Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Alcaldía de Cartagena decree 0051 of 2026 (minimum fare and night surcharge); airport-zone fares as reported by travel sites in 2026; Transcaribe fare decree (2026). Hero photo: Kidwiki91, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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Your options
The airport is in Crespo, about 3 km from the Walled City, so the ride is short. Use the official taxi line. Do not negotiate with someone who found you in the hall.
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official taxi | About 20,200 COP to the old town; about 34,400 COP to Bocagrande (2026) | Night surcharge 1,100 COP |
| App ride | App fare | Pickup arrangements vary |
| Transcaribe bus | 3,900 COP | Card-based; little room for luggage |
| Private transfer | Agreed in advance | For groups or late arrivals |
The official taxi line
Walk out of arrivals to the taxi rank. A dispatcher assigns the car. Taxis must carry a tarjeta de control with the authorised fares. The city’s 2026 decree sets a minimum fare of 12,250 COP and a 1,100 COP surcharge from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Reported airport fares are about 20,200 COP to the Walled City and Getsemaní, and about 34,400 COP to Bocagrande. Ask the dispatcher before you get in. I would rather look slightly fussy than pay a story.
Apps
Ride-hailing apps operate in Cartagena, but their legal status in Colombia is unsettled; follow the app’s pickup instructions.
Bus
Transcaribe buses cost 3,900 COP per trip in 2026 and run along Avenida Santander and Pedro de Heredia. You’ll need a card from a station, which makes them awkward on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Cartagena airport to the old town?
About 20,200 COP in 2026, plus 1,100 COP at night. Confirm at the rank.
How far is the airport from the Walled City?
About 3 km, 10 to 20 minutes by taxi.
Should I pay in dollars?
Pay in pesos; dollar rates are usually worse.
