How to Get From Cartagena to Santa Marta
Bus · Minivan · Private Transport
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 235 kilometre (146 miles) distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Santa Marta 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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
There are three ways to travel the 235 km distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private.
The journey takes between 4h–4h 35m and the quickest way is by minivan (4h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 60,000 COP ($16).
4h 35m - 6h 20m
60,000 COP ($16)
4h - 5h 30m
90,000 COP ($25)
4h - 4h 40m
635,000 COP ($175)
Where to stay in Santa Marta?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Santa Marta.
Already in Santa Marta?
Onward from Santa Marta
Once you're in Santa Marta, here's where to next — 5 researched onward routes to pick from.
Cartagena to Santa Marta by Bus
Taking the bus is an affordable way to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta. The entire journey, including travel time to and from the bus stations, takes around 4h 35m - 6h 20m. Combined prices start from 60,000 COP ($16).
The main bus companies operating on this route are Ruta Dorada Exalpa, Expreso Brasilia, Unitransco and Copetran.
Step 1: How to get to Cartagena Bus Terminal
Buses to Santa Marta depart from Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena on the far east side of the city, about 12 km from the centre.
You can get there via Uber, with prices starting from 44,000 COP ($12). Taxis are also available, but drivers often try to overcharge tourists, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a longer ride, the Transcaribe bus is a good alternative. It costs 3,000 COP ($0.90), and you'll need a Transcaribe card to board since cash is not accepted.
If you're coming from the city centre and other popular areas like Getsemaní and San Diego, you can catch Line X104 at the Centro B1 Station. The bus takes you straight to Cartagena's main terminal.
Step 2: Bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Bus ticket prices from Cartagena to Santa Marta start at 49,000 COP ($13), and the journey takes between 3h 45m - 5h.
If you book in advance through Bookaway, some companies allow you to board directly with just a voucher or e-ticket. Others may still require you to print your ticket or exchange it at the terminal. Be sure to check the instructions in your confirmation email so you know what to expect.
Check our Colombia transport guide for tips on how to book bus tickets and compare the differences between bus companies.
Ready to book your bus?
Step 3: Santa Marta Bus Terminal to Santa Marta City Centre
Buses arrive at Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta. From there, Uber is a popular choice for getting to the city centre. Fares start at around 13,000 COP ($3.60) — a bit more than a taxi, but many travellers find the convenience and fixed pricing worth the extra cost.
Taxi rates start from 8,000 COP ($2.20). Just make sure to agree on the price beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Heading to El Rodadero? Expect to pay around 15,000 COP ($4.10) for a taxi and about 34,000 COP ($9.30) for an Uber.
Cartagena to Santa Marta by Minivan
A minivan ride from Cartagena to Santa Marta takes about 4h - 5h 30m, depending on traffic.
There are three companies operating on this route: Marsol Transportes, Beach Tayrona Park and Cartagena Toures y Excursiones.
What we like about taking the minivan is that some companies offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.
Marsol Transportes offers the cheapest option, with rates starting from 90,000 COP ($25). However, they don't offer door-to-door service.
You’ll leave from Marsol Transportes Terminal in Cartagena, and you'll be dropped off at Marsol Transportes Terminal in Santa Marta. Once you add the cost of getting to and from the terminals, you might end up paying about the same — or even more — than a service that already includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Minivan schedule from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Cartagena to Santa Marta by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Cartagena to Santa Marta.
Rates start from 635,000 COP ($175) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 159,000 COP ($44) per person. Travel time is around 4h - 4h 40m.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaRounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta. 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
The distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta is 235 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Santa Marta?
Santa Marta is one of the main tourist hubs on Colombia’s north coast. It is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, arguably the most beautiful national park in the country. But to be honest, there's not much to do in Santa Marta itself.
You can spare a few hours exploring the colonial houses in the Old Town or scuba diving in El Rodadero, which has some of the most affordable scuba diving centres in South America. But we recommend saving your time for the more exciting destinations near Santa Marta — like Tayrona, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Ciudad Perdida.
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About the Authors
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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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.
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