How to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena
Why visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is known as Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast. Unlike the rest of the country, it has been a tourist hub for quite a while because it’s a common stop for cruise ships sailing the Caribbean.
Its attraction lies in the almost intact and colourful, colonial-style mansions in the walled old city. Inside these walls, you’ll be transported back in time and into a foodie’s paradise. A tip when exploring Cartagena: for safety, stay out of the city’s outskirts! The tourist centre is generally safe.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
There are 3 ways to travel the 227 kilometre (141 miles) distance from Santa Marta to Cartagena. You can choose between the bus, minivan and private transport. The journey takes 4 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 64,000 COP ($17.20).
Where to stay in Cartagena?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cartagena.
Santa Marta to Cartagena by Bus
You can go from Santa Marta to Cartagena by bus. The whole journey takes about 5 hours 5 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes, including the transfer time to/from the bus station.
This is the cheapest option for this route, with combined prices from 64,000 COP ($17.20).
Step 1: City Centre to Santa Marta Bus Terminal
You can book an Uber to get to Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta. Fares start from 20,000 COP ($5.40) if you’re coming from the centro, and around 34,000 COP ($9.20) from El Rodadero.
Taxis are another option and can be a bit cheaper than Uber, but there’s a catch. Drivers often try to overcharge, especially if you’re a tourist, so make sure to negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in.
Step 2: Santa Marta to Cartagena by Bus
Five major bus companies operate from Santa Marta to Cartagena: Unitransco, Expreso Brasilia, Ruta Dorada Exalpa, Expreso Super Star and Flota La Macarena.
They have buses leaving from Santa Marta Bus Terminal at various times every day. You can buy your ticket at the bus station or book online in advance.
The bus fare is 53,000 COP ($14.30) and the travel time is around 4h 20m - 6h.
If you book through Bookaway, some providers let you board directly with a voucher or e-ticket, but others might still require you to print your ticket or exchange it at the terminal. Always double-check the instructions in your confirmation email so you know what to expect.
Check our Colombia transport guide for more details.
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Step 3: Cartagena Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Cartagena Bus Terminal is quite far from the city centre. The quickest way to get into town is by taking an Uber. It’s a reliable option since you’ll know the fare upfront, no surprises and no need to haggle with drivers. Prices start at 44,000 COP ($12), but the fare can vary depending on traffic or time of day.
Taxis are easy to find right outside the bus terminal. But even though taxi rates are regulated in Cartagena, it’s common for drivers to charge above the standard fare, so we don’t recommend taking a taxi from here.
The bus is cheaper, but it takes longer
If you’re looking for a cheaper option than Uber or a taxi, hop on a Transcaribe bus to the city centre for just 3,000 COP ($0.90). Bus X104 leaves from just outside the terminal and connect directly to the Walled City, as well as the popular neighbourhoods of Getsemaní and San Diego.
If you’re heading to the Walled City, get off at the last stop, La Bodeguita. But if you’re staying in the Getsemaní or San Diego areas, hop off one stop earlier at Centro B1 Bus Stop.
To board a Transcaribe bus, you’ll need a Transcaribe card — cash isn’t accepted. You can buy the card at any Transcaribe station and at some authorised shops like SuperGiros.
Santa Marta to Cartagena by Minivan
Travelling by minivan is a direct option to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena.
You can choose from a good number of operators, but the popular ones are Marsol Transportes, Beach Tayrona Park and Cartagena Toures y Excursiones, which you can book via BookAway.
Most companies offer door-to-door service, with hotel pickup in Santa Marta and drop-off at your accommodation in Cartagena.
Marsol Transportes offers the cheapest fares at only 86,000 COP ($23). However, it departs and arrives at its own terminals in both cities, so you’ll need to arrange your own hotel transfers.
The trip usually takes around 4 hours, but if the minivan stops in Barranquilla, you’re looking at around 5.5 hours. Check the booking details to see if there’s a stop along the way.
Minivan schedules from Santa Marta To Cartagena
Santa Marta to Cartagena by Private Transport
If you’re short on time, travelling in a group, or just prefer a smoother ride (and budget isn’t a big concern), a private transfer from Santa Marta to Cartagena is the best option.
The journey takes 4 hours to 4 hours 40 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 618,000 COP ($165) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 154,000 COP ($42) each.
You can try flagging down a taxi or asking your hotel to arrange one, but it’s not always reliable. Overcharging is pretty common among taxi drivers here. That’s why we recommend booking through BookAway, which gives you fixed prices, no haggling, and 24/7 support if anything goes wrong.
Private Transport options from Santa Marta to Cartagena
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena. 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 Cartagena
What is the distance from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The distance from Santa Marta to Cartagena is 227 kilometre (141 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena is by minivan and takes 4 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena is by bus with ticket costs starting from 64,000 COP ($17.20).
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.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
