Alfonso Bonilla Aragon Airport sits in Palmira, about 16 km from central Cali. The distance and the fact that you are crossing between two municipalities means transport costs are moderate rather than cheap.
Price breakdown by destination
| Destination | Taxi (dispatch) | Ride-hailing app | Transfer | |-------------|----------------|------------------|----------| | Centro / San Antonio | COP 55,000-70,000 (EUR 12-16) | COP 35,000-50,000 (EUR 8-11) | COP 100,000-130,000 (EUR 22-29) | | Granada / El Penon | COP 55,000-70,000 (EUR 12-16) | COP 35,000-50,000 (EUR 8-11) | COP 100,000-130,000 (EUR 22-29) | | Ciudad Jardin | COP 60,000-80,000 (EUR 13-18) | COP 40,000-60,000 (EUR 9-13) | COP 110,000-140,000 (EUR 24-32) | | Palmira center | COP 20,000-30,000 (EUR 4.50-7) | COP 15,000-22,000 (EUR 3-5) | COP 50,000-70,000 (EUR 11-16) | | Buga | COP 80,000-110,000 (EUR 18-25) | COP 60,000-85,000 (EUR 13-19) | COP 130,000-170,000 (EUR 29-38) |
How the taxi dispatch system works
CLO uses a dispatch counter in the arrivals hall. You tell the dispatcher your destination, they calculate a set fare, you pay, and then walk outside to your assigned taxi. The fare is fixed by zone — no meter, no negotiation. This prevents overcharging and is the safest way to get a taxi.
The dispatch fare includes tolls if applicable. You do not pay anything extra to the driver.
Ride-hailing apps — cheaper but complicated
Uber, InDriver, and DiDi offer lower prices than the official dispatch. A ride to central Cali runs COP 35,000-55,000 (EUR 8-12) depending on demand. However, pickup logistics at the airport can be awkward — drivers may ask you to meet near the parking lot to avoid confrontation with taxi dispatchers.
InDriver lets you negotiate the price, which can result in even lower fares, but requires more effort and Spanish language skills.
Transfer pricing logic
Private transfers cost roughly 1.5-2x the taxi fare. The premium covers a named driver meeting you in arrivals, a specific vehicle type, help with luggage, and fixed pricing. For a couple going to Granada, the transfer at COP 100,000-130,000 (EUR 22-29) versus a taxi at COP 55,000-70,000 (EUR 12-16) is a COP 40,000-60,000 difference (about EUR 9-13).
For families or groups of 3-4, splitting a transfer often brings the per-person cost close to the taxi fare, with much more comfort.
Cash versus card
The taxi dispatch accepts cash only (Colombian Pesos). ATMs inside the terminal give better rates than exchange counters. Withdraw enough for the taxi plus initial expenses.
Private transfers are typically pre-paid online (credit card), so no cash needed at the airport.
Tipping
Tipping taxi drivers in Colombia is not mandatory but rounding up is appreciated. For a COP 60,000 fare, paying COP 65,000 is generous. Transfer drivers appreciate a small tip of COP 5,000-10,000 for good service.