Getting Around Colombia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient buses and metros for Bogotá and Medellín. Rural: Rent a car for Coffee Region exploration. Coast: Buses and boats for Cartagena and islands. For convenience, book airport transfers from Bogotá to your destination.
Train Travel
Tren Turístico de Bogotá
Limited but scenic tourist trains connecting Bogotá to nearby areas with occasional services.
Cost: Bogotá to Nemocón 50,000-80,000 COP, journeys 2-3 hours for day trips.
Tickets: Buy via official website or at stations, advance booking recommended for weekends.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for lower crowds and better availability.
Amalfi Train
Restored narrow-gauge train in Antioquia offering rural routes through coffee landscapes.
Best For: Nature enthusiasts, significant savings for group tours over 2+ stops.Where to Buy: Local agencies or train stations, with instant confirmation via app.
Salt Cathedral Train
Tourist line to Zipaquirá's Salt Cathedral from Bogotá, with guided experiences.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for best prices, discounts up to 20% for online purchases.
Main Stations: Starts from Bogotá's Usaquén, with connections to city center buses.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Coffee Region and rural areas. Compare rental prices from 100,000-200,000 COP/day at Bogotá Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage essential due to road conditions, verify theft protection.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 120 km/h toll roads.
Tolls: Frequent on intercity highways, pay with cash or card, total 20,000-50,000 COP per trip.
Priority: Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic on mountain roads, watch for animals.
Parking: Secure lots in cities 10,000-20,000 COP/day, street parking risky in urban areas.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at 15,000-18,000 COP/liter for gasoline, slightly less for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, download offline maps for remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Bogotá during rush hours and around Medellín.
Urban Transport
Bogotá TransMilenio & Metrocable
Bus rapid transit system covering the city, single ticket 3,000 COP, day pass 8,000 COP.
Validation: Use rechargeable cards at stations, fines for non-validation are strict.
Apps: TransMilenio app for routes, real-time tracking, and mobile top-ups.
Bike Rentals
Biciúda bike-sharing in Bogotá and other cities, 5,000-15,000 COP/day with stations citywide.
Routes: Dedicated ciclovías on Sundays, safe paths in Medellín's valleys.
Tours: Guided e-bike tours in Cartagena, blending history with urban cycling.
Buses & Local Services
SITP in Bogotá, Metroplús in Medellín operate extensive bus networks across regions.
Tickets: 2,500-4,000 COP per ride, buy from kiosks or use contactless apps.
Chivas: Colorful buses in rural areas and Cartagena, 5,000-10,000 COP for short scenic rides.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, Zona Rosa in Bogotá or Getsemaní in Cartagena for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (Dec-Mar) and major festivals like Carnival in Barranquilla.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-dependent coastal plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, security features, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities, 3G/4G in most rural areas including Amazon fringes.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 20,000 COP for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Claro, Movistar, and Tigo offer prepaid SIMs from 20,000-50,000 COP with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 40,000 COP, 10GB for 70,000 COP, unlimited for 100,000 COP/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi common in hotels, cafes, malls, and tourist hotspots.
Public Hotspots: Bus terminals and plazas offer free access in major cities.
Speed: Generally reliable (10-50 Mbps) in urban areas, suitable for streaming.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Colombia Time (COT), UTC-5, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Bogotá El Dorado 15km from city center, taxi 50,000 COP (30 min), bus 3,000 COP, or book private transfer for 80,000-150,000 COP.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus terminals (20,000-40,000 COP/day) and airport lockers.
- Accessibility: Buses and metros improving, but many colonial sites have steps; request assistance.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on some buses (extra fee 20,000 COP), check accommodation pet policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for 10,000 COP off-peak, e-bikes common in rentals.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Colombia
Bogotá El Dorado (BOG) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Bogotá El Dorado (BOG): Primary international gateway, 15km west of city center with bus connections.
Cartagena Rafael Núñez (CTG): Caribbean hub 5km from old town, taxi 20,000 COP (15 min).
Medellín José María Córdova (MDE): Regional airport 40km from city, shuttle 30,000 COP (45 min).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (Dec-Mar) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Panama or Miami and taking short flight to Colombia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air serve domestic and international routes affordably.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 10,000-20,000 COP, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural and small shops.
- Contactless Payment: Growing in urban areas, Apple Pay and Google Pay available in major spots.
- Cash: Essential for buses, markets, and tips, keep 200,000-500,000 COP in small bills.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants if not included, round up taxis for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchanges with poor rates.