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Cartagena, with its walled old town and colourful colonial streets, sits down the Caribbean coast about 170 kilometres (106 miles) from Santa Marta. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena at $17 (55,000 COP), though it stops often along the way. The minivan is quicker than the bus for a bit more, at $23 (74,000 COP).
Distance from Santa Marta to Cartagena
Santa Marta and Cartagena are about 170 km (106 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 235 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h and 7h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Santa Marta to Cartagena
There are three ways to travel from Santa Marta to Cartagena. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 4h–5h 5m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $17 (55,000 COP).
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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Santa Marta to Cartagena, roughly 170 kilometres (106 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $17 (55,000 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 Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The distance from Santa Marta to Cartagena is 170 kilometres (106 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
Journey times from Santa Marta to Cartagena overlap: bus 5h 5m - 7h 30m, 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 Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena is by bus with ticket costs starting from 55,000 COP.
About the Authors
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.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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