Getting To Cartagena

Flying To Cartagena

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is 3km from the old city. Direct international flights connect Cartagena to Miami (4h), New York (6h), Toronto, Panama City, and major Colombian cities. Domestic connections from Bogotá take 1h15m and from Medellín 1h.

• Miami → Cartagena: direct 4h (American, Copa)
• Bogotá → Cartagena: 1h15m domestic (Avianca, LATAM, Viva)
• Airport to old city: 15min taxi (~$8–12); agree price before departure

Getting Around Cartagena

The old city is compact and best explored on foot. Taxis (negotiate price before entering) cover the wider city including Bocagrande, Getsemaní, and the marina. Uber and InDriver operate in Cartagena and are generally cheaper than street taxis.

• Old city walking: everywhere within 15–20 minutes on foot
• Taxi to Bocagrande: ~$4–6 (negotiate)
• To Rosario Islands: speed boats from the Muelle de los Pegasos (the marina docks)

Colombia Entry Requirements

Colombia offers 90-day visa-free entry to most Western passport holders. There is no entry fee. Visitors arriving by air must have a return ticket — immigration officers sometimes ask to see it. Colombia requires proof of sufficient funds but rarely checks.

• EU, USA, UK, Australia, Canada: visa-free 90 days
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for entry from certain countries
• Colombian SIM cards (Claro, Movistar, Tigo) available at airport arrivals — excellent coverage