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Getting from Cali Airport to the City Centre

Would you like to dance the night away on salsa rhythms? Want to explore rich colonial history and fascinating cultural landmarks? Keen to taste exquisite cuisine of European, African and indigenous influences, visit the famous Colombian “coffee triangle” that produces some of the finest coffee beans in the world, or relax in exotic, charming landscapes? Cali has it all!

For the 22km distance that separates Cali Airport from Cali, your options are two; taxi and bus. An airport taxi is by far the most convenient transportation choice. The ride lasts around 35 minutes in normal traffic conditions and usually, a fixed price of €15.40 (COP 70,000) is offered by local cabs. On the other hand, the bus is affordable and easy to use, the route to the city centre takes 45 minutes, and a single ticket will cost you €1.80 (COP 8,000).

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Cali 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
Welcome Pickups €22 35min 24/7
Taxi €15.40 35min 24/7
Bus €3.60 45min 06:00–22:00

How to get from Cali Airport to the city by taxi

If you want to arrive at your accommodation quickly and without hassle, taking a taxi from Cali Airport to downtown is the most stress-free option. Outside Arrivals, you’ll find a rank of cabs ready to board passengers 24/7. Alternatively, you can book a personalised transfer ahead of time and have your driver wait for you upon arrival. The ride to the city centre is 35 minutes long and will cost you €15.40 (COP 70,000).

What’s the taxi fare from Cali Airport (CLO) to Cali, Colombia?

Although taxis in Cali use a taximeter, fixed fares are commonly offered for standard routes, such as Cali Airport to Cali city centre. For this ride, you can expect to pay about €15.40 (COP 70,000). There can be extra charges, such as use at night (after 20:00) and on Sundays, boarding of a 5th passenger and more.

Cost

€15.40 (COP 70,000)

Trip Duration

35 min

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Cali Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The taxi rank is located outside Arrivals. As soon as you get off the plane and collect your luggage at the carousel, follow the signs to the terminal exit. A line of yellow cabs will be right in front of you. Go to the front and get in the first available vehicle.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Cali Airport to Cali sets your Colombian travel experience on the right foot. Instead of waiting in the area’s humid tropical climate for public transportation, you can instantly board an air-conditioned vehicle, relax, and think about your holiday plans. For a 5-star door-to-door service at competitive flat rates, you can even pre-book a personalised airport transfer.

Editor’s Note

A taxi is an ideal option for a hassle-free transfer. However, if you're on a tight budget or don't mind waiting a bit, you can opt for the more cost-effective bus.

Useful Tips

Most taxis can't accept cards. Make sure you have some cash, preferably smaller denomination notes.
Agree on the fixed fare with the driver before you board the cab.
Speaking English is not the norm with Cali taxi drivers. If you don't speak basic Spanish, have your accommodation address written down.
Gratuities are not necessarily expected. Yet, if you received impeccable service, it will be a nice gesture of appreciation.

How to get from Cali Airport to the city by taxi

Being outside city limits, the airport is not connected to the extensive bus network of Cali, called Masivo Integrado de Occidente (MIO). However, there is a shuttle service between CLO and downtown. It’s the S26 bus line, operated by the Expreso Palmira company.

The bus departs outside of Domestic Arrivals and drops you off at Cali Bus Terminal. The bus terminal is 4km from the popular San Antonio area. You can walk to your accommodation from there or take a very short taxi ride.

What's the cost of a bus ticket?

A single ticket costs €1.80 (COP 8,000). Tickets are to be paid directly to the driver upon boarding the bus.

Cost

€1.80 (COP 8,000)

Trip Duration

45 min

*There's a waiting time of up to 20-25 minutes for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The S26 line buses are available every 20 minutes on a daily basis from 06:00 to 22:00.

Where do I get the bus from?

As soon as you exit the Baggage Claim, go to Domestic Arrivals. The yellow S26 buses leave from there and are easily recognisable. Their destination sign reads “Terminal”.

Convenience

The bus is a very affordable option, especially if you’re travelling solo or with light luggage. On the contrary, if you’re a large group with many baggage items or a family, waiting under the hot sun is not ideal, despite the reasonable time frames between buses. A taxi or any other private transfer might be more suitable in that case.

Editor’s Note

If your flight arrives after 22:00, a taxi will be your only transfer option if you don't want to wait at the airport until the early morning.

Useful Tips

The bus ticket price per person includes luggage.
Ensure you have some small cash notes or change with you to pay for your ticket with the driver.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Cali. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€22.0
NIGHTTIME
€26.4
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

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 closest airport to Cali, Colombia?

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) is the closest airport to Cali, serving both Cali and Palmira. The distance to downtown Cali is 22km and the travel time is around 35 minutes. If traffic is heavy, it can take considerably more.

How do I get from Cali Airport to the city centre?

There are two ways to travel from Cali Airport to the city; by taxi or by bus. A taxi is the most convenient option, costing around €15.40 (COP 70,000). The bus is also comfortable and reliable at the much more affordable price of €1.80 (COP 8,000) per one-way ticket.

What's the average taxi fare from CLO to Cali, Colombia?

The usual taxi fare from Cali Airport to downtown is €15.40 (COP 70,000). The price slightly increases by 10% when you board a vehicle after 20:00 or on Sundays. There could also be other extra charges, such as a 5th passenger fee, excessive luggage etc.

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