Getting Around Cartagena: Transport Guide for Visitors

Cartagena’s walled Old City is compact, colourful, and entirely walkable — the main attractions, restaurants, and colonial architecture are all within a 30-minute stroll. Beyond the walls, the modern Bocagrande neighbourhood, Getsemaní, and the beaches require short taxi rides or bus trips. The city is hot and humid year-round, which makes walking during midday challenging, and the surrounding attractions (Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, the Mud Volcano) require boat trips or organised excursions. Taxis are cheap and Uber works well despite its complicated legal status.

1. Walking in the Old City

The walled Old City (Centro Histórico) and Getsemaní are best explored on foot. The colonial streets are narrow, shaded, and packed with architecture, plazas, and street life. From the Clock Tower to San Felipe Castle is about 20 minutes. The wall walk (murallas) circling the old city is a highlight. Getsemaní, once gritty and now the coolest neighbourhood, is directly outside the walls. Wear comfortable shoes on the cobblestones. The heat is intense — walk early morning or late afternoon and carry water.

2. Taxis

Yellow taxis are the most practical transport for getting beyond the Old City. Taxis do not use meters — negotiate the fare before getting in. Standard fares: Old City to Bocagrande 10,000-15,000 COP; Old City to the airport 25,000-35,000 COP. Official taxis have visible registration numbers and are generally safe. Avoid unmarked cars. Fares increase slightly at night. Your hotel can call a trusted taxi — this is more reliable than street hails for longer trips.

3. Uber and InDriver

Uber operates in Cartagena in a legal grey area but is widely used by locals and tourists. Fares are similar to taxis but with transparent pricing and card payment. InDriver (where you propose a fare) is also popular. Many drivers ask you to sit in the front seat to avoid looking like a ride-hail pickup. The apps are the safest and most transparent way to get around outside the Old City. Wi-Fi or a local SIM is needed.

4. Boat Trips to Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands — a stunning archipelago 45 minutes by boat — are Cartagena’s premier beach excursion. Boats depart from the Muelle de los Pegasos or Muelle de la Bodeguita. Day trips cost 80,000-200,000 COP including lunch and snorkelling. Playa Blanca on Barú Island is closer (1 hour, 50,000-100,000 COP). Book through your hotel or waterfront tour operators. Boats can be crowded and loud — private speedboats are available for groups at higher prices.

5. TransCaribe (Bus Rapid Transit)

Cartagena’s BRT system runs modern buses on dedicated lanes connecting the suburbs to the city centre. Useful for reaching areas like Bazurto Market and the bus terminal. Fare is 2,800 COP per ride using a rechargeable card. Not essential for tourists staying in the Old City but efficient for getting to less-touristed neighbourhoods. Buses are clean and air-conditioned. The system is still expanding.

6. Cycling

Cartagena is flat and bikeable, with growing bike infrastructure. Bike rentals are available in the Old City from 30,000-50,000 COP/day. The ride along the Bocagrande seafront to the Old City is pleasant. However, traffic is chaotic outside the walled city and the heat makes cycling exhausting during midday. Best for early morning or sunset rides. E-bikes are increasingly available. The Manga neighbourhood and Castillogrande are pleasant cycling areas.

Transport Tips for Cartagena

The Old City is small enough that you rarely need transport within it. Agree on taxi fares before getting in — having your hotel write down the standard fare to your destination helps avoid overcharging. The airport is 15 minutes from the Old City (25,000-35,000 COP by taxi). Carry small bills — taxi drivers rarely have change for 50,000 COP notes. Uber works well but use discretion. The Muelle de los Pegasos is the main departure point for island boats. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas outside the Old City at night.

Frequently Asked Questions