Transportation in Colombia
Getting around Colombia
Colombia, with its spectacular scenery and varied destinations, is an exciting travel destination. When planning your trip, one of the most important aspects to consider is transportation. How can you get around this vast country safely and efficiently? In this article, we'll guide you through the different transportation options in Colombia, giving you practical tips to make getting around easier and get the most out of your trip.
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Plane: internal flights in Colombia
When you’re traveling in Colombia, flying is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get around the country (though not the most environmentally friendly). With a well-developed air network, you can easily and efficiently reach the main cities and tourist destinations.
Domestic flights in Colombia are very frequent and connect the country’s main cities, as well as more remote destinations, particularly in remote tourist areas. This allows you to save time and get more out of your stay by visiting several regions in a short space of time. But we still advise you to opt for the bus, as it’s not only more environmentally friendly, but also lets you see Colombia’s beautiful landscapes.
Colombia is one of the countries with the most airports in the world. According to WordAtlas , the country ranks 8th! Of course, some airports are little more than runways, in inaccessible areas. It’s precisely this difficulty in reaching certain places by road that makes Colombia so well served by airlines. Remember that 40% of the country is covered by the Amazon, which has no road network, and then the Andes, which complicates travel.
Which airlines to use in Colombia?
Several national and international airlines operate flights within Colombia:
Are internal flights in Colombia safe?
Colombian airlines, and Latin American airlines more generally, offer the same level of safety as European airlines, so you can travel with complete peace of mind. Only certain routes can be an adventure, with small planes, sometimes with propellers (not the case on the main tourist routes).
How to book an internal flight in Colombia
There are several ways to find and book your ideal flight:
Problems when booking: in certain situations, access to websites or the payment process for online bookings may be hindered. We recommend that you use a trusted, fast and secure VPN service with servers located in Colombia. This will enable you to bypass any geographical restrictions. In our case, we use ProtonVPN.
Train: can you travel by train in Colombia?
When you think of means of transport in Colombia, trains might not immediately spring to mind. And for good reason!
- At present, there is no (or rather "no longer") rail network in Colombia. The country has no regular passenger trains for large-scale transport. Travel throughout Colombia is by air, bus, car or boat, depending on the destination and available infrastructure.
For the time being, if you want to get around the interior of the country, buses are the most common means of land transport, offering extensive coverage of the Colombian road network. Bus companies offer regular services between cities and regions, providing an economical option for getting around Colombia.
It’s also important to note that Colombia boasts superb landscapes and varied topography, making road travel very scenic and enjoyable. Flying and car rental are also options.
One of the few trains still in operation is the Bogotá tourist train, known as the“Tren Turístico de la Sabana“, which links Bogotá to the town of Zipaquirá, famous for its extraordinary salt cathedral. It operates on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It’s an attraction for locals unfamiliar with the train.
Practical information about Colombia
Bus / buseta: travelling by road in Colombia
If you’re a traveler looking for an authentic and immersive experience in Colombia, bus tours offer you a unique and picturesque way to discover this beautiful and diverse country. Buses allow you to discover Colombia’s landscapes while immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions.
Bus travel in Colombia is a popular and widely used means of getting around the country. These intercity buses connect major cities and remote regions, offering travelers a convenient, economical and accessible option.
A “buseta” is simply a minibus (or even a van), often used for short services.
- Watch out for the air conditioning! It's often very strong on buses, day and night, so remember to take a jacket with you.
Bus is the main means of transport
Buses are the primary means of transport in Colombia, for tourists and locals alike. Colombia's bus network is extensive and well-developed, linking major cities, small communities and popular tourist sites. Every town and village has one or more bus terminals.
Book a bus ticket
I advise you to go to the terminal, directly to the counter of the airline you want. Online booking is not well developed. Company websites are not up to date. Although it is possible to buy via the third-party service Redbus, the majority of routes are not listed there. Counter payments are made in cash.
Bus companies (long-distance)
For journeys generally lasting more than 10 hours between 2 distant points, opt for the well-known companies Expreso Palmira, Expreso Bolivariano, Expreso Brasilia, Flota Magdalena or Berlinas. Choose a 2-storey bus and take seats on the lower deck, which are more expensive but more comfortable for sleeping.
Bus companies (short-distance)
For "short" transfers (a few hours) or to/from a village, regional companies operate. You may need to take several buses to reach your destination. Each region has its own bus companies, so it's impossible to list them.
Safety & buses in Colombia
Safety on Colombian buses can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the region, the bus company and driving conditions. In general, bus travel in Colombia is considered to be relatively safe, although drivers do drive quite fast given the state of the roads. Choose reputable companies that make few stops. Be careful with valuables. Purely personal advice, but avoid night travel.
Bus fares
Travelling by bus is the least expensive solution. Here are a few examples:
Bogotá - Santa Marta (18-20h) = between 130,000 and 151,000 COP.
Bogotá - Medellín (9-11h) = between 90,000 and 120,000 COP.
Medellín - Cartagena (1 - 2 pm) = between 160,000 and 180,000 COP.
Medellín - Cali (9-12h) = between 60,000 and 90,000 COP.
Cartagena - Santa Marta (4h) = between 40,000 and 90,000 COP.
Are cabs reliable?
Cabs in Colombia are a popular and commonly used means of transport for getting around the country’s cities, regions and tourist areas. Cabs are readily available in all major cities and urban areas.
Cabs in Colombia are easily recognized by their yellow color and illuminated sign on the roof, and an identification number on the body (usually the door). They are available in all cities and are often a preferred option for getting from one point to another, whether for short trips in the city center or transfers to remote tourist sites.
You can hail them on the street or pick them up from official cab ranks in strategic locations such as airports, bus stations and shopping malls. Although many cab drivers in Colombia don’t speak English, they are often used to carrying foreign travelers and can communicate with gestures and expressions. Today’s cabs are quite safe. Only scams are a risk to be taken into account. The most important thing is to trust your instincts: if a cab seems dodgy, don’t take it!
In Colombia, you’ll probably notice some white vehicles with identification numbers on the doors. These are NOT cabs, but “special services”(Servicio Especial). They are generally recognized because many hotels use them to transport tourists around the city, or tourist agencies on tours. They also have contracts with some private companies to transport employees.
- Always ask the price beforehand: to avoid being ripped off, ask the cab driver for an idea of the price to get you to your desired destination before getting into the vehicle.
- Driver's license: drivers of official cabs have a "driver's card" or license, which is usually located on the back of the front seats. Make sure it's there.
- Official mobile applications: you can call or book an official cab using one of the dedicated mobile applications such as Taxis Libres for certain cities (Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Manizales, Bucaramanga and Cúcuta).
- Cash only: while it's sometimes possible to pay for cabs by credit card in Europe, in Colombia payments are made in cash only. It's a good idea to carry small denominations.
- Ask your accommodation: if you need to travel, especially overnight, it's a good idea to ask your accommodation to help you book a cab beforehand (or even if they have their own transport service!).
- Taximeters: cabs in large and medium-sized cities must be equipped with a taximeter. This is an approved hour meter on the front of the vehicle. Make sure you have one, and that it works.
- Airport cabs: if you want to take a cab directly from the airport (like Bogotá's El Dorado, for example), be sure to get in the cab queue at the exit. Don't follow the touts who offer you a cab.
- Don't slam the door: in Colombia, slamming a cab door on your way out could be seen as a sign of disrespect by the driver. Don't slam the door, but accompany it instead. A little delicacy in this rough world!
- Small cabs: many cabs are small cars like the Kia Picanto Ekotaxi, Chevrolet Chevy Taxi, etc. Be careful if there's more than one of you, as you'll have to squeeze in a lot of luggage!
- VTC applications & services (such as Uber): applications such as Uber are officially banned in Colombia, but are nevertheless very present in the country. There are a host of popular mobile apps, including Uber, DiDi, Cabify, Indriver, Beat and Picap (mototaxi).
- A few photos from Colombia to clear your head between cabs and buses 😉
Car rental
When planning your trip to Colombia, car rental can be an excellent option to give you total freedom of movement and unrivalled flexibility. This vast South American country abounds in breathtaking landscapes, bustling cities and extraordinary natural sites, and car rental lets you explore these wonders at your own pace.
Why rent a car in Colombia?
Renting a car in Colombia offers many advantages for travelers wishing to explore the country.
Freedom of movement: renting a car gives you total freedom of movement to create your own itinerary and explore less accessible areas off the beaten track. You’re not dependent on bus timetables or other public transport, and can totally manage your time as you wish.
Flexibility: car rental gives you the freedom to improvise. While driving, you can discover unexpected places and landscapes along the way, which can make your trip even more rewarding and memorable.
Comfort: traveling by car offers extra comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group. You can store belongings in the trunk and enjoy a private space to relax during the journey.
Access to remote areas (if you’re an adventurer at heart): some parts of Colombia are not well served by public transport. Renting a car gives you easier access to remote destinations and spectacular natural sites.
Is driving in Colombia risky?
Many tourists rent cars to travel around Colombia. However, driving in Colombia is not as easy as in Europe.
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Road conditions: some roads in Colombia can be poorly maintained, narrow or winding, especially in rural or mountainous areas. It’s important to drive carefully and check road conditions before planning your itinerary.
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Colombian driving: Colombians have their own style of driving (overtaking on the right or left; overtaking on mountain roads, etc.). You have to be prepared to deal with them on the road.
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Safety: some parts of Colombia may be subject to safety problems, particularly in remote areas or near borders. Before venturing into less-touristy areas, find out what you can about them. And don’t park just anywhere (risk of break-ins).
- Animals & people: on the outskirts of towns and villages, many locals may walk (or cycle) along roads at night, without lights. Remain vigilant. Beware of wild or domestic animals (especially stray dogs) that may cross the road.
Car rental comparison
Below, a simulation with 3 major agencies in Colombia, made for 1 driver over 25 renting a compact SUV 4*2 manual gearbox (Renault Duster type). Departure from and return to Bogota airport from August 17, 4:00 pm to September 08, 4:00 pm (3 weeks). Of course, depending on the time of year and the type of vehicle required, the price will change. The table below is for information only.
I invite you to do a search on the Rentalcars website to efficiently find your ideal vehicle, within your budget.
Finally, I strongly advise you to take out the best insurance offered by the rental company. It’s easy to have a little problem in Colombia.
Localiza
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Unlimited mileage
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Total insurance (optional) added
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Administration costs & VAT included
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Optional additional driver
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Optional child seat(s)
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Optional 24/7 insurance
sixt
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Unlimited mileage
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Total insurance (optional) added
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Administrative costs & VAT included
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Optional additional driver
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Optional child seat(s)
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Optional 24/7 insurance
ALAMO
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Unlimited mileage
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Total insurance (optional) added
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Administration costs & VAT included
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Optional additional driver
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Optional child seat(s)
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Optional 24/7 insurance
Other transport in Colombia
In addition to the above-mentioned means of transport, there are also the following more localized or environment-specific means of transport.
Transmilenio de Bogotá (bus)
Bogotá does not have a metro system. Instead, the city has an urban bus network, the "transmilenio", which covers the entire city on several lines with dedicated bus routes. It offers a fast, economical and convenient way to get around. You need to buy a card directly from the ticket office (7,000 COP), then recharge it at the various ticket offices (one trip costs 2,750 COP).
Medellín Metro
Medellín is the only Colombian city to have an aerial metro. It's practical, clean and efficient (better than Paris, in my opinion). Its inhabitants are very proud of it. You can visit the city with it, and it's not very complex. To use it, pick up a free "Civica" card at a metro station ticket office and load it. A journey costs between 2,660 and 4,430 COP.
Chivas (DIY buses)
Chivas are colorful, festive buses cobbled together from old Ford or other chassis, and typical of Colombia. These traditional vehicles are fitted out to accommodate passengers and take them on a tour of rural areas, festivals and festivities. Climb aboard a Chiva for a unique experience of music, dance and Colombian conviviality.
Lanchas
Lanchas in Colombia are fast, popular boats for getting around the country's rivers and coasts. They can be found on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as in the Amazon. These boats offer picturesque journeys to places that are often remote and unconnected to the road network. Great adventures ahead!
Colectivos
Colectivos in Colombia are small vans that leave when full. They are used for "short" journeys (in Colombia, 3 hours is a short time) to connect remote communities or to serve areas where regular public transport is limited. Comfort is not top-notch (often more people than seats), but the experience is unique!
Motorcycle cabs
Motorcycle cabs in Colombia are used as an informal means of transport in some rural areas of the country, where there is no real public transport and/or deplorable road conditions. Motorcycle cabs offer a fast, economical option for short journeys. Beware, however, that you'll often be traveling without a helmet. Be sure to negotiate the fare BEFORE you leave.
Motocarros (tuk-tuks)
Motocarros in Colombia are three-wheeled vehicles, also known as "tuk-tuks" or "moto-taxis", which are used as a means of transport in some parts of the country. These small vehicles are used for short journeys in urban and rural areas, and for tourism.
Willys Jeeps
These World War II American military jeeps were widely used in Colombia to transport goods and people in rural and mountainous areas. Today, these Willys Jeeps are used for tourist routes and short trips such as Salento-Filandia.
Practical travel guide Colombia
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