Buses & Local Transport
Overland Buses — The Backbone of Travel
Colombia has an excellent long-distance bus network. The buses are modern, comfortable, and affordable. For overnight trips, there are buses with reclining seats (semicama/cama). The main bus companies:
- Bolivariano: Premium provider, the most comfortable buses in Colombia. Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, snacks. Slightly more expensive.
- Expreso Brasilia: Large route network, solid standard.
- Copetran: Strong in the Santander region (San Gil, Bucaramanga).
- Flota Magdalena: Caribbean coast.
Important Bus Routes
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bogotá → Medellín | 8–9h | 15–30€ |
| Bogotá → Villa de Leyva | 3.5–4h | 6–10€ |
| Medellín → Guatapé | 2h | 3–5€ |
| Medellín → Salento | 6h | 10–18€ |
| Cartagena → Santa Marta | 4h | 6–10€ |
| Santa Marta → Palomino | 2h | 3–5€ |
| Bogotá → San Gil | 6–7h | 10–18€ |
City Transport
- Uber / DiDi / InDriver: Available in all major cities and the most convenient way to get around. Cheaper and safer than street taxis. Uber is technically "illegal," but works flawlessly — drivers sometimes ask you to sit in the front.
- TransMilenio (Bogotá): The capital's BRT system (Bus Rapid Transit). Fast and cheap (2,950 COP / 0.70€), but extremely crowded during rush hour. Usable for sightseeing.
- Metro (Medellín): Colombia's only metro — clean, safe, efficient. The Metrocable gondolas offer spectacular views over the city.
- Willys (Coffee Zone): The colorful post-war jeeps are the official transport in the Coffee Zone. Salento → Cocora Valley: 4,000 COP (1€), departs when full.
Achtung
Do NOT take street taxis in cities, especially not at night. Always use Uber, DiDi, or call a taxi via an app (Tappsi, Easy Taxi). At airports: Only use official taxi counters with a voucher system.
