How to Get Around Cartagena

How transport works in Cartagena

Walled City + Getsemaní are walkable + best explored on foot; carriage rides (US$15–25) at night are touristy but atmospheric. Taxis flag-down COP 8,000–20,000 in centre (agree fare — no meters); Uber + InDriver + DiDi all work. TransCaribe BRT to Bocagrande + Manga COP 3,000. Boats to Rosario Islands + Barú from Muelle de la Bodeguita COP 60,000–120,000 return (30–60 min). Rafael Núñez airport (CTG) 5 km — 15 min taxi COP 15,000–25,000.

Your options compared

• Walking

  Walled City + Getsemaní walkable + best explored on foot; carriage rides evenings US$15–25.

• Taxi / Uber / InDriver

  COP 8,000–20,000 in centre — agree fare in advance (no meters) or use apps.

• TransCaribe BRT

  Bus rapid transit to Bocagrande + Manga + Villa Estrella — COP 3,000.

• Boat

  Rosario Islands + Barú from Muelle de la Bodeguita COP 60,000–120,000 return.

Passes and tickets

No integrated transit pass — pay individual TransCaribe rides or use Uber.

Local transport tips

Heat + humidity intense — walk sights before 10am + after 4pm; drink water constantly.

Arriving from the airport

• Rafael Núñez (CTG)

  15 min taxi COP 15,000–25,000 (US$4–6); Uber + InDriver COP 12,000–18,000; complimentary hotel pickup common.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Cartagena a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.