00
Transturismo Cartagena
30,000 COP ($7.70)
Get Your Tickets
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel in El Laguito
09:00
0h 30m
09:30
Transturismo Cartagena
30,000 COP ($7.70)
Get Your Tickets
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Standard
Cartagena - Any hotel in Castillogrande
09:00
0h 30m
09:30
Transturismo Cartagena
30,000 COP ($7.70)
Get Your Tickets
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
Shuttle
Cartagena - Any hotel
00:00
0h 15m
00:15
01:00
0h 15m
01:15
02:00
0h 15m
02:15
03:00
0h 15m
03:15
04:00
0h 15m
04:15
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0h 15m
05:15
06:00
0h 15m
06:15
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0h 15m
07:15
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0h 15m
08:15
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09:15
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10:15
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11:15
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0h 15m
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0h 15m
15:15
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16:15
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17:15
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0h 15m
18:15
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0h 15m
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20:15
21:00
0h 15m
21:15
22:00
0h 15m
22:15
23:00
0h 15m
23:15
Destino Colombia
From 51,000 COP ($13.10)
Compare prices
  • 24/7 customer support
51,000 COP ($13.10)
07:00
0h 15m
07:15
08:00
0h 15m
08:15
09:00
0h 15m
09:15
10:00
0h 15m
10:15
11:00
0h 15m
11:15
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0h 15m
12:15
13:00
0h 15m
13:15
14:00
0h 15m
14:15
15:00
0h 15m
15:15
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0h 15m
16:15
17:00
0h 15m
17:15
18:00
0h 15m
18:15
19:00
0h 15m
19:15
20:00
0h 15m
20:15
Check on BookAway
  • 24/7 customer support
61,000 COP ($15.80)
00:00
0h 15m
00:15
01:00
0h 15m
01:15
02:00
0h 15m
02:15
03:00
0h 15m
03:15
04:00
0h 15m
04:15
05:00
0h 15m
05:15
06:00
0h 15m
06:15
21:00
0h 15m
21:15
22:00
0h 15m
22:15
23:00
0h 15m
23:15
Check on BookAway
Show 3 more operator(s)

City Centre to Cartagena Airport

Cartagena - Any hotel
Shuttle
Cartagena Airport (CTG)
00:00
0h 15m
00:15
01:00
0h 15m
01:15
02:00
0h 15m
02:15
03:00
0h 15m
03:15
04:00
0h 15m
04:15
05:00
0h 15m
05:15
06:00
0h 15m
06:15
07:00
0h 15m
07:15
08:00
0h 15m
08:15
09:00
0h 15m
09:15
10:00
0h 15m
10:15
11:00
0h 15m
11:15
12:00
0h 15m
12:15
13:00
0h 15m
13:15
14:00
0h 15m
14:15
15:00
0h 15m
15:15
16:00
0h 15m
16:15
17:00
0h 15m
17:15
18:00
0h 15m
18:15
19:00
0h 15m
19:15
20:00
0h 15m
20:15
21:00
0h 15m
21:15
22:00
0h 15m
22:15
23:00
0h 15m
23:15
Destino Colombia
From 51,000 COP ($13.10)
Compare prices
  • 24/7 customer support
51,000 COP ($13.10)
00:00
0h 15m
00:15
10:00
0h 15m
10:15
11:00
0h 15m
11:15
12:00
0h 15m
12:15
13:00
0h 15m
13:15
14:00
0h 15m
14:15
15:00
0h 15m
15:15
16:00
0h 15m
16:15
17:00
0h 15m
17:15
18:00
0h 15m
18:15
19:00
0h 15m
19:15
20:00
0h 15m
20:15
21:00
0h 15m
21:15
22:00
0h 15m
22:15
23:00
0h 15m
23:15
Check on BookAway
  • 24/7 customer support
61,000 COP ($15.80)
01:00
0h 15m
01:15
02:00
0h 15m
02:15
03:00
0h 15m
03:15
04:00
0h 15m
04:15
05:00
0h 15m
05:15
06:00
0h 15m
06:15
07:00
0h 15m
07:15
08:00
0h 15m
08:15
09:00
0h 15m
09:15
Check on BookAway

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!

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 kilometre (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 bus 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 bus with ticket costs starting from 3,000 COP ($0.90).

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About the author(s)
Ela writer - Gecko Routes

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 writer - Gecko Routes

Kate is a travel content creator, writer and founder of Stay Wild Travel, a tour company running group trips for women beyond your typical destinations. Her full-time travels have taken her to almost 60 countries, and she doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon.

Faye writer - Gecko Routes

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!

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