Transportation in Barranquilla

Travel Guide Barranquilla

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Transportation in Barranquilla

For transportation in the city, you can use the Transmetro, among others. Personally, we find it more efficient (and safer) to use cabs and cab apps, such as InDriver. For the prices of the taxis you don’t have to miss out! Continue reading here for more information on transportation in Barranquilla.

Metro, cab, cab apps

Transmetro

The Transmetro is a modern system, with 29 bus routes and nearly 600 stops. There are connector buses to transport travelers to the Transmetro stations. More information can be found on the website Transmetro and in the Moovitapp

    Cab

    Traveling by taxi is efficient and cheap. The larger hotels usually have a “concierge” who arranges taxis for the hotel’s guests. We found this service very efficient: due to the concierge’s many contacts, we never had to wait long for a taxi. These taxis are more expensive than if you use a taxi app, but due to the comfort and safety, we didn’t mind to pay a bit extra. We also used the InDriver taxi app.  For such an app you do need a Colombian phone number. In short: do not stop taxis on the street, but let your hotel order one for you, or use the taxi apps, such as Uber and InDriver.

    Prices (2025)
    For a 1 km ride, you pay about COP8000/$2. For a 5 km ride, about COP40,000/$/10. Waiting time is COP25.000/$6 per hour.

    Tip: Although taximeters are standard, some drivers might propose a fixed fare. It’s recommended to agree on the fare before starting your journey.

    Payment
    While some taxis may accept card payments, it’s recommended to carry cash in Colombian pesos, as cash is the most commonly accepted form of payment.

    Apps

    In addition to the Uber app, there are other taxi apps in Colombia, such as InDriver, Didi and Easy Tappsi These apps work like Uber, where you can track the driver. This makes it a safe, alternative way of ordering a taxi.

    Uber is known among locals as the more expensive app. We ourselves have had good experiences with InDriver. The app is easy to use and both during the day and at night, we never had to wait longer than 5 minutes for a cab.

    How does InDriver work?
    Unlike the other apps, you, the customer, offer a price for the ride. The drivers can accept your price or make a counter-offer. There are often more than one driver willing to do a ride, so you can make your choice and even view reviews about the driver if you want.

    The minimum fare for Uber is COP5000/$2.50, per km: COP 625 and the cancellation fare is COP5000.

    Update January 2026

    During our  trip to Barranquilla in January, we decided to use Uber instead of Indriver and this turned out to be very efficient.

    Why did we like Uber so much?
    – you don’t need a local phone number. The app is linked to your email address. While traveling, we use an E-sim card and that worked perfectly with the Uber app.
    –No need to pay by cash or card for every trip. You can choose to link your credit card to the Uber app and the ride is paid automatically. Super efficient!

    During peak hours or high-demand periods, Uber may charge extra, increasing fares up to twice the standard rate.

     

    Is a car rental recommended in Barranquilla?

    Because of the hectic traffic, we do not recommend a rental car in the city, unless you are a very good driver and have nerves of steel (!), or are staying in a hotel further from the city. If you are staying in a more quiet area such as  Riomar and you want to explore attractions outsite the city, it could be an option to rent a car. However, as taxis are cheap, we personally prefer that over renting a car.

    Bus Transportation

    Bus transportation to/from Barranquilla
    How to get to Barranquilla by bus? Barranquilla has good bus connections to other destinations on the Caribbean coast, such as Cartagena and Santa Marta, and major cities in Colombia. The bus terminal, Terminal de Transportes Metropolitano, is located in Soledad, a suburb of Barranquilla in the south of the city. Soledad is not one of the safest areas in Barranquilla and should you be at the terminal, it is better to stay there and not “go on an adventure” in Soledad.

    Prices bustickets

    Prices vary by company and level of comfort. These are average prices in 2025:

    • Cartagena: 2.30h, COP30,000/€$.50.
    • St Marta: 2h, COP COP30,000 /$50
    • Bogotá 17h, COP175,000 / $44
    • Medellín 14h, COP 190,000 / $47.50

    Minibus transportation Santa Marta and Cartagena
    If you are traveling from Barranquilla to Cartagena or St. Marta, we find it convenient to use the minibuses of MarSol travel. Instead of taking a taxi to the (chaotic) bus terminal in Soledad, you can catch the minibus at one of MarSol’s offices in El Prado, or at the 93 (Riomar). In Cartagena or Santa Marta (Centro or Rodadero), you’ll be dropped off at their office. There are set times, including several buses per day on weekends. .

    Price estimate:
    Barranquilla- Santa Marta: COP45,000/$11 (one way), 2h.
    Barranquilla- Cartagena: COP45,000/$11 (one way) 2.5h.  Berlinas also offers this service.

    Practical information about Barranquilla

    Travel Guide Barranquilla

    Practical information about Barranquilla

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    Here you will find practical information about Barranquilla: useful information about the climate and the best time to travel, how many days do we recommend to stay in Barranquilla, where can you withdraw money, how are the  supermarkets and what about the safety in Barranquilla.

    Climate

    Climate

    It is warm year-round in Barranquilla, with an average temperature of over 27 degrees and a maximum temperature of 31-33 degrees. There is high humidity and little wind. You can visit Barranquilla all year round. In the period from November to April there is the most wind. The warmest month is August. Most rain falls between August and December and the least rain falls in January and February. A hotel with air conditioning is highly recommended. We were in Barranquilla in mid-September and the humidity was not too bad. We stayed in Riomar and noticed that -because of its location close to the sea- there was a very pleasant, refreshing breeze.

    Best time to travel

    Carnival is the event of the year in Barranquilla and the coastal region. In 2026, Barranquilla carnival is scheduled to take place from Saturday, February 14 to Tuesday, February 17. Leading up to the main event, the city hosts several pre-carnival activities. Check our article about Carnival in Barranquilla if you want to know what to expect during the biggest party of the year. Keep in mind that prices go up and you have to book your hotel far in advance for the carnival period.

     

    Safety

    Safety

    In general, Barranquilla is safe, if you stay in the recommended neighborhoods. Places with lots of people like the Malecón del Rio have lots of police and we felt very safe there at night. Also at the #1 nightlife hotspot La Troja, there is always a big police presence.

    If you are going to Barranquilla, stay in a safe neighborhood such as Riomar, El Prado or Alto Prado. Avoid Centro at night and if you go during the day, preferably don’t go alone and watch your belongings. Avoid the very poor neighborhood of Barranquillito.

    Even then, it is important to be careful with phones, apple watches etc and leave your expensive jewelry at home.

    Theft from a motorcycle is one of the most common forms of theft in Barranquilla. Because of this, the police strictly monitor 2 men on motorcycles.

    Read more about safety in Colombia.

    How many days do you need?

    3 days

    On day 1 you can  get used to the high temperatures of this Caribbean city, in the pool of your hotel. Toward the evening, you can check out the monuments Ventana al Mundo (see photo) and/or Aleta del Tiburón and then grab a bite to eat at the promenade Malecón del río. On day 2, you can catch a cab for a city tour of El Prado and visit the Carnival Museum. Afterwards, peek into the iconic hotel El Prado, for a bite to eat and a drink. On day 3, shop at one of the many malls or take a taxi+ mototaxi to Bocas de Ceniza, where you can walk to the point where the sea meets the river. If you still have energy left after that, visit one of the salsa clubs, for an evening of partying with the Costeños, e.g. at la Troja.

    1 week or longer

    During 1 week in Barranquilla, you can take a multi-day trip to Tayrona National Park. There is a wide choice of hotels in and (just) outside the park. This way you can enjoy some nature during your city trip to Barranquilla. Another possibility is to extend your city trip with a visit to Cartagena. (2.30h by bus)

    Practical info A-Z

    What to bring
    • Light clothes and shoes
    • Set of nice clothes for dining out
    • Sunscreen
    • Anti-mosquito/insect spray
    • Umbrella or rain jacket if traveling in rainy season
    ATM machines

    You will find ATMs in malls and in larger drugstores where you can safely withdraw cash. Make sure the transaction is complete before you leave the ATM.

    Tip: We experienced one time that it did not work to withdraw money. When we changed the language from English to Spanish it worked!

    Vaccinations

    No yellow fever or other vaccinations are required for Barranquilla. Check the link for more information about vaccinations and medical care in Colombia.

    Wifi

    The wifi is generally good. The larger malls also have “we work” zones for digital nomads.

    Supermarkets

    The supermarkets we encountered everywhere were Ara and D1. You can also find Jumbo and Carulla. At the latter you will find more imported, more expensive products. At the department store Exito, there is a large food and beverage department.

    Drinking water

    The water from the tap is not drinkable unless the hotel or hostel has a filtration system.

    Beaches

    Barranquilla itself has no beaches; the nearest is in Puerto Colombia, just under 20km away. Puerto Colombia used to be an important port city. It is also the city where the first immigrants used to set foot ashore in Colombia. At sunset, it is a hot spot with the locals, who stroll on the long pier and enjoy the renovated central square, filled with statues depicting the former immigrants. Hotel Pradomar is a favorite hangout for a beach day. Puerto Colombia can be combined with a visit to Salgar, whose most famous attraction is El Castillo de Salgar.

    The best restaurants in Barranquilla-eating and drinking

    Travel Guide Barranquilla

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    There are good restaurants in Barranquilla for every taste and budget, from traditional Caribbean food (Costeño food) to international food. When you consider that Barranquilla is the place where the first immigrants set foot in Colombia, you won’t be surprised that the different cultures have influenced the food immensely.

    Barranquilleros love to eat and there is a restaurant on almost every street corner! Fish is an important part of the food in Barranquilla. With its location on both the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea, there is both freshwater and saltwater fish. Local seafood include Mojarra, Bocachico, Cabrito (grilled fish). Patacones (green banana cookies) and arroz de coco (coconut rice) like to be served as side dishes.

    Other local specialties:

    • Patacones con suero (sour cream)
    • Sancocho de guandú (soup with salted meat)
    • Arroz lisa, a rice dish with freshwater fish
    • Arepa de huevo (arepa stuffed with egg)
    • Butifarra, sausage made from beef and pork
    • Cayeye, a dish made from green bananas

    To learn more about traditional food on Colombia’s north coast, check our article food Caribbean coast.

    A fun way to try the local specialties is with a street food tour.

    Here are our tips for the best restaurants in Barranquilla. Buen provecho!

    Our tips

    PESCAYÉ

    El Prado and Barrio Abajo

    Fish restaurant serving authentic, traditional Costeño food in a tropical setting. There are establishments in el Prado and Barrio Abajo and in Caimán del Río on the Malecón del Río. The establishment in Barrio Abajo is a good lunch spot before or after a visit to the Carnival Museum.

    PALO DE MANGO

    El Prado

    Chef Alex Quessep’s restaurant, where traditional Colombian dishes are given a modern twist. There is regular live music.

    VARADERO

    Alto Prado

    Popular Cuban restaurant that has been around for 25 years. Cuban live music completes the atmosphere.

    STORIA D'AMORE

    Parque Washington-Alto Prado

    Italian restaurant/wine bar, where the food and cocktails are beautifully presented. Highly recommended if you have something special to celebrate.

    STEAK HOUSE CHEZ ERNEST

    El Prado

    French family restaurant that has been in business for nearly 65 years. Specialty is the pepper steak.

    SARAB

    Riomar

    Traditional Arabic food in a personal atmosphere.

    CUCAYO

    One of the restaurants to try local food (fast food style) such as arepas, butifarras, chicharrones and seafood. The main location is on Calle 85#53 and you can find smaller branches in Caiman del Rio and Mall Plaza.

    CREPES Y WAFFLES

    In various locations around the city, including in the Buenavista 2 shopping mall, Viva Mall, Portal del Prado and Alto Prado. Crepes, sundaes, waffles, soups and more… Crêpes y Waffles never disappoints!

    PIZZERIA THE MEETING POINT

    Barrio Bellavista (El Prado)

    In addition to regular pizzas, you can also order sweet pizzas there, such as the pizza with strawberries and chocolate sauce

    GRAN MALECÓN

    Avenida del Río

    On the Malecón, there are lots of different restaurants, some of which are in food court Gran Caimán and range from pizza to traditional Costeño food. Near Manglares del Río you will find even more restaurants including Bistro del Rio and a cocktail bar. If you walk further up the Malecón, you will find several more simple restaurants and food trucks, where we ate delicious Cuban sandwiches. The Malecón is also entertaining when matches of the Colombian soccer team are broadcasted.

    RESTAURANTE EL GIRATORIO

    Riomar

    Want to “do something different? Then go “upscale” for lunch or dinner at Restaurante El Giratorio, on the 13th floor of the Dann Carlton hotel (across from Buenavista shopping mall). The restaurant rotates, for an extra special experience AND a 360-degree view over Barranquilla. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays.

    BONUS TIP: LA TROJA

    The best place for drinks and dancing in Barranquilla is La Troja. This #1 nightlife hotspot for locals and tourists has been around for 50 years and has been named Barranquilla’s cultural and musical heritage. Salsa is the order of the day here and it’s a fun place to “mingle” with the locals and have a dance…in short, “the ultimate local experience in Barranquilla.” It is particularly fun on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Also a fun place to be when matches of the Colombian soccer team are broadcast. During Carnival,la Troja is a hot spot and you can dance until the early hours.

    How to get to Barranquilla

    Travel Guide Barranquilla

    How to get to Barranquilla

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    How to get to Barranquilla? Here you can read about the different modes of transportation to Barranquilla, by plane, bus + transportation from the international airport to downtown Barranquilla.

    ColombiaMyWay

    Airplane

    How to get to Barranquilla by plane?Here is an overview of the direct international and domestig flights:(Updated July 2025)

    North America
    From Canada, there are no direct flights to Barranquilla.

    United States

    • Miami (MIA): with American Airlines and Avianca, offering year-round direct flights.
    • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) there is a seasonal flight from July through November, operated by Spirit Airlines. 

    Europe
    There are no direct flight to Barranquilla. However, if you want to combine a trip to Baranquilla, with a Carribean vacation, you can fly directly from Amsterdam to Curaçao with KLM and contintue to Barranquilla with EZ air (2 hours). You can also fly to Panama and take a direct flight to Barranquilla.

    Central America

    • Panama City (PTY): Copa Airlines provides direct flights and Wingo offers direct flights from
    • Balboa (BLB) with Wingo

    Caribbean

    • Willemstad, Curaçao: Non-stop flights operated by Z Air.
    • Kralendijk, Bonaire: FlexFlight has announced direct flights starting in September 2025.

    South America
    There are no direct flights to Barranquilla within South America. 

    Domestic flights within Colombia include: 

    • Bogotá (Wingo Air, Avianca, Latam)
    • Medellín (Avianca, Latam)
    • Cali (Avianca, Latam)
    • San Andres (Wingo Air)
    • Perreira (Avianca)

    Tip: Consider flying into nearby airports such as Santa Marta (SMR) or Cartagena (CTG), which are approximately 65 km and 95 km away from Barranquilla. There are many minibuses daily that do the ride between these destinations. Barranquilla can be easily added to a round trip on the Carribbean coast of Colombia. Check the trip we made from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. 

    Transportation from the international airport

    Aeropuerto Internacional Ernesto Cortissoz, (BAQ)
    Barranquilla’s airport is 12 km from downtown. You can choose the following means of transportation to get to your hotel in Barranquilla.

    Taxi
    You can catch a taxi outside at the official taxi stand or at the desk within the airport at the baggage claim. 

    The cost of a taxi from Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) to Barranquilla’s city center varies based on several factors, including the specific destination within the city, time of day, and the type of taxi service chosen. 

    • Standard fare: Around COP 26,000 to COP 32,000 (about $6.50 to $8 USD)

    • Travel Time: Around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic

    • Payment: Primarily cash in Colombian pesos

    • Tip: It’s advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey.

    Shuttle service hotel
    You can also arrange a shuttle service through your hotel, which will be waiting for you at the appointed time. We paid COP55,000 ($14) for a Duster service to our hotel in Riomar. A Duster is a very comfortable SUV. After about half an hour we were at our hotel in Riomar. If you stay in El Prado, it’s closer to the airport and the ride will take about 20 minutes.

    Pre-booked private taxi
    A private pre-booked transfer that you can book in advance online, is also very relaxing. You have already arranged the payment, you will get contact details of the driver/car in advance, and just need to get in. Therefore the most efficient option to travel from Barranquilla . You can book a private cab from 20$.

    Bus Transportation

    Bus transportation to/from Barranquilla
    How to get to Barranquilla by bus? Barranquilla has good bus connections to other destinations on the Caribbean coast, such as Cartagena and Santa Marta, and major cities in Colombia. The bus terminal Terminal de Transportes Metropolitano, is located in the south of the city.

    Caribbean coast

    Bus fares to and from Barranquilla, vary depending on the bus company and level of comfort. On average you can count on these prices (2025)

    • Cartagena: 2.30h, COP30,000/$7.50. Traveling from Cartagena to St Marta, the bus stops in Barranquilla.
    • St Marta: 2h, COP COP30,000 /$7.50

    Minibus transportation
    If you are traveling on from Barranquilla to Cartagena or St. Marta, you may find it convenient to travel with MarSol or Berlinas minibuses. Instead of taking a cab to the bus terminal, catch the minibus at the MarSol or Berlinas office in Barranquilla. In Cartagena or Santa Marta, you will be dropped off at their office. There are set times, including several buses a day on weekends. 
    Price indication:
    Barranquilla- Santa Marta: COP45,000/€11 (one way), 2h.
    Barranquilla- Cartagena: COP45,000/€11 (one way) 2.5h.

    Long distance buses

    • Bogotá 17h, COP175,000 / €44
    • Medellín 14h, COP 190,000 / €47.50

    Where to stay in Barranquilla? – The best neighborhoods + tips

    Travel Guide Barranquilla

    Where to stay in Barranquilla?

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    El Prado, Alto Prado or Riomar?

    Where to stay in Barranquilla? You can find the best neighborhoods + tips here.

    Before booking a hotel in Barranquilla, it is important to check accessibility and safety of the various neighborhoods to view. The neighborhoods El Prado, Alto Prado and Riomar in the north of the city are safe and easily accessible. Riomar is further north, closer to the sea; El Prado and Alto Prado are more central.

    Which of these neighborhoods is the most fun and convenient to stay in? That depends on what you want to do and where. Check out information about the different neighborhoods and our tips here.

    El Prado + Alto Prado

    El Prado (Viejo Prado) is a beautiful colonial neighborhood + the cultural heart of Barranquilla. There are still many colonial buildings, inhabited by Jewish, Arab, German and Italian immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. You will find beautiful white houses with large gardens and universities. Many old buildings have now been converted into clinics, but the atmosphere of yesteryear is still noticeable in the wide streets with tall trees, parks and interesting architecture, perfect for a stroll .

    An interesting sight is the church Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción and you will also find the Carnival Museum in El Prado/Barrio Abajo. There are several shopping centers, such as Portal del Prado.

    Hotel Casa Colonial is a beautiful colonial house, where you can stay for an affordable price.

    Hotel el Prado is a well-known hotel in the El Prado district, which was built in the 1930s and at the time was the first 5-star hotel in Latin America. The hotel is located on a spacious fenced-off lot on the busy Carrera 54 and is recognizable by its many palm trees. You can read more about this hotel and its history in this article.

    Alto Prado is located north of the city’s historic center. This is one of the best and safest neighborhoods in Barranquilla. Here you will find shopping centers and the best nightlife in the city, around Washington Park. Most of the bars and clubs are located here and there are many restaurants. You can shop at Jumbos Altos del Prado mall, among others. In Alto Prado, you can choose from several boutique hotels, such as Washington Plaza by DOT Premium.

    Riomar

    Riomar is a newer neighborhood in Barranquilla in the north of the city. The district extends to the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea.

    Because of this location, there is usually a nice breeze and the temperature is pleasant. Riomar is one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, with many trees and more expensive stores.

    There is a wide choice of hotels in Riomar. The hotels here are mostly high-rise, many of which have rooftop terraces with pools, such as the comfortable GHL Collection Barranquilla Hotel. We stayed here ourselves and wrote this article about the hotel and its services. 

    Riomar is home to the city’s largest shopping centers, such as Viva Centro Comercial, Buenavista 1 and 2 +Mall Plaza that are connected. A number of hotels are ideally located for a shopping trip, such as Movich Buro 51 (Viva Centro Comercial)

    Hotel Dann Carlton Barranquilla is located across from Buenavista mall, perfect to splurge as much as you want in the stores and relax afterwards.

    Riomar is located on the Circunvalar, which puts you close to the monuments Ventana Al Mundo and Aleta del Tiburón and Barranquilla’s boulevard, the Malecón del Río.

    The location is also convenient for visiting mangrove park Ciénaga del Mallorquín and Bocas de Ceniza, the point where the Caribbean Sea meets the Magdalena River. Also, if you want to take a side trip to Salgar and Puerto Colombia, you are there in “no time” from Riomar.

    The best hotels for carnival in Barranquilla

    The carnival parade in Barranquilla is on the Vía 40 (Vía Industrial), a long road that runs along the major factories such as glass factories and beer breweries. There are no hotels along this road, but you can easily reach the carnival route from the hotels in Riomar, El Prado and Alto Prado.

    These hotels are closest to the route in terms of distance. This does depend on exactly where you will be staying.

    1. GHL Collection Barranquilla hotel
    2. Holiday Inn Express Barranquilla Buenavista, an IHG Hotel
    3. Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla
    4. Movich Buro 51
    5. Wyndham Garden Barranquilla

    Conclusion: best districts to stay in Barranquilla

    Conclusion: Where to stay? Riomar, Alto Prado or Prado?

    The answer to this question depends mostly on what you want to do in Barranquilla and what kind of atmosphere you like.

    We booked a hotel in Riomar ourselves. We wanted to spend the night near the Avenida Circunvalar, so we could get to my travel companion’s family quickly and easily get to places up north, such as the Malecón del Río and Bocas de Cenizas. From El Prado it would take longer to get to the Circunvalar due to heavy traffic, so that’s why we chose Riomar. In the evening, it was wonderful to relax on the roof terrace of our hotel GHL Collection Hotel Barranquilla overlooking the city, the river and the monument Ventana al Mundo. Our room had air conditioning, a fantastic rain shower and was super spacious. The delicious breakfast was included and otherwise we had everything we needed nearby, such as a small shopping center across the street with supermarket D1, a drugstore, coffee shop Tostao and Domino’s pizza. The hotel was on a quiet side street and we were not bothered at all by traffic or noise.

    Disadvantage of Riomar is, that it is a newer neighborhood and therefore it lacks the charm of a historic neighborhood like El Prado. It also lacks bars and restaurants in the area.

    In short, we would recommend staying in El Prado if you want to be in a central location, in a colonial neighborhood. Alto Prado is highly recommended if you want to stay near Parque Washington, with its many restaurants and bars. If you are looking for a comfortable hotel with pool, on the outskirts of the city, choose from one of the many hotels in Riomar.

    We do not recommend staying in the Centro Histórico overnight because it is not safe there at night.

    Below you can find more hotels for every budget in Barranquilla.

    El Prado

    $ price range up to $50

    $$ price range $50 – $100

    $$$ price range above $100

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    More hotels in El Prado-Barranquilla

    Alto Prado

    $$ price range $50 – $70

    $$$ price range $70 – $100

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    More hotels in Alto Prado-Barranquilla

    Riomar

    $ price range up to $50

    $$ price range $50 – $100

    $$$ price range above $100

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    More hotels in Riomar-Barranquilla