How to get to Cartagena?

Travel Guide Cartagena

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How to get to Cartagena de Indias?

By plane

Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núňez in Cartagena (CTG) is easily accessible, including:

  • American Airlines, Jet Blue and Spirit from Miami
  • Copa Airlines from Panama
  • KLM flight with a stopover in Bogotá
  • Avianca and Latam from Bogotá, Medellín, Pereira
  • Wingo from Bogotá

Transportation from airport

Taxi
Follow the “yellow footsteps” and you will reach a counter. Here you say where you need to go. You will then get a printout with the price and be assigned a taxi. A taxi ride to the city center takes about 15 minutes and will cost you around 13,000 COP ($4). A taxi to Bocagrande costs around 22,000 COP ($6) (prices 2022)

Hotel shuttle
Some hotels also offer an airport shuttle Tip: do reconfirm this shuttle a day in advance.

Private transfer
A private transfer is very relaxing, especially if you have a late arrival. The driver is waiting for you in the arrival hall, he already knows your hotel address and you have already paid. In short, you lose no time and can leave immediately for your hotel. Here you can check your options for a private airport transfer to your hotel in the city of Cartagena. 

By bus, car and boat

Bus
There are connections from St. Marta (5 hours), Medellín (12 hours), and Bogotá (22 hours), among others. The Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena is about a 45-minute drive from downtown. If you are traveling to Cartagena from St. Marta, puerta a puerta (door-to-door transportation) is a convenient option. Continue reading here for information: transportation to/in Cartagena

Car
Cartagena is easily accessible by rental car, but parking is difficult in the city center. Moreover, the center is easy to walk around. If you are traveling with a family or a group and want a little more freedom, it may be worthwhile to rent a car, for example at the airport.

Boat
Cartagena is a popular destination for cruise lines. As a result, many tourists experience Cartagena for the first time on a cruise. There are also popular sailing trips between Cartagena and the San Blas Islands in Panama.