How to Get from Bogotá to Cartagena de Indias: 3 ways to travel

Bogotá and Cartagena are two highly visited cities in Colombia, and it’s common to explore both destinations in a single trip. Therefore, if you also want to visit these places on your next trip, learn how to get from Bogotá to Cartagena de Indias without difficulties.

How far is Bogotá from Cartagena?

Bogotá and Cartagena de Indias are 981 kilometers (609.565 miles) apart, and the main ways to travel this route are by plane or bus.

However, if you prefer, it’s also possible to make the trip by car. In that case, it’s worth including other destinations along the way to make the journey more interesting.

What is the best way to travel from Bogotá to Cartagena?

The best way to travel from Bogotá to Cartagena is by plane. In addition to being a relatively short trip—about 1 hour and 30 minutes—it can also be an economical option, especially if you purchase tickets in advance with a Colombian low-cost airline.

Discover the best places to stay in Bogotá.

How to travel from Bogotá to Cartagena by plane?

The flight from Bogotá to Cartagena takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is a good option for those who don’t have much time. Additionally, you can find domestic flights in Colombia at good prices, and they have frequent departures every 1 to 2 hours.

During our trip through Colombia, we always found domestic tickets at good prices, which made the journey more economical than traveling by bus, especially if booked in advance.

Flights to Cartagena de Indias depart from El Dorado Airport (BOG) and are operated by Avianca, Latam, and Wingo, but all airlines only offer carry-on luggage. On all the domestic routes we took in Colombia, we flew with Avianca, and the flights were smooth with basic services.

Flights from Bogotá to Cartagena start at USD 52 with Wingo, while flights from Latam and Avianca start at USD 77.

Another advantage of flying is that Cartagena de Indias Airport is very close to the city center, a route that can be covered in 20 minutes by car. An Uber ride to the center costs an average of 20,000 COP.

In Cartagena, I recommend using Uber or a private transfer as your means of transportation. We heard many reports of taxi scams, where drivers don’t use the meter and charge whatever amount they want at the end of the ride. That’s why we only used Uber during our trip, and we never had any issues. However, if for some reason you really need to take a taxi, agree on the fare before the ride starts—this way, it’s less likely you’ll end up overpaying.

How to Travel from Bogotá to Cartagena by Bus?

Traveling by bus from Bogotá to Cartagena is also a possible option, but it’s a journey that takes around 22 hours on average. Buses to Cartagena depart from Module 3 of the Salitre Terminal in Bogotá, and the companies that operate this route are Expreso Brasilia, Copetran, and Berlinas del Fonce.

You’ll find tickets starting at 134,000 COP, and the companies offer several departures throughout the day. For this trip, all buses are equipped with air conditioning and a bathroom. However, if you choose the more expensive tickets, you’ll get more comfortable seats and even an individual TV.

The Cartagena de Indias Bus Terminal is located a bit far from the downtown, about 13 kilometers (8.077 miles) away. So, to complete this leg of the journey, you can decide between taking a bus, an Uber, or a private transfer.

How to Travel from Bogotá to Cartagena by Car?

It’s also possible to drive from Bogotá to Cartagena. This option is recommended for those traveling in a group and planning to visit other destinations along the way. Renting a car is a very convenient choice, as it allows you to explore other places like Medellín and plan the trip according to your own schedule.

If you decide to drive, pay attention to the road conditions and use Google Maps or another app of your choice to help with navigation. During our trip through Colombia, we saw a lot of road construction. So, be careful and be aware that your trip may take a bit longer than expected.

The drive from Bogotá to Cartagena takes an average of 18 hours, following the Ruta del Sol, which is the fastest route for this trip. However, if you take other routes, such as through Medellín and Sincelejo, the journey may take a bit longer.

It’s important to note that when traveling via the Ruta del Sol or other routes to Cartagena, you may come across several toll booths, with fees starting at 11,100 COP.

Now that you’ve seen all our tips on how to get from Bogotá to Cartagena, be sure to check out the best areas to stay in Cartagena de Indias to make the most of your trip.