Navigating Colombia: From Buses to Bicycles

Spanning nearly twice the size of Texas, Colombia is an expansive country. With the Andes Mountains running through it and over 70% of its land covered by dense forests, traversing this region on land can be quite challenging.

Fortunately, Colombia offers a robust transportation network that facilitates travel across vast distances with relative ease—though fitting all the country's highlights into a single trip can be quite difficult.

While some remote areas should be approached with caution due to ongoing guerrilla or paramilitary activities, exploring Colombia is safer than ever. Most travelers opt for a mix of budget-friendly domestic flights, economical long-distance buses, and affordable local transport, which is often essential for reaching some rural areas.

No matter how you choose to travel, navigating Colombia is an adventure in itself, and utilizing public transport should be a key part of any journey through this vibrant South American country.

Flying saves time but has environmental impacts.

With a surge of budget airlines emerging in Colombia, transforming long bus trips into quick flights has never been easier. EasyFly leads the way in affordable air travel, with ticket prices often comparable to bus fares, making domestic flights both a time-efficient and economical choice—though it’s important to consider the environmental footprint.

Keep in mind that prices can soar during December and January as Colombians flock to the Caribbean for vacations. Popular spots like Cartagena, San Andrés, and Santa Marta are particularly affected. It's usually wise to book in advance, but occasionally you can snag good last-minute deals.

For many isolated coastal and Amazon areas, flying is often the only viable option, with destinations like Leticia, Nuquí, and La Macarena still lacking road access. Most flights are operated by the state-run airline Satena, utilizing smaller jets and ATR turboprop aircraft.

Buses serve as the backbone of public transportation in Colombia.

As is common in many South American nations, buses are the primary means of transportation in Colombia. Most towns feature a central bus terminal from which large public buses depart for various destinations nationwide. If you’re on a backpacker budget, opting for overnight buses can save you on accommodation costs and help your funds last longer.

For the nine-hour journey from Medellín to Bogotá, expect to pay around COP$65,000, while the 11-hour trip from Bogotá to Cali will cost approximately COP$80,000. However, this affordability comes with its challenges. On most bus rides in Colombia, you can anticipate loud music that might threaten your hearing or disturbingly violent films playing throughout the trip.

Earplugs are essential, and it's wise to pack sufficient snacks and drinks for the lengthy journey. The air conditioning is usually set to frigid levels, so bring warm layers, even if you’re traveling in warmer regions. Keep your passport close, as you might need to present ID at military checkpoints along the way.

Colombia's winding mountain roads can be quite challenging, and bus drivers tend to accelerate on open stretches, so it's wise to have a strong stomach or carry anti-nausea medication to combat motion sickness. Stay vigilant with your belongings—avoid displaying expensive cameras or smartphones and refrain from storing valuables in under-bus luggage or overhead compartments. Keep your important items close at your feet where you can always keep an eye on them.

Selecting a bus company

Not all bus companies offer the same level of service. While traveling in Colombia has become safer in recent years, it's advisable to book with one of the more reputable and pricier bus companies like Expreso Bolivariano and Flota Occidental for long-distance trips instead of opting for cheaper alternatives.

On these premium services, buses refrain from picking up passengers along the way, minimizing the risk of hijacking (though this is rare). These buses offer more legroom, operational restrooms, and sometimes even Wi-Fi, plus they are more likely to adhere to schedules and ensure timely arrivals at your destination.

Colectivos and chivas are ideal for brief trips in rural Colombia

For quick trips between regional spots, the fastest option is often a buseta or colectivo—terms used interchangeably for a minivan, typically packed with people alongside their luggage and sometimes even livestock. Due to their compact size and speed, these vehicles can cover shorter distances between towns and cities much quicker than larger buses, charging a slight premium as a result. Occasionally, colectivos may also operate as shared taxis for just four passengers.

Fares are usually paid directly to the driver, who sets the price, and the vehicle won’t depart until it's full. It's advisable to seek out a vehicle with passengers already aboard that is nearly ready to leave, rather than committing your luggage to an empty one.

In the coffee region, you might come across vintage Willys Jeeps—small 4WD vehicles accommodating a couple of passengers in the front, with more hanging on at the back, though this can be an exhilarating travel option. The iconic chiva—colorful but aging local buses with seating inside and on the roof—remain a staple in rural areas, often seen crawling up mountain roads or available for rent as lively party buses in larger cities.

Public transportation in Colombia is both safe and effective

In the major cities of Colombia, you can expect reliable and clean public transport options. Bogotá features the TransMilenio bus system, which utilizes dedicated bus lanes (the TransMi App is excellent for route navigation). In Cali, you'll find the Masivo Integrado de Occidente (Mio), which operates in a similar fashion.

Medellín takes pride in its Metro, which seamlessly connects with the Metroplús bus system and the Metrocable cable car. The latter ascends into the hills surrounding the city and offers breathtaking views worth experiencing.

To use any of these transportation modes, you’ll need a rechargeable card specific to that city, usually available for purchase at stations and, in Bogotá's case, at El Dorado International Airport.

Using an app is the most secure way to request a taxi in Colombia

Many areas in Colombian cities can be risky after dark, making it wise to opt for a taxi instead of walking back to your lodging at night. Apps like Easy Taxi and Uber (which is currently navigating regulatory challenges but remains operational) have significantly enhanced taxi safety in Colombia.

Yellow cabs are readily available for street hailing in all Colombian cities and usually operate on a meter. However, using an app can help prevent overcharging when settling the fare. If you decide to hail a cab on the street, it's better to head to a taxi rank instead of trying to stop a moving car. While thefts are rare, they can occur, so it’s a good idea to take a photo of the taxi’s license plate before getting in and share it with someone for your safety.

In urban areas, taxis generally use a meter, but fares in Bogotá can be particularly complex. Instead of showing the total price, the meter starts at 25, and you’ll need to refer to a tariff sheet located on the back of the passenger seat to understand the fare.

To navigate this complex fare system more easily, consider downloading the Calculadora de Tarifas app or check with your hotel about typical fares. It’s also advisable to confirm the price with the driver before getting into the car, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where taxis typically do not use meters; agreeing on the fare beforehand is standard practice.

Cycling in Colombia is a thrilling adventure

Colombia ranks among Latin America’s top destinations for cycling, with many locals enjoying rides on two wheels. Although the challenging terrain may test your stamina, cycling throughout Colombia offers an exhilarating experience. You’ll find numerous bike shops across the country where you can rent a bike or get repairs for your own.

If you're in Bogotá on a Sunday, join the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians as the city shuts down 120 km (75 miles) of roads for the weekly Ciclovía event, allowing everyone to enjoy the streets car-free.

Boats race along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts

Traveling by lancha (boat) is often the quickest and most picturesque way to reach secluded settlements, hidden beaches, and stunningly remote islands along the Caribbean and Pacific shores. For instance, the beautiful Islas del Rosario can only be accessed by boat from Cartagena, while chartered speedboats are necessary to reach some of the most scenic areas in Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.

You can typically arrange boat trips at the harbor of the nearest town to your intended destination. Departure may be delayed until the captain feels he has gathered enough passengers to make the journey worthwhile.

Transportation options in Colombia are accessible

Colombia poses challenges for travelers with disabilities, as accessible transport options are limited. While Bogotá’s TransMilenio system offers wheelchair accessibility with designated spaces on buses, wheelchair-friendly transportation is uncommon elsewhere in the country. It's advisable to bring a portable ramp in case the bus stops away from the curb.

In most cities, wheelchair-accessible taxis are either rare or nonexistent, so it's recommended to use a folding manual wheelchair or a small collapsible travel scooter that fits in the trunk (you will need to transfer yourself into the vehicle). Few long-distance buses accommodate wheelchairs, making flights a better option. For additional details, consider downloading Dinogo Planet’s free Accessible Travel Resources guide.