Getting Around Colombia: My Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get around Colombia more easily. The most important one is to take your time. Transportation here can often run late, and the journeys can be tiring. To avoid wearing yourself out, it’s a good idea to limit the number of regions you plan to visit. And private transport will be an excellent option to optimize your Colombia itinerary.

TOM’S TIP

Aside from the various transportation options in Colombia, there are plenty of other important tips to know for discovering the country’s most beautiful spots. Do you know the best months to visit? Or our safety tips to keep in mind?

Allow Buffer time

As you’ve probably noticed, unexpected delays are quite common and can easily extend your journey time, no matter how you choose to travel around Colombia.

Your domestic flight might get delayed or even canceled due to bad weather. Road conditions, strikes (yes, it happens 😉), or other issues could slow you down, even if your driver is a pro. Your door-to-door van service could be canceled if it doesn’t fill up, and public boats will wait until every seat is taken.

In short, pack your patience, stay cool, and always allow for extra time. One solid tip: avoid stacking long bus rides with flights right after.

Save the planet (less flights)

Sure, as I mentioned, depending on your itinerary and how long you’re staying, flying can be a great alternative to the bus—sometimes even essential.

That said, you already know domestic flights, while convenient for getting around Colombia, come with a high carbon footprint. Buses, on the other hand, aren’t just cheap; they offer breathtaking views and the chance for interesting encounters along the way.

I recommend reserving flights for destinations where you’ll stay for several days—avoid short hops. When planning your itinerary, try to optimize your route to avoid unnecessary backtracking and focus on a handful of key destinations. Fewer transfers, more enriching experiences—trust me on this!

In the end, it’s all about balancing your budget, travel goals, and eco-consciousness 😉

More apps to use

I often rely on apps to help me travel around Colombia.

  • Google Maps – My go-to app, everywhere and all the time. It’s super easy to find nearby cafés, restaurants, or anything else, giving you the best real-time route to your destination.
  • Maps.Me – A free mapping and navigation app that’s a solid alternative to Google Maps, especially in remote areas where it can sometimes be more accurate. Perfect for exploring places like Isla Grande, where paths aren’t marked 😉 Plus, it works offline.
  • Wikiloc – This app offers a massive database of trails across many countries, mostly for mountain hikes. Still, I’d recommend going with a local guide for safety and to support the local economy.

Remote places

Caño Cristales - Tapete Rojo - Los Llanos Colombia - Adrien

Flying will be your only option for some of Colombia’s more remote destinations. This is the case for the Pacific Coast, where you’ll also need to take a boat, depending on your final stop. In the Amazon region, you’ll land in Leticia, the main gateway, or Inírida if you’re headed to see the famous Cerros de Mavecure.

The same goes for reaching La Macarena, the starting point for the stunning Caño Cristales. There is a road, but it’s long, uncomfortable, and rarely used by travelers.

While Colombia’s major cities are well-connected by direct buses, it’s a different story for smaller villages. You’ll often have to switch buses, sometimes several times.

Getting around Bogotá

Quinta Camacho District - Bogota and around

With 8 million residents, Bogotá is a sprawling metropolis with a solid transportation network.

The main player is the TransMilenio, a rapid bus system covering the entire city. It also connects to El Dorado Airport and major tourist spots like La Candelaria. Ride it outside of peak hours to avoid crowds and save money. Avoid using it at night for safety reasons, and stay alert for pickpockets.

Taxis are another convenient option. For safety, book through a mobile app; the driver will confirm your ride with a code sent during your reservation. Make sure the meter is running before you set off.

If you enjoy cycling, try an electric bike tour. Bogotá boasts an extensive network of bike lanes, and on Sundays, parts of the city are car-free, offering a perfect environment for biking.

Finally, explore the historic center on foot or take the cable car to the top of Monserrate.

Getting around Cartagena

Historic Center Cartagena Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast

In Cartagena, most tourist sites are concentrated in or near the historic center, making it easy to explore on foot, particularly if you’re staying inside the walled city.

Official yellow taxis are common but don’t have meters. I recommend booking through an app. Always agree on the fare beforehand—be aware that prices can climb quickly for trips outside the city. At the airport, a yellow kiosk (if operational) allows you to buy a fixed-price ticket without negotiating.

Uber and Cabify are reliable options, especially for nighttime trips if you’re staying outside the center. Indrive is also available but less reliable and harder to use without Spanish skills.

To reach the Rosario Islands, you’ll need to take a boat—except for Isla Baru, which you can reach by land.

Getting around Medellín

Downtown Center of Medellin Antioquia Colombia (metro) (1)

Medellín is a pioneer in transportation in Colombia, thanks to its metro system, the only one in the country. It’s modern, straightforward, and affordable, with a fare of less than €1—perfect for covering long distances.

The city’s four-line cable car is another hallmark of its innovation. It connects hillside neighborhoods like Comuna 13 while offering stunning city views.

Medellín’s yellow taxis are known for polite drivers and metered fares, though using your GPS can be helpful to guide them. For more security, use apps like Taxis Libres to book your ride.

Apps such as Uber and Didi are widely used and often more affordable than traditional taxis.

Finally, Medellín’s public bus system is efficient and economical. Still, it can be challenging to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with the routes, especially if your destination isn’t displayed on the bus’s front screen.

Prices

Terminal del Norte Medellin a Jerico Antioquia Colombia

Here are some price estimates to help you when getting around Colombia:

  • For small shared rides, expect 20,000 COP per 15-20 minutes.
  • Taxis Start at 6,000 COP (la mínima).
  • Buses Expect around 10,000 COP per hour of travel, though it’s pricier along the Caribbean coast.

Flights

  • About 200,000 COP one-way to major cities.
  • Around 300,000 COP one-way to remote destinations.

Private Transport

  • On the coast, expect to pay about 200-300 USD for a 5 to 7-hour trip.
  • For a multi-day trip, you might pay between 100 to 200 USD/day, all included (car + driver + his expenses).

Car Rental: Renting a car costs roughly 70 USD per day, plus fuel in Colombia.

Boats

  • Daily boat rentals start at around 400 USD.
  • Short trips by lancha vary, and prices rise due to fuel costs, especially on the Pacific coast.