What to expect when visiting 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.
1 way to get from Santa Marta to Barranquilla
The minivan is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 104 km (65 miles) from Santa Marta to Barranquilla. The journey takes around 2h30m and costs start from 19,000 COP ($4.70) – 40,000 COP ($10.00).Where to stay in Barranquilla?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Barranquilla at the bottom of this page.
Santa Marta to Barranquilla by Minivan
There are a number of different companies offering the service from Santa Marta to Barranquilla, but the most popular ones are Marsol, Caribe Vans, Pro tours and Coche express. They all have set departures every 2 hours, from 06:00-18:00.
You can check the availability and book a minivan with Marsol through BookAway, providing pick-up and drop-off addresses. We recommend booking in advance, preferably the day before travelling and wait for their confirmation.
Expect to pay around 30,000 COP ($7.50) to 40,000 COP ($10.00) to Barranquilla. Prices can increase by around 25% during the carnival and holiday seasons.
You’ll be picked up at the address you provided, before beginning the 2.5-hour journey to your drop-off address. The time may vary slightly depending on traffic and rest breaks, but effectively all you have to do is sit back and relax the entire way.
Our favourite places to stay in Barranquilla
Barranquilla is a bustling city with plenty of places to stay. You’ll be spoilt for choice here. This also means that you can find some cheaper accommodation options compared to the rest of Colombia and the Caribbean coast.
With that many accommodations to choose from, we’ve made it simple for you. Here are our favourite places to stay in Barranquilla:
Crowne Plaza Barranquilla - Treating Yourself
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel with a pool, Crowne Plaze Barranquilla is the place to stay. This 5-star hotel has everything you need. Besides the gorgeous pool, the hotel has an onsite gym and offers spacious and clean rooms.
In the morning you will be treated to a delicious breakfast. Thanks to the staff you will feel like royalty during your stay in Barranquilla.
- Rooftop pool
- Onsite gym
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Delicious breakfast
Double rooms cost $80+ per night
Wyndham Garden Barranquilla - Mid Range
You can find Wyndham hotels all across the world. Staying at one of these gives you peace of mind that you’re going to have a comfortable stay and enjoy top-notch facilities.
This hotel in particular has a sauna and two rooftop hot tubs. The rooms are large and modern, offering everything you need. You’ll also be in a perfect location within Barranquilla.
- Two rooftop hot tubs and sauna
- Onsite bar
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
Casa Caribe Colonial - Budget Friendly
Casa Caribe Colonial offers exceptional value for money, with rooms starting from $20 per night. As the name suggests, the hotel boasts a colonial-style design with vibrant splashes of blue throughout.
The rooms are clean and large, looking onto an open-air courtyard at the centre of the hotel. The perfect place to relax.
- Great value for money
- Large and clean rooms
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Double rooms cost between $20-$40 per night
Bh Barranquilla - Budget Friendly
Another great budget-friendly spot is Bh Barranquilla. They have some amazing facilities for the price you pay: a rooftop pool, gym, restaurant and chill-out areas.
The rooms are modern and clean, with huge beds that guarantee a good night’s sleep. The staff there will also do everything they can to make sure that you have an amazing stay.
- Rooftop pool
- Gym facilities
- Great location
- Amazing value for money
Double rooms cost between $20-$40 per night
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 km (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 2.5 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 19,000 COP ($4.70) – 40,000 COP ($10.00).
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!
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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.
