Bogotá International Airport, is located in Fontibón, 15 kilometers from the center of Bogotá. El Dorado is the largest airport in Colombia and has been named the best airport in South America several times for its extensive facilities and services.

In this guide you will find practical information about arrival and departure at the airport. Also click on these links for hotel tips close to the airport and check these 10 tips if you have time to spare at El Dorado airport.

TERMINALS
There are 2 terminals, which are 1km apart. A free shuttle goes between the two terminals every 20 minutes between 5am to 11pm.

Terminal 1 (Aeropuerto El Dorado)
National and international flights, including flights from KLM, Avianca, Wingo and Latam

Terminal 2 (TPA/ Puente Aéreo)
Domestic flights from Easyfly and Satena

Since most flights arrive at Terminal 1, most facilities are located there. Below you will find information about Terminal 1 only.

arrival international/national flights
First floor Terminal 1

• Baggage claim
• ATM pin devices
• Money exchange office
• Stores, food and drink
• Luggage storage (COP15,000)
• Airport shuttle bus
• Cabs and car rental
• Parking

IMMIGRATION

• It can be quite confusing which line to wait in. In fact, there are lines for Colombians and lines for tourists. When in doubt, ask one of the wandering staff if you’re in the right line; this can save you a lot of time.
• This travel documents you must be able to show at immigration

MONEY PINS

• Cash withdrawals are more economical than exchanges. Once you get your luggage off the belt, you will almost immediately see two ATM machines, where you can safely withdraw your first pesos. The ATM machines are next to the money exchange office.
• The maximum amount you can withdraw varies by bank. At Colpatria, you can withdraw COP 900,000 at a time (approx. €225).

TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT

Grabbing a taxi is easy and safe. You’ll find taxis on the first floor at exits 2, 3, 5 and 6. Under the yellow cab signs is a line for the official cabs. The line is usually long but it goes quickly. There is a “controller” in an orange vest who assigns cabs and can explain to you how it works.

Price Indication

• Sometimes taxi drivers want to use the meter, but we recommend to agree on a fixed price in advance, especially if you don’t know your way around Bogotá
• For a typical ride of approximately 13 kilometers to areas like La Candelaria or Chapinero, you can expect to pay between COP 32,000 and COP 43,000 ($8-$11) depending on traffic conditions and time of day.
• A ride from the airport to the airport hotels in Fontibón which is 4-6 kilometers from the airport, will cost between COP20,000-COP25,000 ($5-$6), depending on traffic and your final destination.
• The taxi can also be reserved and paid for in the arrivals hall, at one of the counters

Pre-paid private cab
Booking a pre-paid private cab online, is also a good and very convenient option. The driver is often waiting for you in the arrival hall. Especially if you arrive late, we think such a pre-paid cab is a very good option. The driver already knows where to go, you already paid and you don’t lose any time.

Shuttle service hotels

• A shuttle service can be included at some hotels when making a reservation. To be sure, reconfirm the pickup location and pickup time a day before arriving in Bogotá
• Hotel shuttle buses can be found on the first floor at exit 5
• If you arrive in the evening, it may be faster to take a taxi, as the shuttles often run irregularly (or not at all) in the evening

Bus Transportation

• Transmilenio, buses and minibuses can be found at exit 9. There is a free shuttle bus to Estacion de El Dorado, (outside the airport) where you can catch the Transmilenio. If you have a lot of luggage or are traveling late at night, the taxi is a safer and more convenient option.

DEPARTURE FROM El Dorado Airport

Airport tax
International flights
$49 or COP $199,400. (Rate up to july 2025) The airport tax is included in airfares most of the times, but would be good to check your ticket
Domestic flights
 COP 22,600 (Rate up to January 2025)

Departure hall national/international flights

Second floor

• Check-in counters
• Security
• International and national departure hall
• Immigration
• Gates
• ATM machine
• Stores
• Large food court
• Hospital (free yellow fever vaccination)
• Police Station

Third floor
food court with a number of restaurants, mostly fast food options.

Look here for the best hotels nearby El Dorado aiport in Bogotá.

Look here for 10 tips to make your time fun and enjoyable at El Dorado airport

Colonial city high in the Andes

Villa de Leyva is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Colombia. In 1954, the city was declared a national monument. Villa de Leyva is located at an altitude of 2140 meters in the Boyacá region and has about 17,500 inhabitants. From Bogotá you can get there in 3-4 hours by bus.

Mega Plaza
The central plaza is the big eye-catcher. With a circumference of 120 by 120 meters, Plaza Mayor is one of the largest plazas in Latin America. During the week, the square can often be deserted, but on weekends it teems with activity, with day-trippers from Bogotá.

Striking architecture
The most striking building just outside the city is Casa Terracotta, a house made entirely of clay. It is the life’s work of Colombian architect Octavio Mendoza Morales. You can also see Casa Terracotta inside.

Here you will find tips and the best things to do.

Tips from a local

1) Free Museum Day
Throughout the year, free admission is included on the last Sunday of the month: Museo de Bogotá, Gold Museum, Museo Botero, Museo Casa de la moneda, Museo militar de Colombia, Museo de arte colonial, Museo histórico de la policía and Museo Nacional. On other days, you pay a (modest) entrance fee.

2) “Septimazo” walk
Most of the museums are in the center of the city, therefore it is almost mandatory to do a “septimazo”; a walk along Carrera séptima in the center. In doing so, you walk past various stores and can see artists, painters and musicians at work.

Pastelería La Florida
This pastry shop is a perfect starting point for your walk. Take a seat in the more than 70-year-old building, order a delicious pastry or taste a traditional dish, such as tamales* with hot chocolate or agua de panela con almojábana*. Address: Carrera 7 #21-36.

*Tamales: a mix of vegetables, meat, chicken, potato and cornmeal. This package is wrapped in banana leaf and then steamed

*Agua de panela con almojábana: sugar water with a roll of cornmeal and cheese

La Candelaria
From La Florida, you can continue walking to Plaza de Bolívar in the district of la Candelaria. This historic district with its traditional houses, still has a colonial atmosphere. At the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, you can take a break and see where Bogotá was founded 482 years ago.

Try an authentic Colombian drink?
Then order a glass of Chicha Bogotana, a fermented corn drink. While enjoying this traditional drink, you can listen to the cuenteros; storytellers who will make you laugh and reflect on life.

3) Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá
This theater festival with storytellers, street theater and dance and theater performances, has been held for 30 years in June/July. There are performances (free of charge) at various locations around the city.

4) Festival de Verano
In the month of August, the Festival de Verano is held, in honor of the city’s birthday. There are various outdoor (free) activities to allow people to enjoy the green spaces and parks as much as possible. These include kite races, sports activities, fireworks shows and concerts. Prepare well for outdoor events and different weather conditions. Have your thick coat, umbrella or sunscreen ready!

5) Usaquén
If we’re talking about colonial sites, then we can’t neglect Usaquén: definitely not to be missed. Originally Usaquén was a town close to Bogotá, but due to population growth, Usaquén is now part of the city of Bogotá. It is an attractive neighborhood with traditional streets, a central square, a town hall and beautiful gardens surrounding the church.

Sunday=Market Day
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. people sell goods and food in the central square. The Usaquén market has existed since 1991 and is famous in Bogotá. The market hosts cultural events and sells handmade products that are unique and representative of Colombia. At the beginning of the market is the Santa Bárbara shopping center. Here you can clearly see the contrast between the modern mall and the colonial architecture. The address is Carrera 5 # 120A-07. In Usaquén are some of the best restaurants in the city, for every taste and culture.

Bogotá; a fantastic meeting point that you must know to get a small idea of Colombia. What are you waiting for!?

Looking for an overnight hotel near El Dorado Airport? Then check here our tips for comfortable hotels with facilities, close to the airport.

Tip #1
City Express Junior & City Plus Aeropuerto

Our favorite, due to convenient extras like airport shuttle and early breakfast.

Location: In the Fontibon district, 3 km from the airport
Price range: €30-60 per night for a double room

These two hotels are in the same building. The “Plus” rooms are slightly more spacious and have larger beds, but the furnishings are similar. The modern hotel has a restaurant with room service, soft drink vending machine and a gym. There is:

• Good wifi
• Air Conditioning
• Room service until midnight
• Early breakfast: from about 5:15 a.m. they start preparing the breakfast buffet. You can then grab some simple items from the buffet already, such as croissants, jam and coffee.
• Free shuttle to the airport, on every hour from 5:00 am. There is also a shuttle from the airport to the hotel (on request)
• Tip: Be punctual or on time or rather a little early for the shuttle to the airport. The bus leaves exactly on time and does not wait! (We speak from experience -:)

Tip #2
Mr. Huésped

Distance from airport: 5 km, in Engativa district
Price range: €20-30for a double room

Mr. Huésped is a small hotel with 9 rooms with Netflix. There are also g ecommon areas.

• Breakfast is included.
• Good wifi
• Supermarkets and restaurants within walking distance
• Good value for money
• A cab from the airport costs approx. COP18,000-20,000/€5

Check here more hotels and hostels in Bogotá

Also check here our 10 tips to make your time fun (and delicious) at El Dorado airport.