In this brief article, you’ll find all our tips for making a transfer to or from Cartagena de Indias airport.
You’ve just landed in Cartagena, the air is warm, the smell of the sea wafts through the air, and only one question crosses your mind: how do you get to your hotel without a headache? Don’t panic, here’s a simple and effective guide to choosing the transport that’s right for you.
Cartagena de Indias airport is located on the outskirts of the city, about 20 minutes from the historic center. Private transport is the best option for getting straight into the city center. But you’ll find you have other options, like the bus or the classic taxi to make your airport transfer to Cartagena.
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
Content
Related posts
We were fed up with paying fees abroad
So for several years now, we’ve been using a free bank debit card specially designed for travelers, and we don’t pay any more fees abroad – no more!
Exclusive 5% Off Discount For you
Best Travel insurance for Colombia
Since the difficulties we experienced during the Covid-19 period, it's more than advisable to take out travel insurance. Our partner offers the best rates and a 5% discount for blog readers!
Cartagena Airport
Cartagena airport transfer
- Name: Aéroport Rafael Nuñez de Cartagena (CTG)
- Website: aeropuertocartagena.com.co
- Address: Crespo Calle 70
- Tel: 57 (5) 693 1351 Ext 2747
Airport transfer by private transport
How to get to Cartagena airport

You can try your luck with a public taxi or venture out on public transport… or, alternatively, let yourself be whisked away by a private driver who will be waiting for you with a smile on his face and a sign with your name on it. A stress-free journey, in an air-conditioned vehicle, to get your stay off to the best possible start.
Private transportation is the simplest, safest and most comfortable option for transfers to and from Cartagena de Indias airport. You book your transportation in advance, and your driver will be waiting for you in the airport lobby to take you to your Cartagena hotel. In the other direction, the driver picks you up at your hotel and drops you off in front of the airport.
We advise you to book your transfer to Cartagena airport with a trusted private transport company in advance. Contact our local partner who will take care of you and offer you a quality service.
- Ideal for: Those who want the best service, without stress or negotiation.
- Plus: Air-conditioned vehicles, personalized welcome, waiting time included and no price surprises.
Best private transportation service
Private Cartagena airport transfer
If you are looking for a reliable driver for a private airport transfer in Cartagena (waiting time and airport welcome included)
Transfer by public taxi
Cartagena airport transfer

In Cartagena, taxi fares are regulated. Taxis are easily found at the airport exit, and service is available 24 hours a day.
- Ideal for : Those who speak good Spanish and know how to recognize real taxis
- Minor drawback: Waiting outside the airport. Some drivers inflate prices with tourists.
Best private transportation service
Private Cartagena airport transfer
If you are looking for a reliable driver for a private airport transfer in Cartagena (waiting time and airport welcome included)
Bus transfer to Cartagena
Most economical way

The Transcaribe is the bus system that operates like the Transmilenio in Bogotá. On the Transcaribe website you’ll find maps of the different bus routes in Cartagena, but we’ll grant you that it’s not exactly easy to understand.
To use the Transcaribe system, passengers must buy a card ($4.000 COP) and top it up with the necessary amount of money ($3.000 COP per trip).
- Fare: $4.000 COP per card $3.000 COP per ticket
- Ideal for: Those who travel light and love local adventure.
- Good to know: No space for luggage and random travel times.
The problem: if you arrive at the airport, you won’t have a card and you won’t find a counter to buy one. The solution: ask other passengers at the bus stop to buy them a ticket on their card.
Which bus to choose for your airport transfer to Cartagena
Bus transfer to the airport:
- Line: T102 (Portal – Crespo)
- Stops: Cristo Rey Church or Carrera 6
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5am-9pm; Sat 5.30am-8.30pm; Sun and Thurs 6am-8pm.
Bus transfer from the airport:
- Line: T102 (Portal – Crespo)
- Stops: Carrera 4 and Carrera 2
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5am-9pm; Sat 5.30am-8.30pm; Sun and Thurs 6am-8pm.
Please note Please note that buses do not stop in front of the airport.
Best private transportation service
Private Cartagena airport transfer
If you are looking for a reliable driver for a private airport transfer in Cartagena (waiting time and airport welcome included)
Our tips for a stress-free transfer
Cartagena airport transfer
- Always ask the price before you get in (especially for taxis!).
- Use private transport to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- Beware of touts who offer prices that are too good to be true.
- Avoid rush hours: from 7am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm, traffic can be chaotic.
Book now and start your stay on the right foot!
Why waste time looking for transport when you arrive? By booking in advance, you can avoid stress and make the most of your first evening in Cartagena.
Need a tip or a personalized recommendation? Contact our local partner in Cartagena, a trusted transportation service that will offer you the right service for your needs.