Top ways to navigate Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is one of the most navigable cities in Colombia.

The charming historic center and surrounding neighborhoods beckon exploration on foot, guiding you through scenic streets, secret alleyways, and enchanting plazas like a graceful dance partner. If you're looking for a quicker option, various transportation methods are at your service, including taxis, buses, and ride-hailing apps like Uber.

Here’s the lowdown on safe, budget-friendly, and speedy ways to get around Cartagena.

Stroll through Cartagena’s historic neighborhoods by foot

Walking is one of the finest ways to experience Cartagena’s historic center, a pedestrian-friendly haven encircled by a sturdy stone wall. You could traverse the Old Town in just 20 minutes, if not for the countless fascinating tourist attractions along the way. Most of Cartagena’s key sites are either within this area or just beyond Las Murrallas (the wall).

Adjacent to Getsemaní, just east of the Old Town’s Torre del Reloj, is equally walkable. Once a working-class neighborhood, this barrio has evolved into a trendy area brimming with boutique hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Each corner reveals vibrant murals, flags, kites, umbrellas, and strings of lights overhead.

Walking tips for Cartagena: Start your journey early in the morning or later in the afternoon to dodge the intense midday heat. If you lack a hat or water, numerous vendors offer both. While Cartagena is considered one of the safest cities in Colombia, it's wise to keep valuables out of sight and take a taxi after dark.

Get there faster by flagging down a taxi

Taxis offer the simplest and quickest transportation in Cartagena. Unlike many larger Colombian cities, it's generally safe to hail an official taxi off the street here. However, if you’re unsure, ask someone at a hotel or restaurant to call one for you. Official taxis are yellow, marked with “Servicio Publico,” and have the license plate number on the side door. Since taxis don't use meters, good negotiation skills are essential—make sure to agree on a fare before getting in. If the price isn't to your liking, simply wait for another taxi.

Taxi fare rates are officially set by law. As of March 2023, the minimum fare for rides around the historic center is COP$8800, while a trip from the airport to hotels in the Old Town costs COP$14500. Additional charges apply for late-night rides. Tipping isn't required, but rounding up to the nearest thousand pesos is a nice gesture.

Tip for getting the correct taxi fare from Cartagena’s airport: At Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), there’s a kiosk just outside customs that provides the accurate taxi fare for your destination within the city. Head to the designated taxi stand outside, and give the fare to the driver at the end of your journey.

Ride-hailing apps are both safe and dependable in Cartagena.

Uber is available in major Colombian cities, including Cartagena, but it’s just one of several app-based services that can get you from point A to point B. Popular options among Colombians include Cabify (which has absorbed Easy Taxi and Easy Tappsi), InDriver, and DiDi Rider, as they often offer slightly lower fares. No matter which service you choose, these ride-hailing apps come equipped with security features that allow you to share the driver's name, vehicle type, license plate number, and your real-time location with someone you trust.

Reach all your destinations using buses

Cartagena’s modern bus system includes four primary routes and several feeder lines. The orange and white TransCaribe buses operate like a metro, utilizing dedicated lanes and specific routes throughout the city. Running on clean-burning compressed natural gas, these buses operate from 6am to 11pm Monday to Friday, and until 9pm on weekends.

Each ride costs COP$3000, but cash is not accepted. You'll need a rechargeable TuLlave card, available for purchase at TransCaribe stations for COP $6000. You can top up the card at most stations or authorized vendors like Giros Colombia.

Sample routes include the T102, which runs frequently from just outside the airport at Calle 70 and Carrera 4 into the city. The T103 circles around the Old Town on its way to Bocagrande and Castillogrande. From the Terminal de Transportes bus station, the X104 goes directly to the city center.

Tip for using the bus in Cartagena: The free mobile app Moovit offers route information and schedules.

Jump aboard a sightseeing bus

Like many cities worldwide, Cartagena features its own hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus service. The red, open-air bus from City Sightseeing passes by 14 different tourist attractions during its 90-minute loop around the historic center, Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Getsemaní, and Manga neighborhoods. Buses depart every 45 minutes from the Muelle de Bodeguita. An all-day adult ticket is priced at US$17, while the two-day pass for US$27 offers even better value. Tickets also include a walking tour of the walled city and free entry to the Esmeralda Museum.

Although it may cost more than public transportation, it's a fantastic way to navigate the city while learning along the way, especially when traveling with young children. Kids aged 4 and under can ride the bus for free.

Set off to nearby islands by boat

Boating is the only way to reach several must-see locations near Cartagena. Located by the waterfront near the Old Town’s Torre del Reloj (clock tower), the Muelle de la Bodeguita serves as the departure point for boats to places like the Islas del Rosario, Playa Blanca, and the Islas de San Bernardo. Avoid the vendors trying to sell you package tours and go directly to the ticket office to buy your tickets. Boats typically depart in the morning between 8 and 10am and return in the afternoon between 1 and 3pm.

If you're planning to visit Tierra Bomba, the nearest island to the city, boats leave from the Castillogrande neighborhood. You can take a taxi or bus R28 to Playa El Laguito next to the Hospital de Bocagrande. On the beach, lanchas are available for transport to Tierra Bomba. Unless you've arranged transport through a specific beach club, be ready to negotiate the roundtrip fare, which should be around COP$20,000. Pay for the return trip when you come back.

Tip for boating in Cartagena: High winds from January to March can make longer boat rides uncomfortable and wet, particularly in the late afternoon. Keep electronics and other valuables in a dry bag.

Only rent a car if you plan to venture outside Cartagena

Getting around Cartagena is simple and budget-friendly with public transportation; however, if you need to drive or want to explore beyond the city on your own, Rafael Núñez International Airport is the most convenient place to rent a car. Most major rental companies are located on-site.

An international driver’s license isn't necessary as long as your home country's driver's license uses the Roman alphabet. You'll need your passport and a credit card to rent a vehicle.

Driving in Cartagena and throughout Colombia can often feel chaotic, especially with the sheer number of motorcycles darting through traffic in urban areas. Exercise caution and avoid driving after dark, as it's harder to see obstacles like pedestrians, bicycles, and animals. When parking, look for a secure parqueadero (parking lot) and always take your valuables with you.

Driving tips for Colombian cities, including Cartagena: Major cities in Colombia implement driving restrictions to alleviate traffic congestion known as Pico y Placa. Vehicles are permitted to operate only on specific days and times of the week, based on the last digit of their license plates. When renting a car, request a vehicle with a license plate that aligns with your travel schedule. Electric and hybrid vehicles are exempt from these restrictions.

Transportation FAQs and considerations for Cartagena

Is walking around Cartagena safe?

Cartagena is considered one of the safest cities in Colombia. The Old Town, Getsemaní, Bocagrande, and Castillogrande neighborhoods are frequently monitored by police. However, petty theft can still occur. Keep your valuables out of sight and stay alert. It’s safer to use a taxi after dark.

Are taxis reliable in Cartagena?

Unlike many other Colombian cities, it's safe to hail a taxi off the street in Cartagena. Licensed taxis are yellow and display 'servicio publico' on the door. If you're uncertain, you can ask a hotel or restaurant to call one for you. Always remember to negotiate the fare before getting in the vehicle.

Is it advisable to rent a car?

If your plans are limited to Cartagena, renting a car isn’t necessary. The Old Town features narrow streets and finding parking can be quite challenging.

Is Uber permitted in Cartagena?

Ride-hailing apps, especially Uber, have faced criticism in Colombia from groups advocating for traditional taxi services, but there isn't a specific law that makes them illegal. Uber was temporarily banned in Colombia after a high court ruled it had breached competition laws in 2020. However, within three weeks, Uber resumed operations by exploiting a legal loophole that allows customers to rent a vehicle with a driver. Still, transit police have been known to stop drivers who lack the necessary special license or a medallion known as a “cupo” for taxi operation. Given that acquiring such a license can cost between US$25,000 and US$50,000, it’s understandable that many ride-share drivers bypass official procedures. Consequently, these drivers face risks, including fines and vehicle confiscation. To minimize attention from authorities, you may sometimes be asked to sit in the front seat.

Transportation accessibility in Cartagena

Navigating Cartagena can be difficult for travelers with mobility challenges due to narrow or uneven sidewalks, steep curbs, and buildings lacking ramps or elevators. The newer Transcaribe buses come equipped with ramps, turnstiles, and designated seating for wheelchair users. However, there's often a gap between the platform and the bus doors, so having a portable ramp is advisable. While some taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs, those using motorized wheelchairs will require private transportation. For further assistance, consider downloading Dinogo Planet’s free Accessible Travel Resources guide.