Getting a taxi in Bogota
If you’re new to the glorious city of Bogota, we can guarantee you won’t regret taking a Bogota taxi. Simply hop on one of these yellow cars and enjoy a cheap comfortable ride without compromising your schedule. You can hail a cab on the street, call a Bogota taxi number, or find a taxi rank in the city or at transportation hubs like Bogota Airport.
Most taxis in Bogota can seat up to four passengers, though larger taxis are available upon request.
As for pricing, all local cabs have taximeters that will calculate your taxi fare in Bogota.
Hand picked & english speaking drivers
Same price as a regular Taxi from the line
Drivers are always on time
24/7 Email & Phone support
How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOGOTA AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER | 5.35 € | 6 € | 20 MIN |
| BOGOTA AIRPORT TO CHAPINERO | 5.60 € | 6.20 € | 30 MIN |
| BOGOTA AIRPORT TO JARDIN BOTANICO | 4 € | 4.45 € | 10 MIN |
Bogota taxi rates
The taximeter calculates your Bogota taxi fare a little differently than you may be used to in other countries. Instead of displaying an amount of money, the taxi meter starts from the number 25 and increases by 1 digit every one hundred meters. At the end of the journey, the number displayed on the meter corresponds to the fare you have to pay. That is why travelers need to be especially mindful of their money and ask the driver for an approximate fare for their destination before getting in the taxi.
The below are the general tariffs that apply for the city of Bogota:
Base Fare: €1.12 (COP 5,000)
Taxi Fare per Kilometer: €2.17 (COP 9,656)
Taxi Fare for 1 hour Waiting: €4.5 (COP 20,000)
An even safer bet would be downloading the taxi calculator app (Calculadora de Tarifas). Enter the number on the taximeter at the end of the journey and tick any of the other options that apply (such as airport pick-up, etc.) and it will tell you how much you owe. That way you can make sure you are not overcharged by the end of your journey. The good news is that most journeys within Bogota will cost much less than €4.5 (COP 20,000). Also, bear in mind that drivers don’t accept 50 notes, so try to break them whenever you can to keep change for the taxi.
Read all reviews
How to get a Taxi in Bogota
In Bogotá, hailing a taxi from the street is not recommended, especially at night, as it can be dangerous. There are also numerous taxi ranks scattered around the city, near major hotels and attractions. Walking to one of these is a safer bet, but there is still the risk of being overcharged or encountering an unlicensed driver. The safest way to get a taxi in Bogota is to use a taxi app, get your hotel receptionist to arrange one on your behalf, or book a transfer in advance.
How to get a taxi from Bogota Airport
Bogota Airport taxis are available 24/7 from both terminal buildings. There are several official taxi ranks at Bogotá Airport located outside Terminal 1. You’ll find them near Exit doors 2, 3, 5, and 6, and they are clearly signposted. If you’re unsure, feel free to ask airport staff for assistance.
For passengers arriving at Terminal 2, the taxi stand is conveniently positioned just outside the main exit of the Arrival Hall. Since this terminal is smaller, taxis are generally easier to locate.
How to get a taxi from Bogota Bus Station
You can find taxis lined up outside of Bogota Bus Station. However, it’s not recommended that you get a taxi from here. The safer option is to book a taxi in advance with a trusted provider like Welcome Pickups or using a taxi app like Uber or Taxi Libres.
Most popular Bogota taxi apps
Taxi Libres is the most reliable taxi app in Bogota.
Uber has been operating in Colombia since 2013 and is currently available in major cities including Bogota.
For the ultimate seamless taxi experience, you can book a taxi in advance with a top-rated international company like Welcome Pickups. That way, you’ll get guaranteed on-time pickups with a friendly, professionally trained driver at a fixed price.
Useful Bogota taxi numbers
Travelers should certainly avoid calling a taxi or car service in Bogota on their own unless they have an intermediate level of Spanish because most people working for these services don’t usually speak English. That is why it would be a good idea to ask the hotel receptionist to order a Bogota taxi for them or download a Bogota taxi app.
Benefits of booking a Bogota taxi in advance
Finding your way around a complex environment such as Bogota’s urban area may seem like a daunting task. Fear not! Welcome Pickups is here to help you tour the city in absolute safety and comfort. Our English-speaking drivers will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal, help you into the vehicle, and give you handy travel tips throughout the ride. They know this city like the back of their hand! So start making memories before you even check in to your hotel and book a Bogota taxi with Welcome today!
Bogota taxi tips
- Booking a taxi through an app, such as Taxi Libres is highly recommended, as it is safer than stopping a car on the street. Alternatively, head to your hotel reception and kindly ask them to call one for you.
- Please avoid taking a taxi late at night. Always order a taxi via an app if you need transportation after midnight.
- Some taxi drivers don't speak English, so it would be a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate and reach your destination successfully.
- Don’t accept a ride from a random driver inside the airport's arrivals halls, as it's probably not legal.
- Tipping your taxi driver in Bogota is not obligatory, but they are always appreciated. If you enjoyed your journey, giving an extra 1 COP will make a great tip.
- Be sure to carry small bills with you as taxi drivers don’t usually carry much change.
- You can pay for your Bogota taxi by credit card. That said, it’s best to check with your driver that their POS machine is working before your ride begins.
- All payments must be made in the local currency – Colombian Pesos (COP).
- Baby seats and child boosters aren’t provided by drivers as standard, but you can fit your own for free.
- Wheelchair accessibility is limited in Bogota. It’s best to pre-book a specialized service to help you get around if you need an adapted vehicle.
- To help with language barriers, we recommend writing down your destination address.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Bogota
Wheelchair accessibility in Bogota is generally poor, even in comparison to other South American cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. As such, ordinary taxis do not have special ramps or spaces for wheelchair users. For a fully customizable experience, reach Taxi Libres today and order your wheelchair-accessible taxi.
Bogota taxi safety and complaints
Although the city has taken a step in the right direction in trying to curtail some dangerous taxi practices, such as the “Millionaire’s ride” or the use of the drug Burundunga, travelers could still be scammed or overcharged by potentially nasty drivers. If you suspect that this might have happened to you, it would be a good idea to step out of the vehicle, note down the driver’s plate number, and head to the nearest police station to report the incident.