Henry Horton
The bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta takes around 5 hours, but it's worth planning for 6+ and hoping for 5. The bus first heads to Baranquilla, which is about 2 hours away, and then makes its way up to Santa Marta. If you take a private shuttle, you can cut the time down to about 4 hours.
There are two primary bus companies servicing the route: Berlinas and MarSol. Berlinas is the more expensive option, with smaller buses, but it is generally preferred by travellers. MarSol is cheaper, and the buses are larger, but there have been reports of breakdowns and long waits.
What You'll Learn
Bus options
The bus is a popular option for travelling between Cartagena and Santa Marta. The journey takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops. There are a few different bus companies to choose from, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Here are some of the most popular options:
Berlinas
Berlinas is a popular choice for travellers due to its convenience and relatively low cost. The buses leave every 40 minutes from 4:40 am to 6 pm, and tickets cost around 60,000 COP per person. The journey includes a stop in Baranquilla, which is about 2 hours away. Berlinas buses are smaller than some of the other options, so there isn't a lot of legroom, but they do have air conditioning. You can buy your ticket at the Berlinas bus terminal before boarding. The Berlinas bus terminal in Cartagena is located in the Marbella neighbourhood, and you can get there by taxi. Just tell the driver you want to go to "Berlinas Marbella" or "Berlinas para Santa Marta".
MarSol
MarSol is another option for travelling between Cartagena and Santa Marta. Their buses are larger than Berlinas, and the tickets are cheaper, but there have been some reports of breakdowns and long delays. MarSol buses can be booked online in advance, which is a bonus if you want to secure your seat ahead of time. The cost of a MarSol bus ticket is around 20,000-22,000 COP.
Expreso Brasilia
Expreso Brasilia is one of the larger bus companies serving the route between Cartagena and Santa Marta. Their buses are comfortable and have amenities like wifi and charging ports. Tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal, and the cost is around $12-13. However, there have been some reports of delays and unannounced stops, so be prepared for a longer journey than expected.
Unitransco
Unitransco is another bus company that services the Cartagena-Santa Marta route. Tickets are a bit more expensive than Expreso Brasilia, starting at $14, but they still offer a comfortable ride with a duration of around 4.5 hours.
Shuttle Services
In addition to the regular bus services, there are also shuttle services available, such as the Berlinas shuttle and Marsol shuttle. These are slightly more expensive, but they offer a more convenient door-to-door service. The Berlinas shuttle departs from their private terminal in Marbella, while the Marsol shuttle can pick you up from your hostel. However, keep in mind that with the shuttle services, you will be travelling with fewer people, so if you are among the first to be picked up and the last to be dropped off, your journey could be significantly longer.
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Shuttle services
Berlinas has its own private bus terminal in the Marbella neighbourhood of Cartagena, which is a 15-minute, 7,000-10,000 COP taxi ride from the old town. Shuttles depart every 40 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the office. The journey includes a stop in Barranquilla, and passengers will be dropped off at the Santa Marta Bus Terminal or Berlinas' nearby office. From there, it's a short 10-minute taxi ride to your accommodation in the downtown area. The cost of the shuttle with Berlinas is 40,000 COP, plus the cost of taxis.
Marsol offers a door-to-door service, picking up passengers from their hotels in Cartagena and dropping them off at their hotels in Santa Marta. However, this means that the journey time can vary depending on how many pick-up and drop-off points there are. The cost of the Marsol shuttle is 55,000 COP.
It's worth noting that shuttle services are generally more expensive than taking the bus, and there is limited legroom and luggage space. Tickets cannot be booked in advance, and shuttle services are also subject to delays. However, shuttle services are a good option for travellers who want a more convenient and faster journey.
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Private transfers
There are various companies that offer private transfers, with prices starting at around $170 for up to 6 passengers. The time taken for the journey is approximately 4 hours, which is about an hour less than the bus.
Some companies offer door-to-door services, picking you up from your accommodation in Cartagena and dropping you off at your desired location in Santa Marta. Others have specific pick-up and drop-off points, so it is essential to confirm the details with the company before booking.
When booking a private transfer, it is important to consider the number of passengers and the amount of luggage. Most companies offer different vehicle options, such as SUVs or minivans, to accommodate varying group sizes. It is also worth noting that some companies may have restrictions on excess baggage, such as surfboards or golf clubs, so it is best to check with the operator before your trip to ensure there is enough space.
Overall, private transfers offer a hassle-free and time-efficient way to travel between Cartagena and Santa Marta, providing a comfortable and safe journey for you and your group.
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Taxi travel
Taking a taxi from Cartagena to Santa Marta is a good option if you want to save time and avoid the complexities of public transportation. The distance between the two cities is around 103-104 miles (166-167 km) and the drive usually takes around 3.5 hours.
Cost
The cost of a taxi will depend on your negotiating skills and the number of people travelling with you. A private taxi for up to 6 passengers can cost around 300,000-350,000 COP, which is much more expensive than taking a bus or shuttle. However, if you are travelling in a group, the cost can be split between you, making it a more affordable option.
Safety
There are no major safety concerns when travelling by taxi, but it is recommended that you only use reputable companies and agree on a price before getting into the taxi to avoid any misunderstandings or overcharging.
Where to Find a Taxi
You can easily find a taxi outside the Cartagena Bus Terminal or simply by standing outside with your luggage – a taxi will likely offer you a ride within seconds! If you are in the Walled City or Getsemani, the taxi ride to the bus terminal should cost around 10,000-25,000 COP and take 30 minutes or less.
Advantages of Taking a Taxi
Taking a taxi can be a more comfortable and convenient option, especially if you are travelling with a group or family. You can also ask the driver to stop along the way if you want to take a break or grab something to eat.
Disadvantages of Taking a Taxi
Taxis can be much more expensive than other forms of transportation, and you may encounter drivers who do not follow road rules or drive too fast, which can be concerning for some passengers.
Alternative Options
If you are looking for a more affordable option, consider taking a bus or shuttle. The bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta costs around 28,000-60,000 COP and takes 5-6 hours, including a stop in Barranquilla. There are also shuttle services available, such as Berlinas and Marsol, which cost around 40,000-55,000 COP and take 5-6 hours as well. These shuttles have their own terminals near the old city centres in both Cartagena and Santa Marta, making them a more convenient option than the regular bus.
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Rental cars
If you're thinking of renting a car to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta, I'd advise against it. The insurance will be very expensive, parking will be hard to find, and the road rules are confusing. However, if you're set on renting a car, here's some information that might be useful.
You can rent a car in Cartagena from $29/day, with the average being $50/day. The cheapest rental companies are Europcar, Budget, and Alamo. You can also rent a car at Rafael Núñez International Airport, where the rental car desks are located in the National Arrivals Hall.
When driving in Cartagena, be aware that the traffic can be heavy during rush hour, which is typically from 7 am to 9 am in the morning and from 4 pm onwards in the evening. One of the main roads, Autopista Cartagena-Barranquilla, runs along the coast and connects Cartagena with other major cities. Avenida Pedro de Heredia is another significant road that connects the historic centre with modern neighbourhoods.
Some traffic laws to keep in mind: wearing a seatbelt is mandatory, using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, and there are strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%.
If you're driving an electric car, take note of the locations of EV charging stations. There are several paid charging stations in shopping centres, parking lots, and hotels. A convenient charging station is at the Plaza Bocagrande Shopping Centre in the Bocagrande neighbourhood.
When navigating the streets of Cartagena, be cautious of pedestrians jaywalking, especially in smaller urban streets and residential areas, such as the old colonial area.
If you're looking for a scenic drive, consider heading to Playa Blanca, located just 28.7 km away from Cartagena.
Alternative Options
If you're still considering alternative options to rental cars, there are a few other ways to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta:
- Bus: The bus journey takes approximately 5-6 hours and costs around $15. There are several bus companies servicing this route, including Berlinas and MarSol.
- Private Shuttle: This option is more expensive at around $170 for up to 6 passengers, but it will save you some time, reducing the travel time to about 4 hours.
- Flights: There are no direct flights between Cartagena and Santa Marta, so you would need to connect through another city.
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Frequently asked questions
The bus journey from Cartagena to Santa Marta can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, but you should expect it to take around 5-6 hours.
The bus fare can vary depending on the company and the type of bus, but it typically costs around $12 to $17 USD.
Yes, there are direct buses available from Cartagena to Santa Marta. However, some buses may make a stop in Barranquilla along the way.
In Cartagena, you can catch the bus to Santa Marta at the Cartagena Bus Terminal or the Berlinas bus station in the Marbella neighbourhood.
There are no specific safety concerns mentioned in the sources. However, it is recommended to be cautious when dealing with taxi drivers and to confirm the cost of the ride before getting in.
