Bus from Bogotá to Cartagena
Overnight coach · ~18–20h · $35–55 USD · Several daily
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Covering the roughly 1,050 km between Bogotá and Cartagena by road is a serious undertaking, typically 18 to 20 hours behind the wheel. Most travelers choose an overnight departure so the long haul through the Magdalena valley passes while they sleep, arriving on the Caribbean coast the following day. Expreso Brasilia and Copetran are the established operators on this corridor, running full-size coaches with reclining seats and air conditioning that turns aggressively cold once you reach the hot lowlands.
Be honest with yourself about the trade-off: a flight between these cities takes about 90 minutes and is frequently inexpensive when booked ahead. The bus makes sense if you want to save on airfare, prefer overland travel, or are moving heavy luggage or pets. Bring warm layers, snacks and entertainment, and treat the journey itself as part of the Colombian experience rather than just a transfer.
Route details: Bogotá to Cartagena
Travel time
19 h
Distance
1050 km
Typical fare
$35 – $55 USD per person
Frequency
Several daily, mostly overnight
First departure
Approx. 6:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 8:00 PM
Operators on this route
Expreso Brasilia · Copetran
Pickup at Bogotá
Terminal Salitre (Bogotá's main intercity terminal, west of the center near Av. Boyacá)
Drop-off at Cartagena
Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena (in the Crespo sector, near the airport, about 8 km from the walled Old City)
About the journey
This is one of Colombia's epic long-haul runs, climbing out of the Andean capital and descending nearly 2,600 meters to the Caribbean coast. Buses leave the cool 8,660-foot plateau of Bogotá and drop through the central highlands toward the Magdalena River valley, following the river's hot lowlands northward for hundreds of kilometers. The route threads past Puerto Boyacá, the cattle-country plains, and on through the Caribbean departments toward Bolívar. The final stretch flattens into humid tropical savanna before reaching the colonial port of Cartagena. Expect dramatic temperature and altitude shifts, long stretches of two-lane highway, military and police checkpoints, and several meal and restroom stops. The scenery shifts from green mountain switchbacks to baking river plains to coastal palms, making the overnight option practical for covering the distance while you sleep.
Travel tips for Bogotá → Cartagena
- Book an overnight departure to make the 18–20 hour run feel shorter — leaving Bogotá in the evening means you wake up much closer to the coast.
- Pack warm layers despite the destination because Cartagena is tropical but onboard air conditioning runs frigid for hours on these long-haul coaches.
- Carry small COP cash for meal and restroom stops along the Magdalena valley, where roadside restaurants rarely take cards.
- Compare against flights honestly since Bogotá–Cartagena air tickets are often cheap; the bus wins mainly on budget, luggage flexibility or fear of flying.
- Keep valuables on your person and use the seat above you for a small bag, stowing only large luggage in the hold with a claim tag.
- Choose a reputable operator like Brasilia or Copetran and buy from the official terminal counter or a verified online seller rather than informal touts.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Bogotá to Cartagena?
Plan on roughly 18 to 20 hours for the approximately 1,050 km journey. Actual time varies with traffic leaving Bogotá, checkpoint stops, road works in the Magdalena valley and weather, so treat any schedule as approximate.
How much does the bus from Bogotá to Cartagena cost?
Fares are generally around $35 to $55 USD one way, depending on the operator, the comfort class and how far ahead you book. Prices are charged in Colombian pesos, so the dollar figure shifts with the exchange rate.
What time do buses leave Bogotá for Cartagena?
Departures run throughout the day, with the first coaches around 6:00 AM and the last in the evening near 8:00 PM. Most travelers pick an overnight service so the long haul passes while they sleep. Confirm exact times at Terminal Salitre.
Which companies run the Bogotá to Cartagena route?
Expreso Brasilia and Copetran are the main operators on this corridor, both using full-size air-conditioned coaches. Brasilia in particular has a strong presence on Caribbean coast routes out of the capital.
Is it better to fly or take the bus from Bogotá to Cartagena?
Flying takes about 90 minutes and is often cheap when booked in advance, so most people fly. The bus is the better choice if you want the lowest possible fare, are carrying heavy luggage or pets, or simply prefer overland travel over flying.
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