Taxi
Taking a taxi is easy. The yellow “servicio publico” cabs are the official cabs in Cartagena and there are many of them. Taxis do not run on meters, so agree on a price in advance. Don’t pay with large bills. We found out that taxi drivers often say they don’t have change if you want to pay with large bills. While some taxis may accept card payments, it’s generally recommended to carry cash in Colombian pesos, as cash is the most widely accepted payment method
The minimum price for a ride is COP10,800/$2.75. This typically covers short rides between centro, San Diego and Getsemaní. Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., there is a surcharge (fares 2025)
Colombia My Way tips:
1) If you can, let your hotel or hostel call a taxi for you. Hotels have trusted drivers that they work with. You probably pay a bit more, but it’s safe.
2)Use taxi apps like Uber to order a taxi. It’s efficient and most of the times you don’t have to wait long.
Taxi Apps
Besides the Uber app, there are other taxi apps in Colombia, such as InDriver and Easy Tappsi. These apps work like Uber; you sign uptrack the driver.
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.
Hop-on-Hop-off bus
The distinctive red hop-on hop-off buses of Citysightseeing Cartagena, are especially convenient if you want to see the highlights of Cartagena in a short time. You can hop on and off at 14 stops as much as you want, during the duration of your ticket (24/48h). With English-language audio guide. Book your hop-on hop off ticket here.
Transportation From Cartagena
Bus transportation
Bus transportation to Medellín and Bogotá goes through the Terminal de Transportes, a 45-minute drive from downtown. From here, buses also go to other destinations such as St. Marta, Mompox, and Playa Blanca.
Minibus transportation
If you are traveling on from Cartagena to Barranquilla or St. Marta, you may find it convenient to travel with MarSol or Berlinas minibuses. Instead of taking a taxi to the bus terminal, catch the minibus at the MarSol or Berlinas office in Cartagena. In Barranquila or Santa Marta, you will be dropped off at their office. There are set times, including several buses a day on weekends. You can make reservations via WhatsApp.
Price Indication
Cartagena-Santa Marta: Marsol: COP90,000/$22 (one way), 4:30 hours. Price Berlinas: COP70.000/$18 (one way)
(rates 2025)
Private transfer
If you have little time, you can also opt for a private transfer, where you will be picked up at your hotel in Cartagena and dropped off at your hotel in Santa Marta. Here you can book your private -door to door- transfer.
