How to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
If you have always wanted to explore Colombia, the Caribbean side of the country is one that’s often overlooked. The journey from Barranquilla to Santa Marta exposes travelers to the lush greenery, remote routes, and some hidden gems.
Barranquilla, which is a famous commercial hub in the country, is also known for its Carnivals and celebrations. Santa Marta, on the other hand, is known for its sandy beaches and its proximity to the famous Sierra Nevada Mountains.
If you are planning to make your way to Santa Marta, you have come to the right place. This guide will explore it all.
Best ways to travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
The distance between Barranquilla to Santa Marta is a little over 100 km. The two cities are pretty well connected, there are various modes of transportation that you can consider for making that travel experience happen.
The following are the best ones we’d want to highlight:
Coach bus from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Buses ply between Barranquilla to Santa Marta quite frequently and is the most affordable mode of transportation. Several companies are operating between these two cities but Expreso Brasilia is one of the most popular and renowned ones.
Since the distance between these two spots is not a lot, you also get to travel for under $15 when you book a bus ride. The bus has one stop in between where the passengers can deboard and freshen up or grab a quick meal or snack.
Buses from Barranquilla to Santa Marta operate daily and prices are around $13, which is quite economical compared to the other options.
Check out the schedule and book your bus tickets from Barranquilla to Santa Marta here!
Shuttle from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Consider this as a shuttle service because that’s what it is. These services are quite common in Barranquilla and you get to travel comfortably from Barranquilla to Santa Marta without needing to travel in a public bus that might be too chaotic for some passengers.
Shuttle services via a Minivan are also pretty great for people who are traveling with their family and want a more comfortable mode of transportation.
Cost – The cost for shuttle services typically starts from $20 per person but these can vary depending on the tourist season, demand, and the service operator.
Private transfer from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
If you have a rental car that you can drive from Barranquilla to Santa Marta, that’s another way to complete the journey without any hassle. This is a very common travel option that people opt for because it’s a lot more flexible and comfortable way of traveling.
The rental cars are available in Barranquilla and we’d recommend that you discuss with multiple service providers before opting for one.
Cost – The cost is variable and depends on the rental car operator you are opting for and also the kind of car you are renting. Check out the schedule and book your private transfer tickets from Barranquilla to Santa Marta here!
Flights from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
If you can’t afford to spare 3-4 hours via road travel, you can opt for direct flights to Santa Marta. They are, in no way, cheap, so be prepared to spare over $100 for the direct flights.
during peak season, the availability of flight tickets is quite difficult too, which is why we’d suggest you book your tickets in advance.
Cost – Flight tickets also vary in price but a typical domestic flight from Barranquilla to Santa Marta will cost over $100 per person.
How far in Barranquilla from Santa Marta?
The distance via Troncal de Caribe is 105.2 km, which takes around 2-3 hours or sometimes 4 hours to complete. The duration of the travel depends on the traffic and the mode of transportation you take. Flights take less than 30 minutes.
Things to do in Santa Marta
Now that you are finally in Santa Marta, what are some unique and local activities that you can indulge in? Following are a few we’d 100% advise you include in your itinerary.
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Go sailing
We highlighted at the beginning that Santa Marta is known for its beaches and water bodies, so once you are there, plan a sailing trip to explore those scenic views. The best part is that booking a full-day sailing tour is quite affordable too.
Some of the places you can explore during the sailing trips are Tayrona National Park, small and big islands, and jungles.
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Go on the Lost City trek
If you are an adventurer, don’t miss out on the lost city trek. It is often overlooked but it brings you some amazing rewards once you reach your destination. There are guided hikes through the jungle, which are 100% safe to embark on.
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Visit Taganga
If you have a few days in hand, don’t forget to visit the villages in Taganga. It is a fishing village with beaches and some of the most popular restaurants too.
Getting to Medellín from Barranquilla
An easy and reliable way to buy tickets fast and at a good price from Barranquilla to Santa Marta is gottoGO, you can search all transportation options. Look for buses, shuttles, private transportation around Colombia with a reliable and easy-to-use platform, compare prices and schedules as well as do your search online.
Conclusion
We hope our listing of trip options will make the planning process easier for you. The only tip we’d reiterate is to compare the prices before you settle on one.
FAQs
What is the best way to travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta?
The best way comes down to personal preference. If you are on a budget, we’d recommend public buses. You can look for travel options from Barranquilla to Santa Marta here.
What is the best price to travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta?
The definition of the best price is subjective. Irrespective of the mode of transportation, we’d recommend that you compare the prices before booking. Only buses have a standard fare, while other fares keep changing. So, comparing is key. You can look for prices from Barranquilla to Santa Marta here.
What to do in Santa Marta?
Besides the one we have mentioned, you can also visit Playa Grande, try scuba diving and try the local food.
Wondering about other routes in Colombia?
