How to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla
Why visit Barranquilla?
Barranquilla is a busy city in Colombia and is most popular for the iconic Carnival de Barranquilla — a vibrant celebration of dance and music. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people join this carnival, the 2nd largest in the world (next to the one in Rio de Janeiro)!
During the carnival (February-March), Barranquilla bustles with tourists and festivities. But beyond this time, there’s really not much to do in this seaport. If you find yourself here in the off-peak season, we recommend exploring the historic centre, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, and tasting the incredible cuisine in Barranquilla.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Santa Marta to Barranquilla?
There are 3 ways to travel the 104 kilometre (65 miles) distance from Santa Marta to Barranquilla. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 2 hours to 3 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 45,000 COP ($12.20).
Where to stay in Barranquilla?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Barranquilla.
Santa Marta to Barranquilla by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla. Buses leave throughout the day, so you’ve got plenty of options.
The total journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes, including the time to get to and from the bus stations.
Step 1: City Centre to Santa Marta Bus Terminal
To get to Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta, taking an Uber is a convenient option. From Santa Marta city centre, where most hotels are, the fare starts at around 20,000 COP ($5.40). If you’re staying in the El Rodadero area, prices usually start from 34,000 COP ($9.20).
Taxis are also available and can be a bit cheaper than Uber. Just watch out for overcharging. Some drivers target tourists with higher prices, so always agree on the fare before getting in.
Step 2: Santa Marta to Barranquilla by Bus
Four main bus companies run between Santa Marta and Barranquilla: Expreso Brasilia (which also operates Unitransco), Rápido Ochoa, Expreso Almirante Padilla, and Copetran.
Most buses on this route are fairly modern. You’ll get reclining seats, air conditioning, an onboard toilet, and sometimes even personal screens and charging ports. Ticket prices start from 23,000 COP ($6.20).
Since this is a short daytime journey that takes between 1h 45m - 2h 55m, tickets are often available at the terminal. That said, buses can fill up during busy times, so it’s a good idea to book online in advance — especially if you want to secure your seat and avoid the hassle.
Booking through Bookaway is easy. Some providers let you board with just a voucher or e-ticket, while others may ask you to print your ticket or exchange it at the terminal. Just check the instructions in your confirmation email. Redbus tends to be a bit stricter and usually requires you to print your ticket or swap it for a boarding pass at the station.
Want to learn more about bus travel in Colombia? Check out our Colombia transport guide for all the tips.
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Step 3: Barranquilla Bus Terminal to the City Centre
The Terminal Metropolitana de Transportes in Barranquilla is located in Soledad, about 10 km south of the city centre. An Uber ride to the city takes around 30 minutes, with fares starting from 23,000 COP ($6.20).
A much cheaper option would be to take the bus, which only costs 3,000 COP ($0.90), but it’s not as convenient. You’ll have to walk about 2 km from the bus terminal to Pacho Galán, the nearest Transmetro station. From there, take line R1 and get off at Joe Arroyo Station in the city centre. You’ll need a Transmetro card to ride the bus, cash is not accepted.
We don’t really recommend taking the metro bus. The area around the terminal isn’t great for walking, and the buses are often crowded.
Santa Marta to Barranquilla by Minivan
A minivan ride from Santa Marta to Barranquilla is a convenient option. The minivan journey takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
There are two companies operating on this route: Marsol Transportes and Beach Tayrona Park.
Beach Tayrona Park offers free hotel pickup and drop-off for 94,000 COP ($25.50). This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.
Marsol Transportes is a more affordable choice with rates from 48,000 COP ($13.10), but they don’t offer hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to go to Marsol Transportes Terminal in Santa Marta, and they’ll drop you off at their transport terminal in Barranquilla. Once you factor in the cost of getting to and from the terminals, you might end up spending more than with a service that includes hotel transfers.
You can book your minivan tickets in advance on BookAway.
Minivan schedule from Santa Marta to Barranquilla
Santa Marta to Barranquilla by Private Transport
A private transfer from Santa Marta to Barranquilla is the easiest and most convenient option when travelling in a group. The journey takes 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 143,000 COP ($38.50) for a 6-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 52,000 COP ($14.10) each.
Santa Marta to Barranquilla Airport
It’s also possible to book a private transfer in advance if you’re heading from Santa Marta to Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ). When you book through Bookaway, you’ll get door-to-door service and a confirmed pickup time, which makes things much easier when travelling to the airport.
Uber is another option, with prices starting from 320,000 COP ($87). Just know that it can be less dependable for long-distance trips. For a smoother and more reliable journey, we recommend booking your transfer through Bookaway.
Private Transport options from Santa Marta to Barranquilla
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla. 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 Santa Marta to Barranquilla
What is the distance from Santa Marta to Barranquilla?
The distance from Santa Marta to Barranquilla is 104 kilometre (65 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla?
The fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla is by minivan and takes 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla?
The cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla is by bus with ticket costs starting from 45,000 COP ($12.20).
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.
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.
