Getting There & Away in Bogotá

Good to Know

• El Dorado Airport is 9 miles west of the city center with reliable ground transport options ranging from COP 2,950 (bus) to COP 65,000 (taxi). TransMilenio is most budget-friendly; ride-apps (Uber, inDrive, Cabify) offer middle-ground pricing and transparency.
• Bogotá's public transit backbone is TransMilenio—fast, cheap (COP 2,950/ride), and extensive—but extremely crowded during rush hours (6–9 AM, 5–7 PM). Avoid peak times if possible or use ride-apps for speed and safety.
• Do not hail taxis from the street after dark; use official apps (Cabify, Uber, DiDi, inDrive) or hotel/restaurant phone calls. Yellow taxis are metered in-city; base fare COP 4,500 plus distance charges.
• Bogotá Metro Line 1 (24 km, 16 stations) launches 2028, connecting southwest to city center. Regiotram light rail to western municipalities (Facatativá, Madrid, Mosquera, Funza) expected late 2027. Both will integrate with existing TransMilenio.
• Day trips from Bogotá (1–4 hours): Salt Cathedral at Zipaquirá (1.5 hours), Laguna Guatavita (1–2 hours), La Chorrera waterfall (1.5 hours), Villa de Leyva (4 hours), Raquirá (3–4 hours), Chingaza páramo (2 hours). Terminal de Transporte Salitre is the main intercity bus hub; book return buses early as evening service is limited.
• Ride-apps (Uber, inDrive) are unregulated but widely trusted for safety and predictable fares. Drivers may ask you to sit in the front seat to avoid police attention—this is normal practice. At the airport, use Uber with caution due to reported police inspections.
• TuLlave smartcard (COP 7,000 one-time) unlocks cheapest fares on TransMilenio and SITP buses. Recharge at any TransMilenio station or supermarket. Single journey costs COP 2,950 (flat rate, regardless of distance).
• Bogotá has 550 km of separated bike lanes (ciclorutas) and famous Sunday Ciclovía closing 120+ km to cars from 7 AM–2 PM. Bike rentals available; genuinely walkable for tourists in La Candelaria and northern neighborhoods.
• Cash is essential for buses and many taxis; have small bills (COP 10,000 and below) as drivers struggle to change large denominations. ATMs abundant but cards subject to fraud in crowded areas—withdraw at secure locations.
• Airport has poor signage between terminals; allow extra time for connections. Terminal 1 has lounges (Avianca, LATAM, Copa, Mastercard Lounge), some with paid day-pass access.