Ruth Haines
If you're travelling to Cartagena, Colombia, you'll likely arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). The airport is located 6 km southwest of the city centre, and it takes around 20 minutes to reach by car or taxi. While there are several transport options available, taking a taxi is the easiest and most convenient way to get to the city centre. Taxis are available 24/7 and offer door-to-door services, making them a comfortable and affordable choice. The airport has a designated taxi waiting area, and you can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Cabify, and InDriver. However, it's important to be cautious of taxi drivers overcharging, especially for foreign tourists. To avoid this, you can use a kiosk outside the customs area to generate the correct taxi fare for your destination, ensuring you pay the right price.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taxi availability | Taxis are readily available at the airport and can be hailed throughout the city. |
| Ease of use | Taxis are considered a convenient and easy way to get to and from the airport. |
| Cost | Taxi fares are regulated and considered inexpensive, with a 20-minute trip to the city centre costing around €4 (COP 20,430). |
| Payment methods | Cash is the most reliable form of payment, and some taxis may also accept card payments. |
| Alternatives | Ride-share apps such as Uber, Cabify, and InDriver are also popular and offer added security features. Buses are another option but are often crowded. |
| Renting a car | The airport has major rental companies on-site, and an international driver's license is not required if your home country's license uses the Roman alphabet. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Taxi fares and payment methods
Taxi fares from Cartagena Airport to the city centre are calculated using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. On average, a 20-minute trip from the airport to the city centre costs around €4 (COP 20,430). However, an additional fee is applied for night-time trips (between 8 pm and 5 am) and weekends, bringing the fare to approximately €6 (COP 30,650).
It is recommended to pre-book your private Cartagena Airport transfer with companies like Welcome Pickups to get a competitive, set rate with no hidden charges. Welcome Pickups provides modern sedans for groups of up to three people and spacious minivans for larger groups of up to six people. They offer a trustworthy service with local, English-speaking drivers who can help with your luggage and provide insider tips on Cartagena.
Official cabs in Cartagena are yellow with a number and a "servicio public" plate. Cab fares are regulated, with fixed rates based on zones. Fares are higher at night. It is essential to agree on the price with the driver before starting your ride and to have cash on hand, as not all taxis accept card payments. Having a variety of bill denominations is helpful in case the driver cannot provide change for larger bills.
While taxi transportation is encouraged at the airport, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are also popular in Cartagena. These apps remove the need for price negotiations and provide peace of mind through registered rides.
Laptops at Airports: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ride-share apps
While taxis are readily available at Cartagena Airport, ride-share apps are also a popular option for getting to and from the airport.
Uber
Uber is available in Cartagena and is a good option for those who are already familiar with the app. It is one of the most popular ride-share apps in the city, along with Cabify and InDriver. Uber is known for its added security features, such as the ability to share the driver's name, vehicle type, and license plate number, as well as your real-time location with someone else. This can be especially reassuring when travelling in a new city or country.
Cabify
Cabify is another ride-share app that is widely used in Spanish-speaking countries, including Colombia. The app has a different interface in Colombia compared to other countries, showing a price range rather than a single fixed price. This can be a good option for those who speak Spanish and want to try a different service.
InDriver
InDriver is another ride-share app that is mentioned as an option for getting around Cartagena. It is said to be popular with locals because the fares tend to be lower than those of other apps.
DiDi Rider
DiDi Rider is also mentioned as a popular ride-share app in Colombia, with lower fares than some competitors.
Pre-booking with a reputable company
If you prefer to pre-book your airport transfer with a reputable international company that provides English-speaking drivers, you can consider using a service like Welcome Pickups. This option may offer more peace of mind and a set rate for your trip.
Vaping and Airport Security: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Taxi Driver (40th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/9156s8gllbL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Bus services
Cartagena Airport, officially known as Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), is located about 4 miles from the city centre. While cabs are readily available at the airport, there are several bus services that travellers can use to get to the city centre and other destinations.
The cheapest way to get from Cartagena Airport to the city centre is by bus. The ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus stop is on Calle 70 and Carrera 4, one block from the airport. The only Transcaribe line that stops there is the T102, so you won't get lost. The bus rate is 3,000 COP ($0.60). There are two stops that are equally close to the city centre: 'Parque Apolo' and 'Boquete San Diego'. Alternatively, you can simply ask for 'Centro' or 'San Diego', and the driver or other passengers will help you get off at the right stop. TransCaribe operates buses from Bomba Terpel to Iglesia Cristo Rey every 10 minutes, and the journey takes 2 minutes. Guianza Express also services this route on demand.
Another bus option is the "Metrocar" buses, which are large white and green buses. The service is fairly regular to and from the city centre and operates daily from 6:50 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. The ride takes approximately 40 minutes.
Cartagena also has a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus service operated by City Sightseeing. The red open-air bus cruises past 14 different tourist sites during its 90-minute loop around the historic centre and the Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Getsemaní, and Manga neighbourhoods. Tours depart every 45 minutes from the Muelle de Bodeguita. An adult ticket for the day costs $19, while a two-day pass costs $54 and includes entrance to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress and a sunset catamaran cruise.
It is worth noting that bus travel in Cartagena may be challenging if you have large luggage, as the buses can be crowded. Additionally, to pay the correct bus fare, you may need a public transport card, which you can purchase at the SuperGIROS shop on Calle 70 and Carrera 2.
CBD Oil and Airport Security: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Taxi Driver (Collector's Edition) [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81STR+cQtEL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Car rental
While taxis are readily available at Cartagena Airport, you may prefer to rent a car. The airport is the most convenient place to do so, with most major rental companies on-site.
To rent a car, you will need a valid driver's license from your home country (as long as it uses the Roman alphabet), your passport, and a credit card. You can use the Rental Cars comparator to get a complete overview of the different rental companies in Colombia and compare rental offers.
Driving in Cartagena can feel hectic, especially with the large number of motorcycles on the roads. Drive with caution and avoid travelling after dark, as it can be hard to spot obstacles such as pedestrians, bicycles, and animals. When parking, find a secure parking lot and take your valuables with you.
It's also worth noting that larger Colombian cities have a driving restriction scheme called Pico y Placa, which you should look into before your trip.
Best Ways to Get to the Airport
You may want to see also
Travel time to the city centre
The Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena is located 6 km southwest of the city centre. The travel time from the airport to the city centre is approximately 20 minutes by car or taxi. Taxis in Cartagena are abundant, inexpensive, and easy to flag down. They are scattered around the city and serve as a convenient and efficient way to get around. The airport has a designated taxi waiting area outside the terminal building, making it easy for arriving passengers to grab a cab.
Taxi fares in Cartagena are regulated and calculated using a taximeter based on the time and distance travelled. On average, a 20-minute trip from the airport to the city centre costs around €4 (COP 20,430). However, there is an additional fee for night-time trips between 8 pm and 5 am and on weekends, increasing the fare to approximately €6 (COP 30,650). It is recommended to have cash on hand when taking a taxi, as not all drivers accept card payments.
When taking a taxi in Cartagena, it is important to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the ride. There is a kiosk outside the customs area at the airport where you can input your destination to get a ticket with the correct fare. This helps to ensure that you are not overcharged. While taxi drivers in Cartagena have a reputation for overcharging, the kiosk system provides a convenient way to get a fair price for your ride.
In addition to traditional taxis, ride-sharing apps such as Uber, Cabify, and InDriver are also popular in Cartagena. These apps offer added security features, such as the ability to share the driver's information and your real-time location with someone else. They can be a good alternative if you prefer a more modern and familiar way to get around the city.
How to Get Airport on Your iMac
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cabs are available at Cartagena Airport and are the recommended mode of transport to the city centre.
You can find the taxi rank outside the terminal building in the designated waiting area.
Fares are regulated by zone and are higher at night. The average fare for a 20-minute trip to the city centre is €4 (COP 20,430).
There is a kiosk outside customs where you can input your destination and it will print a ticket with the correct price. You then hand this to the driver at the end of your journey.
Yes, you can take a bus or rent a car from the airport. Ride-share apps such as Uber, Cabify, and InDriver are also available in Cartagena, but there is no designated pick-up point at the airport.
