Bus from Barranquilla to Cartagena
Coach or van · ~2h · $8–$18 USD · Very frequent (every 15–45 min)
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Most travelers ride from Barranquilla to Cartagena to reach Colombia's crown-jewel colonial city, with its walled old town, candy-colored streets, and Caribbean fortifications. The journey is quick and painless: about two hours on a good highway, starting with the broad crossing of the Magdalena River as you leave the port city behind. Vans and coaches run so frequently that the route feels more like a shuttle than a long-distance bus line.
How you arrive in Cartagena depends on your service. Door-to-door vans from Berlinastur or Marsol drop you near the center and Getsemaní, putting you within easy reach of the old town and the neighborhood's hostels and bars. Brasilia coaches terminate at the main bus terminal on Cartagena's eastern edge, a 30-to-45-minute taxi from the walled city. If your destination is the historic core, the vans usually save both time and a fare on the far end.
Route details: Barranquilla to Cartagena
Travel time
2 h 10 min
Distance
120 km
Typical fare
$8 – $18 USD per person
Frequency
Very frequent (every 15–45 min)
First departure
Approx. 4:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 8:00 PM
Operators on this route
Expreso Brasilia · Berlinastur · Marsol (door-to-door vans)
Pickup at Barranquilla
Barranquilla's Terminal de Transporte Metropolitano south of the center, plus Berlinastur and Marsol van offices in the north-side districts
Drop-off at Cartagena
Cartagena's Terminal de Transporte on the eastern edge, or door-to-door van drop near the center and Getsemaní
About the journey
The hop from Barranquilla to Cartagena is the same well-traveled corridor in reverse, carrying a constant stream of coaches and door-to-door vans west across the Caribbean plain. You leave Barranquilla by crossing the Río Magdalena, then settle into a smooth two-hour run on a modern highway before the spires and ramparts of Cartagena come into view. Expreso Brasilia coaches depart from Barranquilla's metropolitan terminal, while Berlinastur and Marsol vans collect passengers from offices in the city's northern districts and drop them close to Cartagena's historic center. Departures run from before dawn until evening, making this one of the most reliable and forgiving routes on the coast to ride at short notice.
Travel tips for Barranquilla → Cartagena
- Pick vans for a center drop. Berlinastur and Marsol vans leave you near Cartagena's center and Getsemaní; Brasilia coaches end at the eastern terminal, far from the walled city.
- Reserve around Carnival and holidays. Demand spikes during Barranquilla's Carnival and Colombian long weekends, so book van seats ahead rather than gambling on walk-up availability.
- Have ID reachable for checkpoints. Highway police sometimes verify passenger documents, so keep your passport or a copy accessible instead of packed away.
- Bring a layer for the air conditioning. These vehicles run cold on the two-hour trip, so a light jacket makes the journey far more comfortable in heavy AC.
- Factor in Cartagena traffic. Arrival times stretch when the city is busy, so allow extra margin if you have a tour, boat, or check-in waiting in the old town.
- Confirm your exact drop point. With door-to-door vans, tell the driver whether you want Getsemaní, the old town edge, or another neighborhood so you are left in the right spot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus from Barranquilla to Cartagena take?
Plan on about two hours for the 120-kilometer trip, with possible delays from the Magdalena crossing, toll stops, and traffic entering Cartagena.
How much does the bus from Barranquilla to Cartagena cost?
Expect $8 to $18 USD. Expreso Brasilia coaches sit at the lower end, while Berlinastur and Marsol door-to-door vans cost more for picking you up and dropping you near the center.
What time do buses run from Barranquilla to Cartagena?
Departures are very frequent, roughly every 15 to 45 minutes from around 4:00 AM until about 8:00 PM, so advance planning is rarely necessary outside peak periods.
Which service drops me closest to Cartagena's old town?
Door-to-door vans from Berlinastur or Marsol drop near the center and Getsemaní. Coaches end at the eastern terminal, requiring a 30-to-45-minute taxi to the walled city.
Do I need to book in advance?
Usually no, thanks to constant departures. The exception is Barranquilla's Carnival and Colombian holiday weekends, when van seats fill quickly and reserving ahead is wise.
Going the other direction?