Getting Around Cartagena: The Complete Transportation Guide

Navigating a new city can be the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one. The good news: Cartagena has solid transportation infrastructure, and once you understand your options, getting around is straightforward and affordable.

This guide covers every transport mode from airport arrivals to day-trip excursions, with real costs and practical tips.

Airport to City Center

Your trip starts the moment you land. Here are your options for getting from the airport to central Cartagena:

Option	Cost	Time	Best For
Public transit	$1–$3	45–60 min	Budget travelers
Airport shuttle/bus	$3–$4	30–45 min	Solo/couple
Taxi/ride-share	$8–$13	20–35 min	Groups, late arrivals
Private transfer	$28+	20–35 min	Luxury, families

Pro tip: If you arrive late at night, pre-book a transfer. Public transit may have limited service, and taxi queues can be long.

Public Transit

Public transportation in Cartagena is the backbone of local movement:

• Walking is the best way to explore the walled city and Getsemaní
• Water taxis and boats connect to nearby islands and beaches
• Uber is available but regular taxis are more common — negotiate fares

Key Routes for Tourists

• Old Town (Centro) — colonial plazas, churches, and boutique hotels to Bocagrande — modern high-rise beach strip with hotels — The most common tourist route. Direct service available.
• Old Town (Centro) — colonial plazas, churches, and boutique hotels to Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) — Check the latest schedules as routes may vary seasonally.
• Manga — island neighborhood with Republican-era mansions to San Diego — quiet residential corner of the walled city — Express services are usually available.

Transit Passes and Cards

If you are staying more than 2 days, a multi-day transit pass almost always saves money. Look for:

• Day passes — Unlimited rides for 24 hours.
• Multi-day passes — 3-day and 7-day options offer the best per-ride value.
• Contactless payment — Many systems now accept tap-to-pay credit cards.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are plentiful in Cartagena. A few ground rules:

1. Use ride-hailing apps whenever possible — prices are transparent and routes are tracked.
2. If taking a street taxi, insist on the meter or agree on a price before departing.
3. Have your destination written down in Spanish — it prevents miscommunication and scenic detours.
4. Tipping is not always expected but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

Typical costs:

• Short ride within the center: $2–$4
• Cross-city ride: $5–$9

Walking and Biking

Cartagena's central areas are surprisingly walkable. Many of the key attractions — including Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) and Getsemaní neighborhood — are within walking distance of each other in the Old Town (Centro) — colonial plazas, churches, and boutique hotels area.

Walking Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — you will average 15,000+ steps on a full sightseeing day.
• Download offline maps to navigate without data.
• Walk the walled city in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat

Biking

• Bike-sharing programs are available in many parts of Cartagena.
• Dedicated bike lanes exist in some neighborhoods — check a local cycling map.
• Always lock your bike and wear a helmet if available.

Day Trip Transportation

Some of Cartagena's best experiences are just outside the city. Here is how to reach the most popular day-trip destinations:

Rosario Islands — snorkeling and beach hopping by boat, 1 hour by speedboat

The most popular day trip from Cartagena. Reachable by public bus, organized tour, or private car. Public transport is cheapest (around $4 round trip) but takes longer. An organized tour includes transport and a guide for approximately $28.

Volcán del Totumo — mud volcano bath for a quirky spa experience, 1 hour by car

Another excellent option for a day out. Best reached by bus or train. Depart early to maximize your time.

Playa Blanca Barú — white sand Caribbean beach, 1 hour by boat or car

Worth the journey for travelers who want to see a different side of the region. Check seasonal schedules as some routes operate only during peak months.

Pro Tips

1. Google Maps works well in Cartagena for transit directions, but download the offline map as backup.
2. Avoid rush hours (typically 7:30–9:30 AM and 5–7 PM) on public transit if possible.
3. Keep small bills and coins handy for buses and taxis that do not accept cards.
4. Airport pickups booked through your hotel are often competitively priced and more reliable than random taxis.
5. Street food from palenqueras (Afro-Colombian women in colorful dress) is iconic and safe
6. Use TripGenie to plan routes between attractions automatically — it factors in transit times and opening hours.

Budget Transport Summary

Mode	Daily Cost Estimate
Public transit only	$3–$5
Mix of transit + taxi	$11–$18
Taxis/ride-share only	$21–$44

Getting around Cartagena does not have to be complicated or expensive. With a bit of planning, you will navigate like a local by day two.

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