How to get from Barranquilla to Cartagena
Are you currently in Barranquilla and done exploring all the beautiful sights and activities in the city? If yes, Cartagena as the next stop in your tour makes 100% sense. But how do you get from Barranquilla to Cartagena?
Both Barranquilla and Cartagena are known for their stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. However, as a first-time traveler, not having comprehensive knowledge about the travel routes makes sense.
We understand that being in a new place can be nerve-wracking, especially if you aren’t aware of how to get from one place to the other. If you are at Barranquilla wondering how to make your way to Cartagena, Colombia, you are in the right place.
This article will explore all the modes of transportation and additional insights you need to make your trip a memorable one.
The best ways to get from Barranquilla to Cartagena
Traveling from Barranquilla to Cartagena is a pretty common tourist route. Since both cities are popular among travelers, it makes sense that Cartagena is the next stop in your travel diary after you are done exploring Barranquilla.
Following are some of the best transportation choices to Cartagena:
Coach bus from Barranquilla to Cartagena
Buses, especially luxury coach buses, are very common in Colombia and even more common in popular tourist cities like Barranquilla. If you want to travel on a budget, booking a ticket on Expreso Brasilia is a great way to keep things economical yet comfortable.
Multiple buses ply from Barranquilla to Cartagena and you can find the first bus leaving the city at as early as 06:05 AM. One of the last ones leaves at 6:05 p.m. The bus journey usually takes between 2-3 hours with one stop in between.
Cost – The bus fare to Cartagena in Expreso Brasilia is $13, which is one of the most affordable options.
Check out the schedule and book your bus tickets from Barranquilla to Cartagena here!
Private transfer from Barranquilla to Cartagena
Driving yourself from to Cartagena is also a viable option that you can consider once you are done exploring Barranquilla. What’s great about driving is that you get the comfort and flexibility to travel without any restrictions.
Also, the duration depends on your driving and how many times you are stopping along the way. The only tip we’d recommend you prioritize is being safe on the road while you are driving. The last thing you want is to get into a hazard. If you are renting the car, ask multiple service operators before picking one.
The cost for this is variable. If you are driving your car, the only cost you have to bear is the gas. If you are renting, the cost will increase significantly.
Private transfers from Barranquilla to Cartagena operate daily. The journey takes about 1 hour and and prices are around $70-$130
Check out the schedule and book your private transfer tickets from Barranquilla to Cartagena here!
Shuttle from Barranquilla to Cartagena
The in-between transportation option, which is kind of economical and offers more comfort than a public bus is shuttle services. Most of them offer pick-up and drop-off from the hotels, which come in handy if you want a hassle-free travel experience.
Taxis offer considerable flexibility too, which means that you can stretch and plan your timings based on your feasibility and comfort, which is a bonus too.
Cost – Shuttle services are considerably costlier than public buses. Depending on the demand and the operator, the cost can be around $30 per person or more. Always compare the prices before finalizing.
Flights from Barranquilla to Cartagena
If budget isn’t a constraint for you, there are regular flights that ply from Barranquilla to Cartagena, which you can opt for as well.
Since both these travel destinations are fairly popular and have tourists year-round, finding good flight tickets can be a hassle with short notice, so ensure that you book the tickets beforehand.
Cost – The flight fares are one of the most expensive and are generally over $100 per person, especially during peak season.
How far is Barranquilla from Cartagena?
The distance from Barranquilla to Cartagena is around 120 km via Cartagena – Barranquilla y Circunvalar de la Prosperidad, Cartagena-Barranquilla, and Ruta Caribe/Troncal del Caribe. If you are traveling via road, it takes around 2-3 hours to complete the journey, more if you stop more along the way.
Things to do in Cartagena
Since Cartagena is tourist-populated throughout the year, finding relaxing activities and some offbeat places can be a little hard to explore. Following are a few we’d recommend you prioritize:
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Trip to the San Felipe Castle
Once you step foot in Cartagena, don’t forget to explore the San Felipe Castle. This is one of the most famous landscapes and is known for its maze-like tunnels inside. Also, once you reach the top, the breathtaking views of the city deserve a special mention.
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Explore Getsemani
First look at the Getsemani neighborhood looks quite rough but the more you walk down the streets, the more you get acquainted with the local culture and heritage of the place. The place used to be a hub for drugs and prostitution back in the day but now serves as a place that depicts art galleries and quaint cafes along the roads.
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Explore the beaches
Cartagena is known for its wide variety of beaches, so if you want to relax, visit one of the nearest beaches to your hotel, grab some drinks and seafood and you can have a chill time. One of the most popular beaches is Playa Blanca which you can visit.
Getting to Cartagena from Barranquilla
An easy and reliable way to buy tickets fast and at a good price from Barranquilla to Cartagena is gottoGO, you can search all transportation options. Look for buses, shuttles, private transportation around Colombia with a reliable and easy-to-use platform, you can compare prices and schedules as well as do your search online.
Conclusion
Traveling from Barranquilla to Cartagena is a fun and exhilarating experience. With multiple transportation options available, picking one that best aligns with your interest and budget is ideal. Plan things ahead of time so you don’t end up paying more at the last minute due to peak demand.
FAQs
What is the best way to travel from Barranquilla to Cartagena?
If you ask us for a recommendation, we’d suggest opting for a shuttle, if you are on a budget maybe a coach bus. It’s convenient, accessible (vans are available every hour), and safe too. You can look for shuttle and coach options from barranquilla to Cartagena here.
What is the best price to travel from Barranquilla to Cartagena?
If your definition of the best price is the most economical one, bus fares are the most affordable. The fare is around $13, which is a pretty great price for the journey. But, if you want comfort and are traveling with family and kids, rental cars are starting at $70 for the entire trip.
You can look for prices from Barranquilla to Cartagena here.
What to do in Cartagena?
Once you reach Cartagena, plan your itinerary in a way so you can do island hopping, taste the delectable food, and learn more about the history of the place and its people.
Wondering about other routes in Colombia?
