Barranquilla to Cartagena
Cartagena is undoubtedly one of Columbia’s most beautiful and historic cities. There is so much to see and do here – it’s not to be missed.
Because much of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wandering around and admiring the military architecture is a great way to spend an afternoon. You can explore the fortified walls that used to protect the city, take in the European colonial grandeur, or simply admire the beauty of a town so close to the Caribbean Sea.
Colonial buildings aren’t the only reason to come to Cartagena, though. If architecture doesn’t excite you, not to worry. The stunning beaches, delicious food, and fantastic nightlife are enough to tempt anybody.
Cartagena truly has something to offer everyone. It’s the perfect city break after a relaxing time in Barranquilla.
About the ride from Barranquilla to Cartagena
The distance from Barranquilla to Cartagena is a very manageable 121 km (about 75 miles), making this an easy trip to do in an afternoon. The most popular way to travel between the cities is by road and for good reason.
Route 90A is a magnificent coastal road with some of the best views and amazing stops for a seafood lunch.
Roads in Colombia are fairly well maintained, so driving or taking a minivan would be a comfortable option. Neither Barranquilla nor Cartagena are high up in the mountains, so you won’t have those horrendously bumpy or winding roads that Colombia is known for.
Both Barranquilla and Cartagena have airports. However, this is not a popular flight route yet, so there is no direct option between these cities.
How to get from Barranquilla to Cartagena
So, if you’re thinking, How do I get from Barranquilla to Cartagena? We’ve got you covered. There are a few options to consider.
Traveling overland by bus, minivan, or car are all popular options because the Barranquilla to Cartagena distance makes for a short drive.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights, but it is possible to fly from Barranquilla to Bogota and then on to Cartagena. However, two flights plus a layover definitely makes flying a longer route.
In the end, finding the best way to get from Barranquilla to Cartagena will come down to what makes the most sense for you!
Bus
The bus from Barranquilla to Cartagena is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel. Tourist buses start at $11 and have three departures each afternoon at 4pm, 6:45pm and 7pm. It only takes three hours, so it’s an easy journey for most travelers.
One downside to taking the bus is that it departs from Terminal Metropolitana de Transportes in Barranquilla and will drop you off at the Cartagena Bus Terminal. Neither are particularly central, but taxis know that, so they’ll often be ready and waiting for you when you arrive.
Taxis are also reasonably cheap, so you will be able to get to your accommodation in Cartagena without a hassle.
Even though the location of the bus terminals isn’t ideal, many amenities make taking the bus one of the best ways to get from Barranquilla to Cartagena. The seats are very comfortable, with plenty of legroom by South American standards. Many companies offer WiFi, and seats usually recline, so you’re able to get some sleep on the three-hour journey. There is a toilet on board, so not to worry if you’re a water guzzler.
It is important to note that while you cannot cancel your ticket once it’s been booked, it is possible to change it for free up to 24 hours before departure.
Minivan
Taking a minivan is another way to get from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and it only takes about 2-hours.
You actually have two options with minivans. You can either book a seat on a shared van or book the entire van yourself for a flat fee.
Sharing a minivan is an excellent option because tickets start at $17.25 and have several daily departures. They leave from Marsol Bus Station, located in the heart of Barranquilla, every two hours between 5am and 6pm.
If the idea of sharing a minivan with 10 strangers doesn’t thrill you, or if you’re traveling with a larger group, rent a minivan as a private transfer. So, it’s essentially like hiring a private car – you pay one flat rate.
It costs about $150 for a minivan that seats up to 12 people. This is the price, no matter how many people you share the ride with. As an added bonus, you’d also get to control the route you take and how often you stop.
Most minivans are pretty new, and almost all come equipped with AC, an absolute necessity in the Colombian heat. While these minivans do not have a toilet on board, they will make a bathroom stop halfway through the journey, so fear not!
Car
Your final option to get to Cartagena by land is by driving in a car. It’s the best way to travel from Barranquilla to Cartagena to completely control your journey. You can either arrange a private transfer, including a driver or simply rent a car and drive yourself.
No matter which option you choose, it should take you approximately two hours to get from Barranquilla to Cartagena.
There are three vehicle options for a private transfer: a standard car, an SUV, and a standard two-person car. Each cost about $116 and can be split between everyone sharing the ride.
A standard car can hold up to three people and 20 kg of luggage each. The SUVs take four people, plus additional luggage. There is also a standard 2 pax option.
Hiring a private transfer comes with a few added benefits.
One of the biggest bonuses is that you get to control your schedule and all of your toilet and rest stops. When the road between these two cities is as beautiful as Route 90A, this is a nice treat!
You might want to stop for lunch and linger over some delicious seafood for a few hours, which wouldn’t be possible if you were on the Barranquilla to Cartagena bus. Hiring a private transfer also ensures that you will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. This lets you skip the hassle of taxis to and from the bus terminals.
Renting a car is just as simple.
Like most places you travel, the best place to pick up and return a rental car is at the airport. This is where you will find the most car options and competitive prices. Admittedly, it’s a little annoying to go to the airport to rent a car. But it’s definitely worth it when you consider how much money you can save and the availability of vehicles.
Even though the road from Barranquilla to Cartagena is pretty safe, tourists are advised to avoid driving at night. If you don’t plan to make the return journey, you’ll need to let the rental car company know to avoid hefty fines!
Flight
There are no direct flights because most people opt to drive or take land transport from Barranquilla to Cartagena.
However, not everyone wants to travel by bus. So, flying is still an option.
Internal flights in Colombia are pretty cheap, especially if you book early enough. If you do choose to fly, you would most likely have to make a stopover in Bogota. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to get from Barranquilla to Bogota and the same from Bogota to Cartagena.
Layovers are 1-3 hours, depending on the airline. So with the layovers, it is still considerably longer than simply hitting the road.
Cartagena is such an incredible city that no matter how you choose to get there, you’ll be glad you have time to explore!
