How to get around Colombia
Navigating Colombia is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in Colombia offers various options based on budget and speed. Buses are the most common and economical choice, with an extensive network connecting major cities and remote areas. Long-haul buses can range from basic to luxury, with amenities such as reclining seats, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even individual screens. A typical 9-hour bus journey from Bogotá to Medellín can cost between $17-$35 (around COP 85,000 - COP 100,000).
Flights offer the fastest way to travel across the country, especially given Colombia's diverse geography of mountains and jungles. While domestic flight prices were previously low, they have increased, though long distances can still be competitive with bus fares. Flights from Bogotá to Medellín typically take about 1 to 1.5 hours and can cost between $85-$280.
For those preferring a private option, minivans and private cars are available, with an 8-hour private car journey from Bogotá to Medellín starting around $215 for 3-4 passengers.
Travel Within Cities
Within Colombian cities, taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely used. Taxis are typically yellow and found at taxi ranks, airports, malls, or hailed on the street. In some cities like Medellín, taxis use meters, with fares starting around COP 4,200 - COP 4,900 ($1.07 - $1.24 USD) and increasing by approximately COP 100 (3 cents) every 5 seconds. In cities like Cartagena, fares are often negotiated before the ride.
Ride-sharing apps such as Uber, DiDi, inDriver, Cabify, Beat, and Picap are popular and offer convenience with real-time tracking and upfront pricing. While Uber has faced legal challenges, it is still widely used. InDriver allows users to suggest their desired fare. Picap offers scooter rides, which are often cheaper than taxis and help avoid traffic.
Public buses and 'busetas' (minibuses) are the cheapest way to travel within cities and for shorter regional trips, though they can be less comfortable and may not have air conditioning. Some major cities, like Bogotá with its TransMilenio, have dedicated bus lanes and organized urban bus networks. Motocarros, also known as tuk-tuks, are three-wheeled vehicles used for short journeys in some urban and rural areas.
