Navigating Colombia is an adventure in itself, thanks to the country's incredibly diverse geography that ranges from bustling Andean cities to pristine Caribbean coastlines. Whether you are looking for the efficiency of domestic flights, the budget-friendly charm of local buses, or the thrill of a moto-taxi, understanding your transport options is key to a seamless trip.
This guide breaks down the best ways to get around Colombia, offering practical tips on how to manage long-distance travel, navigate urban centers, and reach remote hidden gems. From negotiating fares to choosing the right coach company, we provide everything you need to travel through this beautiful country with confidence.
By Air
Air travel is excellent, quick, and, thanks to the arrival of the discount airlines such as Viva Colombia, is an often economical way to travel within Colombia. Flying is, without a doubt, the best option for those for whom the idea of 16 hours on a bus is not very appealing. Airlines have generally excellent track records and maintain modern fleets.
Bogotá is the major hub in the country, with domestic Avianca flights departing from the Puente Aereo and not from the main terminal of the adjacent international airport. All other domestic carriers: LAN Colombia, Viva Colombia, Easy Fly, Satena, and Copa do depart from the new domestic section of the international airport. For some destinations, such as Leticia, the Pacific Coast destinations of Bahía Solano and Nuquí, La Macarena, Los Llanos, and San Andrés and Providencia in the Caribbean, the only viable way to get there is by air.
If you plan to fly to Caribbean destinations such as Cartagena, San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Marta during high tourist season, be sure to purchase your ticket well in advance, as seats quickly sell out and prices go through the roof. If your destination is Cartagena or Santa Marta, check out airfares to Barranquilla, which may be less expensive, and that city is only about an hour away. Similarly, if you plan to go to the Carnaval de Barranquilla in February, check fares to both Cartagena and Santa Marta. If you are flying to the Coffee Region, inquire about flights to Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales, as the distances between these cities are short.
Medellín has two airports: Aeropuerto Internacional José María Córdova (in Rionegro) and Aeropuerto Olaya Herrera. All international flights and most large airplane flights depart from Rionegro, a town about an hour away from Medellín. The airport is simply referred to as “Rionegro.” Satena and Aerolíneas Antioqueñas-ADA, use the Olaya Herrera airport, which is conveniently located in town. This is a hub for flights to remote communities in the western and Pacific Region, including Acandí and Capurganá near the Panamanian border.
Coach
Coaches are best for long-distance travel and inter-city travel. Private coach companies like Berlinas or Flota Occidental operate set routes running on a timely schedule from a bus station in one destination to another station in another town or city. They don’t take many unscheduled stops, which means they are typically faster than a public bus. They are usually air-conditioned and often have Wi-Fi on board. For these conveniences, expect to pay a higher price.
Bus
Buses in Colombia are best for short-distance travel, like getting around town or somewhere relatively nearby. This is one of the best modes of transportation in Colombia! These public buses can be a bit confusing, but they are by far the cheapest option for getting around town. Each bus in Colombia looks totally unique: they’re all very colorful and most of them have giant pictures of Jesus, both inside and out. There is no singular bus system operating public buses in Colombia, except in Bogota. Buses drive a set route, and you’re welcome to be dropped off anywhere along that route if you ask the driver. Your fee will be calculated by the driver or other bus employee based on how far along the route you are traveling. It is always best to negotiate this in advance.
Colectivo
A “Colectivo” is a shared van or minibus, usually for about 6-12 people. In other South American countries, they’re called combis. Although they may seem somewhat dubious at first, colectivos are a totally legitimate form of public transportation in Colombia and are usually very cheap. You can find them in any of the well-touristed areas. Drivers will call out the destinations as they pass by on the streets or approach you asking if you’re going to their destination. They round up passengers going to the same place until they fill up their vehicles. Always allow about an hour of extra time if you’re taking a colectivo in Colombia.
Taxi
Taxis are the most convenient form of transportation in Colombia. However, the easiest way to get around is always the most expensive. Taxis are easy to use and universal and of course, all yellow! The main thing to know is to always negotiate the fare or ask for an estimate before getting into the taxi, as they do not necessarily have a meter. Some cities, like Medellin, have working meters. Others, like Cartagena, do not. On the plus side, a negotiated fare stays the same no matter the traffic, route, or amount of effort required to find your location.
Moto taxi
A moto taxi is a motorcycle taxi. Moto taxis are probably the most fun form of transportation in Colombia and you will be riding on the back of someone’s motorcycle or scooter. It’s much cheaper than a taxi, and a bit of a thrill for the adventure seeker. But it can also be more dangerous, especially in bad weather conditions. Moto taxis are best when you don’t have a lot of baggage with you and are ideal for short distances. Always negotiate the cost before climbing on board.
Boat
Along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, it's often faster and definitely more scenic to reach isolated bays, hidden beaches, and gloriously remote islands by boat. The beautiful Islas del Rosario islands can only be reached by boat from Cartagena, while chartered speedboats are the only way to reach some of the most picturesque parts of Tayrona National Park. Boats can be arranged at the harbor of the town nearest to the destination you wish to reach. You'll usually have to wait until the skipper has enough passengers to make the voyage worthwhile before you depart.
