How to get from Cartagena to Palomino

Why visit Palomino?

Palomino is a small beach town on Colombia’s north coast. Its laidback atmosphere is a huge contrast to the rest of the country’s generally hectic vibe. In Palomino, one’s worries go away, even just for a few days.

Its spectacular beaches and surrounding lush jungle make it the perfect destination for adventurous travellers and nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of activities in Palomino like surfing, horseback riding on the beach and river tubing. It also has an ideal location, close to other popular destinations like Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta and Rioacha.

There are 3 ways to travel the 350 kilometers (217 miles) from Cartagena to Palomino. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 68,000 COP ($16.20).

The companies operating the route Cartagena to Palomino depart from the main bus terminal in Cartagena.

Cartagena bus terminal is quite far from the city centre. There are 2 ways to get there: a 1-hour bus or a 30-minute taxi ride.

The bus terminal is well connected to the city centre of Cartagena, as well as the popular neighbourhoods of Getsemani and San Diego Transcaribe buses.

There are 2 Transcaribe bus stations within the city centre. The first one is called ‘La Bodeguita’, located very close to the port and the walled city, and the second one called ‘Centro’, which is useful if you’re staying in the Getsemani or San Diego areas.

The bus line that connects the city with the bus terminal is the X104 which departs roughly every 20 minutes from ‘La Bodeguita’ Station.

You can arrange a taxi with your accommodation or hail one from the street, however we recommend that you only do this during the day when it’s safer.

Expect to pay 18,000 COP ($4.30) 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. If you do prefer to use an app, locals use InDriver, which allows you to bid the rate you want to pay and drivers will accept or decline it.

The companies covering this route are Expreso Brasilia and Unitransco. Both are safe and reputable companies offering a comfortable and good service.

You can book your tickets online or directly at the bus terminal. The bus will drop you at the petrol station in Palomino, located on the main road that connects Santa Marta and Rioacha.

Palomino is a very small town so most hotels in town are within walking distance of the petrol station. If you’re staying out of town there are motorbikes available that can take you to your accommodation for around 3,000 COP ($0.70).

Note that this direct bus service is only available towards Palomino as the bus is actually heading towards Rioacha. It is allowed to drop off passengers on the road but not to pick them up, so to go back from Palomino you must first connect in Santa Marta.

Terminal de Cartagena

Gaviota Diamante

Terminal de Palomino

05:00

5h 42m

10:42

08:45

5h 42m

14:27

19:30

5h 42m

01:12

Expreso Brasilia

From 66,000 COP ($15.60)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

66,000 COP ($15.60)

05:00

5h 42m

10:42

08:45

5h 42m

14:27

19:30

5h 42m

01:12

Check on BookAway

Redbus

68,000 COP ($16.10)

19:30

5h 42m

01:12

Check on Redbus

Terminal de Cartagena

Caribe Express

Terminal de Palomino

09:30

5h 42m

15:12

20:30

5h 42m

02:12

Unitransco

66,000 COP ($15.60)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

66,000 COP ($15.60)

09:30

5h 42m

15:12

20:30

5h 42m

02:12

Check on BookAway

Redbus

68,000 COP ($16.10)

20:30

5h 42m

02:12

Check on Redbus

A minivan is essentially a shared taxi and a popular way to travel around the main destinations along the north coast. Their added value is their door-to-door service, meaning no extra cost and effort catching public transportation.

Transportes Marsol is the company that operates the route Cartagena to Palomino. There are 2 minivans every morning at 06:00 and 10:00. The trip can take around 5 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic and the destination of other passengers aboard.

You can check the availability and book your minivan tickets online through BookAway. Note that for the Cartagena to Palomino route, you must book at least 48 hours before departure and wait for their confirmation. You will be asked to be ready 1 hour before the pick-up time.

If your hotel is located in the surroundings of Palomino the drop-off service may not be included. In that case, you will be dropped at the town where you can take a motorbike that costs 3,000 COP ($0.70) to your accommodation.

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Cartagena to Palomino.

Rates start from 1,322,000 COP ($315) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 441,000 COP ($105) per person. Travel time is around 6 hours 30 minutes.