Cartagena has one of the shortest and cheapest airport-to-city rides you will find anywhere. Rafael Nunez Airport sits just 3 km from the Walled City and about 5–10 km from Bocagrande.
How the taxi fare is set
Cartagena does not leave airport taxi fares to the driver. The District sets them annually by decree, based on a technical cost study by the transit authority (DATT) following the national Ministry of Transport's methodology. For 2026, Decree 0051 fixes:
- Minimum fare: COP 12,250 (up 13.42% on the COP 10,800 that applied in 2025)
- Night surcharge: COP 1,100, between 7 PM and 5 AM
- Fares from Rafael Nunez Airport to each city zone, published through DATT
Because the tariff is reset every year, the only number worth trusting is the one posted at the airport dispatch counter on the day you land. Read the board, pay at the counter, take your voucher.
Prices by destination
| Destination | Official Taxi | Uber/InDriver | Private Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walled City (Centro) | Zone rate posted at counter | App quote | Fixed at booking |
| Getsemani | Zone rate posted at counter | App quote | Fixed at booking |
| Bocagrande | Zone rate posted at counter | App quote | Fixed at booking |
| Castillogrande | Zone rate posted at counter | App quote | Fixed at booking |
| La Boquilla | Zone rate posted at counter | App quote | Fixed at booking |
| Playa Blanca (Baru) | Not served | N/A | Fixed at booking |
Fixed-price private transfer
CTG Cartagena City Center
From€52for 2 passengers
The official taxi uses those fixed airport zone rates. You pay before boarding and receive a voucher. This is the easiest and most transparent method.
Uber and InDriver are slightly cheaper but involve a less smooth pickup process at the airport. Drivers may ask you to walk outside the taxi zone.
What about tipping?
Tipping taxi drivers is not obligatory in Colombia. Rounding up to the nearest convenient note is a common courtesy, but not expected.
Airport to Playa Blanca or Baru
These beach destinations south of Cartagena are 45–90 minutes away by road. Regular taxis do not make this trip. You need a private transfer, priced when you book, or you can take a taxi to the Bodeguita pier and then a boat.
Budget tips
Honestly, there is not much to optimize here. The airport is 3 km out and the taxi fare is regulated, so the ride is cheap however you cut it. Uber might shave a little off but adds pickup hassle. The only scenario where cost really matters is for Baru/Playa Blanca, where a private transfer is the practical solution.
Withdraw pesos from the Bancolombia or Davivienda ATMs inside arrivals — they have better rates than the exchange counters, and most taxis do not take cards.