Arrival & Transport

Colombia has several international airports. The three most important for travelers from German-speaking countries:

Bogotá — El Dorado (BOG)

Colombia's main hub and the second largest airport in South America. Direct flights from Frankfurt with Avianca (approx. 11h). Connecting flights via Madrid (Iberia, ~14h), Paris (Air France), Amsterdam (KLM), or Miami/Panama City. The new Terminal 1 is modern and efficient.

Transfer: Taxi with a voucher at the official taxi counter (Airport → La Candelaria approx. 25,000 COP / 6€, 30–60 min depending on traffic). Uber and DiDi also work. The TransMilenio bus is extremely cheap (0.60€), but not recommended with luggage.

Cartagena — Rafael Núñez (CTG)

Located right in the city, only 15 minutes from the center. No direct flights from DACH, but good connections via Bogotá, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City. Ideal as an entry or exit point for a Colombia trip.

Transfer: Taxi to Centro Histórico approx. 15,000 COP (3.50€), 15 min.

Medellín — José María Córdova (MDE)

30 km east of the city in the highlands of Rionegro. Good connections via Bogotá, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. The bus (Colectivo) to the city center costs 15,000 COP (3.50€, 45 min), a taxi approx. 85,000 COP (20€).

Flight Prices (Reference values from Germany)

Domestic flights in Colombia are cheap and often the most sensible option. Distances are vast and bus rides long (Bogotá–Cartagena: 20h bus vs. 1.5h flight). The main airlines:

Airlines

• Avianca: Colombia's flag carrier and the oldest airline in the Americas (est. 1919). Largest route network, reliable, moderately priced. Domestic flights from 30€ one-way.
• LATAM Colombia: Second largest airline, good connections. Similar price level to Avianca.
• Viva Air (now Viva): Low-cost carrier with cheap prices, but extra charge for luggage. From 20€ one-way without luggage.
• Wingo: Budget subsidiary of Copa Airlines. Cheap, fewer connections.
• Satena: State airline for remote regions (Nuquí, Bahía Solano, Leticia). Small propeller planes, adventure factor included.

Important Domestic Routes

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

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.