Santa Marta to Palomino

How to Get From Santa Marta to Palomino

2Options
1hFastest
$4.40From
ElaSeleneWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Selene · Updated 3 weeks ago

Bus · Taxi

Palomino is a low-key Caribbean beach town about 70 kilometres (43 miles) east of Santa Marta. It's known for its hammocks, gentle surf and lazy afternoons tubing down the river. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino at $4.40 (14,000 COP), running regularly along the coastal road. A taxi is quicker at 1-2h, though it costs a fair bit more.

DISTANCE

Distance from Santa Marta to Palomino

Santa Marta and Palomino are about 70 km (43 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 80 km by road. The quickest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino is by taking the taxi, which takes around 1-2h.

~70 km
Straight-line distance
~80 km
Route distance
1h
Fastest
COMPARE

2 ways to travel from Santa Marta to Palomino

There are two ways to travel from Santa Marta to Palomino. The journey takes 1h–2h and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $4.40 (14,000 COP).

Bus2 departuresDuration2hPricefrom$414,000 COP

Santa Marta to Palomino by Bus

The bus is an affordable way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino. Bus fares start from $4.40 (14,000 COP) and the journey takes around 2h.

You can choose from five bus companies: Expreso Brasilia, Unitransco, Expreso Almirante Padilla, and Exalpa. Tickets are available for booking online.

Among these, Expreso Brasilia and Unitransco are generally the most reliable. They have frequent departures and are known for good service and comfort.

Almirante Padilla and Exalpa offer two afternoon trips each. However, travellers often mention delays and subpar service.

Another option is Cootransoriente Tayrona. It has departures throughout the day, but tickets are only sold in person at their office. Be prepared to wait, though — Cootransoriente buses usually don’t leave until they’re full, which can mean a delay of up to 30 minutes.

Departure stations

Most buses depart from Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta near the city centre.

If you're travelling with Cootransoriente Tayrona, their buses leave from Cootransoriente Bus Stop behind the central market (Mercado Central).

Uber fares in Santa Marta start from $6.30 (20,000 COP) if you’re coming from the centro, and around $11 (34,000 COP) 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. More often than not, you have to negotiate. Make sure to agree on the fare before getting in!

Bus schedule from Santa Marta to Palomino

2hCootransoriente TayronaTransportSanta MartaMarquetalia (near Palomino$414,000 COPNo Online Tickets
2hExpreso Almirante PadillaStandardTerminal de Santa MartaTerminal de Palomino13:3014:30$721,400 COPTickets
2hExalpaBusTerminal Santa MartaParada de Autobus Palomino13:3014:30$825,000 COPTickets
2hExpreso BrasiliaAC SeaterSanta MartaPalomino$929,500 COPTickets
2hUnitranscoAC SeaterSanta MartaPalomino$929,500 COPTickets

Stations

Map of stations
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Arrival stations

The bus will drop you off on the main road in Palomino, along the highway that connects Santa Marta and Riohacha. If you're travelling with Cootransoriente Tayrona, you’ll likely be dropped off directly at the petrol station on the highway.

Palomino is a small town, so most hostels and hotels are within walking distance of the bus stops. From your drop-off point, you can walk into town and head toward the beach. Start by following the main road, then take one of the smaller side streets that lead directly to the coast and most accommodations in the area.

If you're staying outside the centre, you can take a mototaxi for about $1.60 (5,000 COP).

Palomino
Taxi3 departuresDuration1h+Pricefrom$75240,000 COP

Santa Marta to Palomino by Taxi

A private transfer from Santa Marta to Palomino is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 1-2h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

If you want reliability and peace of mind, it’s best to book in advance with BookAway. Prices start from $85 (270,000 COP). This is higher than other options, but you get a better car and won’t need to negotiate.

Uber is also available and is the cheapest private transfer, with prices starting at $75 (240,000 COP) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group and it’s about $21 (67,000 COP) each. Just note it can sometimes take a while for a driver to accept your booking, if they do at all, since not all drivers take trips outside Santa Marta.

You can also arrange a taxi through your accommodation or an official company. Rates vary depending on negotiation, but expect to pay at least $70 (222,000 COP) for a private trip from Santa Marta to Palomino.

Private Transport options from Santa Marta to Palomino

1-2h$75 (240,000 COP)
Uber
Standard 4 PAX
$75 (240,000 COP)
$19 (60,000 COP) per person
No Online Tickets
Agencia Operadora de Viajes
Standard Car 2 PAX
$85 (270,000 COP)
$43 (134,000 COP) per person
Agencia Operadora de Viajes
Standard Minivan 6 PAX
$120 (385,000 COP)
$20 (64,000 COP) per person
Agencia Operadora de Viajes
Standard Minivan 12 PAX
$180 (580,000 COP)
$15 (48,000 COP) per person
Go Colombia
Standard Car 3 PAX
$86 (275,000 COP)
$29 (92,000 COP) per person
Go Colombia
Standard Car 3 PAX
$86 (275,000 COP)
$29 (92,000 COP) per person
Go Colombia
SUV Car 4 PAX
$94 (300,000 COP)
$24 (74,000 COP) per person
Go Colombia
SUV Car 4 PAX
$94 (300,000 COP)
$24 (74,000 COP) per person
Go Colombia
Standard Minivan 7 PAX
$135 (435,000 COP)
$20 (62,000 COP) per person
Go Colombia
Standard Minivan 8 PAX
$135 (435,000 COP)
$17 (55,000 COP) per person
Go Colombia
Standard Minivan 15 PAX
$185 (600,000 COP)
$13 (39,500 COP) per person
Go Colombia
Standard Minivan 15 PAX
$185 (600,000 COP)
$13 (39,500 COP) per person
Available atBookaway
Palomino

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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Palomino?

Palomino is a small beach town on Colombia's north coast. Its laidback atmosphere is a huge contrast to the rest of the country's generally hectic vibe. In Palomino, one's worries go away, even just for a few days.

Its spectacular beaches and surrounding lush jungle make it the perfect destination for adventurous travellers and nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of activities in Palomino like surfing, horseback riding on the beach and river tubing. It also has an ideal location, close to other popular destinations like Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta and Rioacha.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Santa Marta to Palomino, roughly 70 kilometres (43 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $4.40 (14,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 1h.

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 Palomino?

The distance from Santa Marta to Palomino is 70 kilometres (43 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino?

The fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino is by private transport and takes 1-2h.

What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino?

The cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino is by bus with ticket costs starting from 14,000 COP.

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

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.

Selene
SeleneReviewer

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.

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