Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
Bogotá is served by El Dorado International Airport (BOG). To reach the city, use the official white airport taxis, a hotel transfer, a ride-hailing app or the airport shuttle bus. Traffic can be heavy, so allow extra time, especially at rush hour.
- Airport
- El Dorado (BOG)
- Options
- Official taxi, transfer, app
- Tip
- Allow for heavy traffic
- Use official airport taxis or a booked transfer
- Ride-hailing apps also work from the airport
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
Bogotá has no metro yet (one is under construction) and relies on TransMilenio, a large bus rapid transit system with dedicated lanes and articulated buses, plus the SITP city buses. Medellín has the Metro de Medellín, Colombia's only urban rail, along with the famous Metrocable gondolas linking hillside neighbourhoods.
- Bogotá
- TransMilenio BRT + SITP buses
- Medellín
- Metro + Metrocable gondolas
- Note
- Bogotá metro under construction
- TransMilenio runs on dedicated lanes across Bogotá
- Medellín's Metrocable reaches hillside districts
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
Each city has its own rechargeable transit card. In Bogotá the Tullave card is used for TransMilenio and SITP buses; in Medellín the Cívica card works on the metro, Metrocable and integrated buses. Buy and top up cards at stations, then tap in when boarding.
- Bogotá
- Tullave (TransMilenio/SITP)
- Medellín
- Cívica (metro/Metrocable)
- Top up
- At stations
- Buy and reload the card at station machines or counters
- Tap the card at the gate when you board
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Colombia drives on the right, and many rentals accept a foreign licence with an International Driving Permit. Cities suffer heavy congestion, roads are mountainous and winding, and driving at night in rural areas is best avoided for safety. A car helps for coffee-region road trips, but in big cities transit and ride-hailing are usually easier.
- Drives on
- The right
- Licence
- Foreign + IDP
- Avoid
- Rural night driving
- Expect congestion and winding mountain roads
- In big cities, transit or apps are usually easier
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
Long-distance buses are highly developed, with many companies departing from each city's terminal de transportes and serving destinations nationwide. Because the country is mountainous and journeys can be long, flying is often the practical choice for far apart cities. Book bus tickets at the terminal or online, and choose reputable, comfortable operators.
- Buses
- From terminal de transportes
- Long trips
- Flying often practical
- Reason
- Mountainous terrain
- Many companies serve destinations nationwide
- For far apart cities, flights save a lot of time
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Domestic flights are widely used and save a lot of time over Colombia's mountainous terrain. Airlines include Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Wingo and Clic (formerly EasyFly). Bogotá is the main hub, with easy connections to Cartagena, Medellín, Cali and Santa Marta. Book early for the best fares on popular routes.
- Airlines
- Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, Clic
- Hub
- Bogotá
- Popular
- Cartagena, Medellín, Cali
- Flights save time over mountainous terrain
- Book early for the best fares on popular routes
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
Mind the altitude: Bogotá sits at about 2,600m and can feel cool, while coastal Cartagena is hot and humid, so pack for both. Journeys between cities take time on mountain roads, so plan realistic timings and avoid night travel where possible. Stick to official taxis or trusted ride-hailing apps, and keep small change for local buses.
- Altitude
- Bogotá ~2,600m, cool
- Coast
- Cartagena hot and humid
- Timing
- Plan for slow mountain roads
- Avoid night travel on rural roads where possible
- Use official taxis or trusted ride-hailing apps