Uber Pickup At Bogota Airport: What You Need To Know

Although Uber is illegal in Colombia, it is possible to get an Uber at Bogota Airport. However, Uber drivers are not allowed to wait around the drop-off zone and must instead park in the lot directly across from the terminal exit. There are three levels of Uber service in Bogota: UberX, UberBlack, and UberVan. UberX is the most economical option and is similar in price to a regular taxi. Ridesharing services such as Uber can drop passengers off at the departure level, and Uber users can request a ride using the airport's free wifi. However, Uber drivers may be stopped by police, and passengers may be asked for their ID.

Uber vs. taxi

When it comes to choosing between an Uber and a taxi for travel to and from Bogota Airport, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that Uber is not an officially recognised transport service in Colombia and, as such, Uber drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers from the airport. Despite this, some people do use Uber to get to the airport or within Bogota, as the app provides a price upfront and you don't have to worry about the fare being increased. However, there have been reports of Uber cars being stopped by the police, with passengers having to leave the car and find alternative transport.

If you decide to take a taxi from Bogota Airport, you can choose between a regular yellow taxi or a white taxi. The yellow taxis are relatively safe, as their plate numbers are noted by an airport employee, but there have been reports of passengers being overcharged. The white taxis are more expensive but are generally bigger and better maintained. There is a booth for these just before the exit of international flights, where you can get a fixed-price quote for your journey.

In terms of cost, UberX is reported to be as cheap as a regular yellow taxi, but the taxi meter system can be a bit complex, as it shows units rather than pesos. There is also an additional airport surcharge for using Uber, which can increase the cost of your journey.

Overall, while Uber can be a convenient option for getting to the airport or travelling within Bogota, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and legal issues associated with using the service in Colombia. Taxi services, on the other hand, are readily available at the airport and offer a range of options to suit different budgets and comfort levels.

Uber levels of service

Although Uber is illegal in Colombia, it is possible to get an Uber ride to and from Bogota Airport. However, Uber drivers cannot wait around the drop-off zone and must instead park in the lot across from the terminal exit. This has been known to cause confusion, and police have been known to stop Uber cars and ask passengers for ID.

Uber offers a range of service levels, which vary depending on location. The basic levels of service are Economy, Premium, Accessibility, and Carpool.

Economy rides are affordable, everyday rides for up to four people. UberX is the most common ride option and is available in most destinations. It closely resembles a standard taxi and is ideal for up to three passengers. UberX Share (formerly Uber Pool) is a similar service where you share the car with up to two other passengers. This is one of the most affordable ride types, and Uber claims you can save up to 20% when travelling with a co-rider. UberX is also available with a car seat option for parents looking for a safe ride with their child.

If you need more room, Uber Comfort offers a step up from UberX, with more legroom and the option to communicate your preferences to the driver, such as temperature presets and whether you would prefer a quiet ride.

Premium rides are higher-end, luxury ridesharing options that will cost more than UberX. Uber Black is the original Uber and is ideal for those seeking a first-class, professional service. You will be driven by a professional driver in a high-end, black car such as a BMW or Mercedes.

For larger groups, UberXL can accommodate up to six passengers or extra luggage. The car is usually an SUV or van and costs marginally more than UberX. Uber Van is another option for larger groups, allowing up to seven passengers.

Taxi pricing

Although Uber is available in Bogota, it is illegal in Colombia as it does not comply with local transportation regulations. Despite this, Uber does operate in the country, and Uber drivers will pick up passengers from Bogota Airport. However, they cannot wait around the drop-off zone and must instead park in the lot across from the terminal exit. There is a risk that police will stop the car and ask for your ID, and you may have to leave the Uber and take a regular taxi.

Bogota Airport, also known as El Dorado International Airport, is the busiest airport in Colombia. It offers several official taxi ranks outside of Terminal 1, located at Exit doors 2, 3, 5, and 6. The taxi exits are well signposted, and staff can provide directions. If you are flying into Terminal 2, the taxi stand is outside the Arrival Hall main exit. This is a smaller terminal, so taxis are easier to find.

Local taxis in Bogota calculate their fares using a taximeter, which is dependent on the time and distance travelled. Usually, the price of a taxi from Bogota Airport to the city centre is around €5.35 (COP 23,800). There is an airport surcharge of €1 (COP 4,400), and an extra fee of €0.45 (COP 2,000) for trips between 8 pm and 5 am, on Sundays, and on public holidays. You will need to pre-pay for your taxi at the airport's taxi counters, which can be found in the Arrivals Halls. This can be done in cash or by credit card.

There are three types of taxi available at Bogota Airport: official taxis, private taxis, and ride-sharing services. Official taxis are yellow and are operated by taxi companies authorised by the airport. Private taxis are not officially recognised by the airport but can be found outside the terminal. These include the "white taxis", which are more expensive but offer more space and comfort. They are prepaid and can be found at a booth right before the exit of international flights (right after Customs check). The agent will ask for your direction, provide a quote, and lead you to the taxi line. The "white taxis" are usually around 30% more expensive than regular taxis and typically cost COP 40,000 for a downtown ride.

There are mixed reports of the safety of taxis in Bogota. Some sources claim that taxi drivers in Bogota are generally honest, while others state that tourists are often overcharged. It is recommended to use the Tappsi app to book a taxi in Bogota, as this is considered the safest and easiest way to get a taxi.

Uber legality

Uber operates in Bogota, Colombia, but its presence is contentious. Uber is illegal in Colombia because it does not comply with local transportation regulations. Uber claims to be an online platform, not a public transportation company, and this has caused issues with the police at Bogota Airport. Uber drivers cannot wait for passengers in the drop-off zone and must instead park in the lot across from the terminal exit. Despite the risk of police intervention, many people still use Uber at the airport, and some sources suggest that it is safer and more reliable than a taxi.

Uber offers three levels of service in Bogota: UberX, UberBlack, and UberVan. UberX is the most economical option and is comparable in price to a regular taxi. The benefit of UberX is that you know the price upfront, and you don't have to worry about being overcharged. The taxi meter system in Bogota is complex, and some drivers have been known to charge twice the price or more. However, it is worth noting that Uber drivers have also been known to charge extra fees, such as an airport surcharge.

If you choose to use Uber at Bogota Airport, it is recommended that you request the ride in advance and notify your driver of your airline and terminal. Keep in mind your luggage requirements and choose a ride option that will comfortably fit all of your suitcases.

For added safety when using Uber in Bogota, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call the authorities if needed. Uber also has a policy of zero tolerance for the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers.

Uber safety

While Uber is available in Bogota, it is important to note that it operates in a legal grey area in Colombia. Uber drivers do not comply with local transportation regulations, and there have been reports of police cracking down on Uber cars at El Dorado International Airport (BOG). Despite this, many travellers continue to use Uber for airport pick-ups and drop-offs, citing convenience and cost-effectiveness.

When using Uber at Bogota Airport, it is recommended to follow certain safety precautions. Due to the legal status of Uber in Colombia, there is a risk of police interference, and passengers may be asked for identification. To minimise this risk, some users suggest using Uber to travel to the airport, rather than departing from it. Additionally, it is important to verify your ride before getting into the car. The Uber app will provide the driver's name, license plate, and car colour, allowing you to confirm the correct driver and vehicle.

Another safety consideration is the potential for price discrepancies. While Uber offers upfront pricing, there have been reports of additional airport surcharges, which may be requested in cash. It is recommended to review the pricing details carefully and be aware of any unexpected fees.

When travelling to and from Bogota Airport, it is always advisable to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. This includes keeping an eye on personal belongings and avoiding walking on the streets or visiting parks at night. While Uber provides a convenient option, it is also worth considering other transportation methods, such as taxis or public transport, depending on your specific needs and safety considerations.

Overall, when using Uber in Bogota, it is essential to stay informed, be cautious, and follow local advice and regulations to ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience.

Frequently asked questions