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Santa Marta sits 170 kilometres (106 miles) up the coast from Cartagena. It's Colombia's oldest surviving city and the usual gateway to Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta at $16 (52,000 COP), though it takes the longest at 4h 35m - 6h 20m. A shared minivan is quicker for a bit more, at $25 (79,000 COP).
Distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Cartagena and Santa Marta are about 170 km (106 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 224 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h and 6h 20m.
3 ways to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta
There are three ways to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 4h–4h 35m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $16 (52,000 COP).
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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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cartagena to Santa Marta, roughly 170 kilometres (106 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $16 (52,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 4h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
The distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta is 170 kilometres (106 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
Journey times from Cartagena to Santa Marta overlap: bus 4h 35m - 6h 20m, minivan 4h - 5h 30m, private transport 4h - 4h 40m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
The cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta is by bus with ticket costs starting from 52,000 COP.
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.
Senior Travel Writer
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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