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Getting from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena

The magical Colombian city of Cartagena lies around 124 km south of Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla. With its historic walled city, colourful colonial architecture and sprawling beaches along the upmarket Bocagrande, it’s easy to see why Cartagena is a major tourist hotspot.

You have two options to choose from when travelling from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena: a taxi or bus. Taking a taxi or private transfer is the quickest and most convenient option, with the journey taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costing about €291 (COP 1,246,500) on average.

The bus is a more economical option. Several bus companies operate services from Barranquilla to Cartagena, though you’ll first need to take a taxi to the Barranquilla bus terminal. In total, the travel time takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes, though this may be longer or shorter depending on traffic conditions and the bus route. The combined cost of the taxi and bus is around €27.85 (COP 118,011), which can vary based on the bus company and time of day.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Barranquilla at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €291 150min 24/7
Bus €55.70 170min 01:00–23:00

How to get from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena by taxi

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena is by taxi. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and you’ll enjoy a door-to-door transfer, available 24/7. Most taxis in Barranquilla don’t operate using taximeters, so you’ll need to agree upon a fare with your driver before departing unless you book in advance online.

Taxi fare from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena

The total taxi fare from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena will depend on a number of factors, including your exact destination, traffic conditions, number of passengers, and vehicle type. On average, a taxi from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena costs around €291 (COP 1,246,500). As drivers rarely use taximeters, you’ll need to negotiate a price with your driver before leaving the airport.

Eliminate any uncertainty by arranging a private transfer with Welcome Pickups. Pre-book your competitively priced transfer in less than 60 seconds and enjoy a relaxing ride to Cartagena with one of our professional English-speaking drivers.

Cost

€291

Trip Duration

150 Min.

*Extra fees may apply if you don't pre-book your ride in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Barranquilla Airport (BAQ).

Where do I get a taxi from?

As soon as you depart from the Arrivals Hall, you’ll notice the taxi rank located right outside the airport terminal building. For safety reasons, ensure you stick to licenced taxi drivers and don’t accept a ride from someone who approaches tourists inside the airport.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena is both comfortable and convenient. Not only will you be brought directly from the airport to your accommodation according to your own schedule, but you won’t need to navigate bus timetables or carry your luggage to the station.

Editor’s Note

Depending on which route your driver takes, you may encounter some tolls along the way, which may affect your final fare.

Useful Tips

Book online or agree on a fare with your driver before departing to avoid being overcharged.
In most cases, taxis in Barranquilla must be paid for in cash, as card payments aren't widely accepted.
Drivers can only accept payments in the local currency, the Colombian peso, so ensure you exchange some money at the airport or withdraw some cash from an ATM.

How to get from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena by bus

The cheapest way to get from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena is by taking the bus. Multiple bus companies offer several daily services from Barranquilla to Cartagena, with Copetran and Expreso Brasilia among the most reliable operators. Copetran offers around 15 departures each day, and the same goes for Expreso Brasilia.

As these buses depart from the bus station rather than the airport, you’ll need to take a taxi to the bus station beforehand. Getting a taxi from the airport to the bus station will take around 20 minutes. From here, the journey to Cartagena will take a further 2 hours and 30 minutes on average, depending on the traffic conditions and bus route.

How much is the bus from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena?

The total cost of the bus from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena will depend on several factors. Firstly, you’ll need to take a taxi from the airport to Barranquilla bus station, which costs around €22 (COP 93,214). Your bus ticket from the bus station to Cartagena will cost around €5.85 (COP 24,786), though this will depend on your bus company and departure time. In total, the journey from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena by bus will set you back approximately €27.85 (COP 118,011).

Cost

€27.85

Trip Duration

170 Min.

Expreso Brasilia and Copetran run around 15 buses daily to Cartagena.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Expreso Brasilia and Copetran operate buses between 01:00 and 23:00.

Where do I get the bus from?

To reach the bus station, you’ll need to take a 20-minute taxi ride from Barranquilla Airport. As you exit the Arrivals Hall, you’ll see the airport taxi rank, where you’ll negotiate a fare with your driver unless you booked in advance online with Welcome Pickups.

When you arrive at the station, look for the stalls for bus companies like Copetran and Expreso Brasilia. You can purchase your tickets here, though it’s best to book them online in advance to secure your seat.

Convenience

While the bus journey is cheap, and the companies operating services between Barranquilla and Cartagena are reputable, taking the bus isn’t the most convenient option. This is because you must depart from the bus station rather than directly from the airport, so you’ll first need to take a taxi to the bus terminal.

Editor’s Note

The standard of coaches in Colombia is excellent, and many companies offer WiFi, toilets, reclining chairs, and air conditioning.

Useful Tips

There are sometimes discounts for tickets purchased online, meaning that buying them from the website is often cheaper than at the station.
Traffic conditions can significantly extend your journey from the airport to the bus station, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time when choosing your bus departure time.
Cartagena's bus station is outside the main tourist neighbourhoods, so you'll need to take a taxi or local bus if your destination is in a place like Old Town or Bocagrande.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena?

Barranquilla Airport is 124 km from Cartagena. A taxi or transfer by car from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.

How do I get from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena?

You have two options when it comes to travelling to Cartagena from Barranquilla Airport. A taxi is the most convenient option, and the 2 hours and 30 minutes travel time will cost around €291 (COP 1,246,500). The bus is the cheapest way to get there, and you’ll need to take a taxi from the airport to the bus station first. In total, the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes and costs about €27.85 (COP 118,011).

To ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups. Our services include live customer support, sanitised cars, and low fixed prices

How much is a taxi from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena?

The cost of a taxi from Barranquilla Airport to Cartagena is around €291 (COP 1,246,500), but this may vary depending on your exact drop-off location, the number of passengers, and the vehicle type. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

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