Getting around Colombia
Domestic flights are useful for covering Colombia's considerable distances and for reaching areas separated by mountainous terrain. Bogotá is the main hub, with frequent services to Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Pereira, Armenia, Bucaramanga and other regional centres. Flights also serve more remote destinations such as Leticia in the Amazon and San Andrés in the Caribbean.
Avianca and LATAM Colombia operate extensive domestic networks. JetSMART also serves numerous Colombian routes, while SATENA specialises in connections to smaller and more remote destinations.
Colombia has an extensive road network linking its principal cities and towns, but journey times can be long because much of the country is mountainous. Main highways are paved, but road standards deteriorate in some rural and remote areas. Landslides and flooding can disrupt routes during periods of heavy rain, so check road conditions before longer journeys.
Many major roads are toll roads, so drivers should carry Colombian pesos for tolls, particularly when travelling outside the main cities.
Road conditions vary considerably. Major routes between Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and other large cities are surfaced, while secondary roads may be narrow, poorly maintained or unpaved. Mountain roads can involve steep gradients, sharp bends and slow-moving heavy vehicles, making distances that appear short on a map considerably longer in practice.
National highways are identified by route numbers and form the main intercity network. Departmental and municipal roads connect smaller towns and rural areas. Some important highways are operated as concessions and charge tolls.
International and Colombian car-hire companies operate at major airports and in large cities. To hire cars, drivers need a valid driving licence, passport and credit card. Also, beware that hire companies may impose minimum-age requirements.
A standard car is adequate for major highways and established tourist areas. A higher-clearance vehicle or four-wheel drive may be advisable for remote rural destinations, particularly where roads are unpaved or during the rainy season. Check conditions locally before taking a hire car onto minor roads.
Taxis are widely available in major cities. Taxis are generally yellow, although some cities and special services use other colours. Fares may be metered or calculated according to an official tariff, depending on the city. At airports and coach terminals, use the authorised taxi ranks or booking desks rather than accepting unsolicited offers.
Ride-hailing services (Uber, inDrive, Cabify and other apps) operate in Bogotá and several other major Colombian cities. Availability varies outside the main urban areas.
Bogotá has an extensive network of cycle lanes and is particularly known for its Ciclovía, when many streets are closed to motor traffic on Sundays and public holidays. Medellín and several other cities also have cycle routes and bike-sharing schemes. Cycling between towns is more demanding due to mountainous terrain and heavy traffic on certain highways.
Long-distance coaches connect Bogotá with cities and towns throughout Colombia, with services ranging from basic buses to air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats. Journey times can be lengthy, particularly across the Andes, and overnight services operate on many longer routes.
Bogotá has three principal coach terminals: Terminal Salitre, the main terminal; Terminal del Norte, serving many destinations to the north; and Terminal del Sur, serving routes towards southern Bogotá and other parts of the country. Tickets can be bought at terminal counters or through individual operators and booking is advisable for weekends and public holidays. The three Bogotá terminals collectively serve more than 600 destinations.
Traffic drives on the right. Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and passengers, and motorcyclists must wear helmets. Speed limits vary according to the type of road and location and are signposted. Drink-driving laws are strict and penalties can include substantial fines and suspension of the driving licence.
Car-hire customers should contact their rental company in the event of a breakdown. On concession-operated highways, roadside assistance may also be available through the road operator. For emergencies, call 123, Colombia's general emergency number.
Visitors may drive with a valid foreign driving licence during a temporary stay in Colombia. Carry your passport, driving licence, vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance when driving. Hire companies may have additional documentation requirements.
Bogotá's principal public transport system is TransMilenio, a network of articulated buses operating largely on dedicated lanes, supplemented by regular city buses.
Medellín has a metro system integrated with buses, tram services and cable cars, while Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena and other large cities have their own bus networks or rapid-transit systems.
Taxis are plentiful in larger cities. Traffic congestion can be severe in Bogotá and other major urban areas, particularly during weekday peak periods, so allow additional time for journeys to airports and coach terminals.
Colombia has no nationwide intercity passenger rail service. The Tren Turístico de la Sabana operates tourist excursions from Bogotá to Zipaquirá on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, but it is a sightseeing service rather than part of the regular public transport network.
River transport is important in the Amazon and along parts of the Pacific coast. For example, Leticia is connected by passenger boats with settlements along the Amazon River, while boats provide access to numerous coastal communities from ports such as Buenaventura and Tumaco.
On the Caribbean coast, boats operate to islands and coastal attractions from Cartagena, Santa Marta and other tourist centres. Services range from scheduled passenger boats to locally operated launches. Beware that weather and sea conditions can affect departures.
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