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.
Prices by destination
| Destination | Official Taxi (COP) | EUR | Uber/InDriver (COP) | EUR | Private Transfer (COP) | EUR | |-------------|-------------------|-----|---------------------|-----|----------------------|-----| | Walled City (Centro) | 15,000–25,000 | 3–5 | 10,000–18,000 | 2–3.50 | 40,000–70,000 | 8–14 | | Getsemani | 12,000–20,000 | 2.50–4 | 8,000–15,000 | 1.50–3 | 40,000–60,000 | 8–12 | | Bocagrande | 15,000–20,000 | 3–4 | 10,000–18,000 | 2–3.50 | 40,000–60,000 | 8–12 | | Castillogrande | 15,000–25,000 | 3–5 | 12,000–20,000 | 2.50–4 | 50,000–70,000 | 10–14 | | La Boquilla | 20,000–30,000 | 4–6 | 15,000–25,000 | 3–5 | 50,000–80,000 | 10–16 | | Playa Blanca (Baru) | N/A | — | N/A | — | 150,000–250,000 | 30–50 |
The official taxi uses fixed airport rates set by the dispatch counter. 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 is a common courtesy — for a COP 18,000 fare, paying COP 20,000 is appreciated 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 at COP 150,000–250,000 (EUR 30–50), 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 taxi is already EUR 3–5 to the Walled City. Uber might save you COP 5,000 but adds pickup hassle. The only scenario where cost 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. Having COP 50,000–100,000 in cash covers your taxi and first expenses in the city.