Colombia Palomino

How to get from Cartagena to Palomino

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 350 kilometres (217 miles) distance from Cartagena to Palomino. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Palomino 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.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel Writer

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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.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Cartagena to Palomino?

There are 3 ways to travel the 350 kilometres (217 miles) from Cartagena to Palomino. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 5 hours 25 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 64,000 COP ($16.50).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

5h 25m - 6h 40m

From 64,000 COP ($16.50)

Minivan

5h 30m

From 90,000 COP ($23)

Book Tickets

Private Transport

6h 30m

From 1,385,000 COP ($355)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Palomino?

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

Cartagena to Palomino by Bus

Duration: 5h 25m - 6h 40m

Costs: 64,000 COP ($16.50)

Duration: 5h 25m - 6h 40m

Costs: 64,000 COP ($16.50)

The bus is often the cheapest and fastest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino. The journey takes about 5 hours 25 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes, and prices start at 64,000 COP ($16.50), including any transfers.

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

Step 1: City Centre to Cartagena Bus Terminal

Duration: 30m - 1h

Costs: 3,000 COP ($0.90)

Duration: 30m - 1h

Costs: 3,000 COP ($0.90)

Terminal de Transporte Cartagena is on the easternmost part of Cartagena.

If you’re staying in the city centre or by the beachfront hotels, the easiest way to reach the bus terminal is by Uber. Fares usually start at around 44,000 COP ($11.40), but prices can go up depending on the time of day and demand.

Taking a taxi is another option and typically costs about 28,000 COP ($7.30). In Cartagena, taxi meters aren’t always used, so it’s best to agree on the fare before hopping in.

It’s worth checking with locals for the latest rates. If the driver gives you a much higher price, you’re likely better off going with Uber.

Transcaribe Bus is cheaper, but it takes longer

If you want to save some cash, take the Transcaribe bus to the terminal for just 3,000 COP ($0.90). You’ll need a Transcaribe card to get on board — cash isn’t accepted.

The city centre and popular areas like Getsemaní and San Diego are well connected to Cartagena Transporation Terminal by Transcaribe. Just hop on Line X104 at the Centro B1 Bus Stop.

Step 2: Cartagena to Palomino by Bus

Duration: 4h 55m - 5h 40m

Costs: 61,000 COP ($15.60)

Duration: 4h 55m - 5h 40m

Costs: 61,000 COP ($15.60)

The companies covering this route are Expreso Brasilia and Unitransco. You can book your tickets online or buy them directly at the bus terminal. Fares start from 61,000 COP ($15.60), and the journey takes around 4h 55m - 5h 40m.

The bus will drop you off on the main road, slightly across the petrol station in Palomino on the highway 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 mototaxis available that can take you to your accommodation for around 5,000 COP ($1.30).

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 61,000 COP ($15.60)

Terminal de Cartagena

Gaviota Preferencial

Terminal de Palomino

05:45

5h 42m

11:27

07:15

5h 42m

12:57

08:15

5h 42m

13:57

10:15

5h 42m

15:57

15:15

5h 42m

20:57

20:00

5h 42m

01:42

Expreso Brasilia

61,000 COP ($15.60)

Get Your Tickets

Terminal de Cartagena

Premium Plus

Terminal de Palomino

18:15

5h 42m

23:57

Expreso Brasilia

61,000 COP ($15.60)

Terminal de Cartagena

Servicio Preferencial

Terminal de Palomino

06:30

5h 42m

12:12

11:45

5h 12m

16:57

14:00

5h 12m

19:12

14:15

5h 42m

19:57

17:00

5h 42m

22:42

21:30

5h 42m

03:12

Unitransco

61,000 COP ($15.60)

Terminal de Cartagena

Caribe Express

Terminal de Palomino

09:30

5h 42m

15:12

10:45

5h 12m

15:57

13:15

4h 57m

18:12

20:30

5h 42m

02:12

22:15

5h 42m

03:57

Unitransco

61,000 COP ($15.60)

Alternative: Indirect option via Santa Marta

If you’re heading to Santa Marta or Tayrona first, you can take a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta. Fares start at 53,000 COP ($13.60) and the trip takes around 4-5.5 hours. You’ll also find shared minivans and private cars on BookAway for more comfort.

From Santa Marta, it’s another 1-2 hours to Palomino. Buses leave from the main terminal for around 25,000 COP ($6.40), or you can catch a cheaper Cootransoriente Tayrona bus from their station behind Mercado Central for just 14,000 COP ($3.60). Check out our guide for Santa Marta to Palomino for more details.

Note that the direct bus service from Cartagena 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 for the return trip, you must first connect in Santa Marta. Check our full guide for Palomino to Cartagena.

Cartagena to Palomino by Minivan

Duration: 5.5 hours

Costs: 90,000 COP ($23)

Duration: 5.5 hours

Costs: 90,000 COP ($23)

The last time we checked (October 2025), Transportes Marsol was not operating shared minivans. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.

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 5,000 COP ($1.30) to your accommodation.

Check Minivan Tickets with BookAway

Cartagena to Palomino by Private Transport

Duration: 6h 30m

Costs: 1,385,000 COP ($355)

Duration: 6h 30m

Costs: 1,385,000 COP ($355)

A private transfer from Cartagena to Palomino is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 6 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Go Colombia offers pickups from both hotels and the airport in Cartagena.

Prices for private transfer start at 1,385,000 COP ($355) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 462,000 COP ($120) each.

Private Transport Options from Cartagena to Palomino

Standard

Standard Car 3 PAX

Price per person = 462,000 COP ($120)

Go Colombia

1,385,000 COP ($355)

Get Your Tickets

SUV

SUV Car 4 PAX

Price per person = 358,000 COP ($92)

Go Colombia

1,431,000 COP ($370)

Get Your Tickets

SUV

SUV Car 4 PAX

Price per person = 358,000 COP ($92)

Go Colombia

1,431,000 COP ($370)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 7 PAX

Price per person = 222,000 COP ($57)

Go Colombia

1,552,000 COP ($400)

Get Your Tickets

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cartagena to Palomino. 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 to Palomino

What is the distance from Cartagena to Palomino?

The distance from Cartagena to Palomino is 350 kilometres (217 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino?

The fastest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino is by bus and takes 5 hours 25 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino?

The cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino is by bus with ticket costs starting from 64,000 COP ($16.50).

About the author(s)

Ela

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.