Distance 167 km (104.4 miles) | |
Price range US$13-US$373 | |
Ride Duration Range 3h 30m-6h | |
Earliest Departure 05:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
A bus is the best way to travel from Santa Marta to Cartagena. It’s a scenic ride along the coast that takes between three to four hours. There is a lot of history to explore in Cartagena. You can tour the city and walk the cobblestone streets or you can head down to the white sand beaches and visit the coral reefs. The ideal time to visit and experience dry weather and pleasant temperatures is from December to April.
Fastest bus: 4h
Cheapest bus: US$13
After days spent in the Caribbean paradise, Santa Marta, it’s time to continue your journey and visit the beautiful, antique Cartagena. The historic city is the queen of the Caribbean coast. The preserved beauty of the old colonial walls will leave you speechless. The maze of streets of Cartagena’s Old Town, along with beautiful churches and authentic balconies are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When traveling the 237 kilometer (147 mile) distance between Santa Marta and Cartagena, you have two options to choose from. You can travel with a minivan, or you can drive in a private car. The minivan takes between 4 and 6 hours to arrive, while the car takes a bit less than 4 hours. There are cars available for 3 and 4 passengers, as well as private minivans for groups of 6 to 12 passengers. Of course, you can book a shared minivan ride, too.
The best time to visit Cartagena depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you want to come during the dry and warm season, and also meet fellow travelers, the best time to visit is between January and March. However, if you don’t like crowds, and you’re traveling on a budget, the best time is between August and November. Keep in mind that this is the rainy season, so you won’t be able to enjoy the beaches and other summer activities.
Another thing that may impact your decision are the festivals. Cartagena hosts a number of different festivals travelers visit for. One of them is the EDM festival, Storyland, which takes place in January. Other popular events are a literary and arts Hay festival (January), and festival of Caribbean sweets and treats, Festival del Dulce (March-April).
What you’ll be able to see outside of your window when traveling between Santa Marta and Cartagena depends on what time of the day your ride is leaving. Those who are leaving during the day are in for a real treat!
You’ll mostly be traveling on Troncal del Caribe, a road that occasionally goes along the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Relax in your seat and enjoy the views over the blue waters. If you’re traveling in a shared minivan, your driver might also make a stop in Barranquilla during your journey. If you’re quick enough, you might snap some pictures of the city through your window.
Once you arrive in the city, you’ll quickly learn that Cartagena is one of the most romantic and colorful cities. Take a short walk and soak in the beauty of pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, flowers on every corner, and the friendly Cartagenians.
The food in Cartagena is out-of-this-world kind of tasty, and there are many local street food tours available for tourists. If you want to explore some of the beautiful nearby spots on the sea, Playa Blanca and Islas del Rosario are the spots you’re looking for.
During your stay, make sure to visit some of the most significant historical sites, such as Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the Palace of the Inquisition, the City Walls, and Santuario de San Pedro Claver.
Taking a minivan
Taking a minivan from Santa Marta to Cartagena is a fast and convenient way to travel between these two places. Most trips take around 4 hours to arrive in Cartagena. However, some minivans will make a stop in Barranquilla, and those journeys will last 5 hours and 30 minutes. You can check whether the minivan makes a stop before you book a ticket.
Minivans are equipped with A/C and comfortable seating. They don’t have toilets on board, but the drivers will make frequent stops during your journey. You can choose between a shared and a private ride.
Driving with a private car
For those who need more privacy during their trip between Santa Marta and Cartagena, there are private cars available. Cars are comfortable, and they have A/C. The drivers will make frequent stops during your trip for toilets and rest.
There are cars available for up to 3 or 4 passengers. This is a more expensive option compared to minivans, but it’s a bit faster and more comfortable. Also, when you book a private car, you have the option to choose your departure time, pick up, and drop off locations.
Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena
Cartagena - Any hotel
Parque de la Marina
Cartagena - Hotel List
Cartagena - Any hotel
The backpacker`s paradise of Palomino Beach, Colombia, is the perfect place to rest and recharge during a busy trip. Read our full guide.
From analog cameras to traveler`s checks – nostalgia is great, but we were happy to replace these 5 habits with innovative new technologies.
When we think of the best possible companion to join us on our trip, many different characteristics come to mind. Maybe your potential companion is geeky!
Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.
