How do you get to Cartagena?
Getting There3.9/10Harder to reach than about 70% of cities
- Main airport
- Rafael Núñez International Airport
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: rafaelnunezinternationalairport.com, cartagenaexplorer.com
Good to know
Good to Know
- Arrive at airport 2 hours early for short-haul flights; 3 hours for international flights.
- Metrocar buses offer the cheapest airport-to-center option at 2,000 COP (~$1 USD).
- Officially established taxi fares exist but are frequently overquoted; confirm the legal rate before boarding. As of March 2026, rates are regulated by zone.
- Walking the Old Town and Getsemaní is the best way to explore these historic areas; they are highly compact and pedestrian-friendly.
- Ferry boats to islands typically depart in early morning (8–10 AM) and return in early afternoon (1–3 PM); arrive early to secure a spot.
- For island visits, the dry season (December–April) offers calmer seas and better visibility for snorkeling and water activities.
- Ride-app pickup zones at the airport are designated; look for signage rather than attempting curbside pickup.
- Boats depart when full rather than on a strict schedule; this can mean delays of up to an hour for popular routes like Isla Grande.
- Pack small bills for taxis and buses; many drivers lack change for large denominations.
- No rail service exists in Cartagena; ground transport relies on buses, taxis, and boats.
Airport
- Code
- CTG
- Name
- Rafael Núñez International Airport
- International Status
- Colombia's primary international gateway for the Caribbean coast
Arrival Procedures
- Domestic Flights
- No passport control required; faster processing
- International Flights
- Allow approximately 1 hour to clear passport control and claim baggage
Ground Transport From Airport
Official taxi
- Details
- Fixed-fare zone system from yellow machines in arrivals area; inexpensive and reliable
- Estimated Cost To Center
- COP 30,000
- Notes
- No taxi meters; fares are regulated by zone. Confirm fare with driver before entering. Higher rates at night.
Approximately 45 Minutes
- Option
- Metrocar buses (Line B)
- Details
- White and green buses connecting airport to city center; most cost-effective option
- Frequency
- 6:50 AM to 11:45 PM
- Estimated Cost
- COP 2,000
Uber / Cabify
- Details
- Ride-share apps available; convenient with upfront pricing and GPS tracking
- Estimated Cost
- COP 25,000
- Notes
- Note ride-app pickup zone; curbside pickup not always available
Book in advance for best rates
- Option
- Pre-arranged hotel transfer
- Details
- Private transfer service; more expensive but eliminates airport confusion
- Estimated Cost
- COP 80,000
Ground Transport
City Center
- Walking
- Historic Old Town and Getsemaní neighborhoods are highly walkable; compact enough to traverse on foot in 20 minutes
- Ride Apps
- Uber, Cabify, and InDrive operate throughout city; generally inexpensive and reliable
- Transcaribe Bus
- Bus rapid transit system with affordable fares on major routes; primarily for local use
Taxis
- Details
- Yellow official taxis with regulated zone-based fares
- Important Notes
- No meters in taxis; negotiate fare before boarding. Drivers often quote above official rates; know the legal rate. Higher night fares.
Example Fares
Airport to Bocagrande/Castillogrande/Laguito
- Cost
- COP 37,000
Airport to Centro/Getsemaní
- Cost
- COP 37,000
Ferry And Boat Connections
- Overview
- Primary mode of transport to islands and coastal destinations
International Ferry
- Route
- Cartagena to Panama (Puerto Lindo, Portobelo, El Porvenir)
- Status
- No fixed ferry schedule
- Booking
- Arrange through hotels, travel agents, or booking hostels in Panama
- Estimated Cost
- COP 1,316,000
Range $400–$600 USD depending on boat and route
Domestic Ferry Routes
45 Minutes to 1.5 Hours Depending on Stops
- Frequency
- Depart when full; typically morning departures 8–10 AM, afternoon returns 1–3 PM
- Cost Ferry
- COP 66,000
- Ferry Type
- Standard ferry and speedboat options
- Destination
- Isla Grande (Rosario Islands)
- Departure Point
- Muelle de la Bodeguita (near Old Town clock tower)
- Mandatory Port Tax
- COP 29,000
- Notes
- Some boats include stops at Playa Blanca. Confirm itinerary in advance.
Isla Barú (Including Playa Blanca)
- Access Type
- Boat or organized day tours
- Departure Point
- Muelle de la Bodeguita or organized tour pickup
- Notes
- Island accessible via bridge but also reachable by boat; popular for white-sand beaches
Tierra Bomba
- Access Method
- Lanchas (speedboats) from beach near Hospital de Bocagrande
- Departure Point
- Playa El Laguito, Bocagrande neighborhood
- Notes
- Nearest island to city; quick and easy escape
Rosario Islands Archipelago
- General Info
- Multiple islands (27 total); accessed via organized boat tours or private charter
- Seasonal Note
- Best during dry season (December–April) for calm seas and clear visibility
Rail
- Status
- No train stations in Cartagena
Intercity Ground Transport
- Note
- Terminal del Norte has limited service; use main terminal instead
Bus Terminal
- Name
- Terminal de Transporte (Main Terminal)
- Booking
- Check BusBud for prices and schedules
- Purpose
- Long-distance buses to Santa Marta, interior cities, and other Colombian destinations
- Location
- 11 km east of Old City
Major Operators
- Marsol
- Berlinas
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this getting there & away research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Cartagena
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.