Bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Marsol + Berlinas + Brasilia + Copetran Pullman · ~4 hours via Caribbean coast highway · US$12-25 · Multiple daily
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The Cartagena → Santa Marta route is the standard Caribbean coast Pullman transit — ~4 hours northeast on the Caribbean coast highway via Barranquilla.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — Marsol + Berlinas del Fonce + Brasilia + Copetran Pullmans ($12-25 USD, multiple daily).
Route details: Cartagena to Santa Marta
Travel time
4 h
Distance
220 km
Typical fare
$12 – $25 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily Pullmans on Caribbean coast highway
First departure
Approx. 6:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 5:00 PM
Operators on this route
Marsol · Berlinas del Fonce · Brasilia · Copetran
Pickup at Cartagena
Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena (Crespo area, ~20 min from Ciudad Amurallada by taxi)
Drop-off at Santa Marta
Santa Marta Terminal de Transportes — taxi to El Rodadero beach or central Santa Marta hotels
About the journey
The Cartagena → Santa Marta route is the standard Caribbean coast Pullman transit — ~4 hours northeast on the Caribbean coast highway via Barranquilla. Marsol + Berlinas del Fonce + Brasilia + Copetran are the main operators. The route passes Barranquilla en route + arrives at Santa Marta's Terminal de Transportes for onward to El Rodadero beach or Tayrona National Park.
Travel tips for Cartagena → Santa Marta
- Marsol is the comfortable tourist Pullman option — reserved seats + A/C.
- Multiple daily Pullmans — book a day ahead in high season (Dec-April).
- Bus passes Barranquilla en route — some buses stop briefly.
- Onward to Tayrona National Park — local bus or shuttle from Santa Marta (~1 h to park entrance).
- Onward to Minca — local jeep from Santa Marta Mercado Público (~45 min, $2-5 USD).
- Onward to Palomino — local bus east on Caribbean coast (~1.5 h).
- Caribbean coast climate — hot + humid (28-32°C), bring lightweight clothing + sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
**About 4 hours** on Marsol / Berlinas / Brasilia / Copetran Pullman via Caribbean coast highway.
How much is the bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
**COP 50,000-100,000 / US$12-25 per person** on Pullman.
Which Pullman operator is best?
**Marsol** is the most comfortable tourist Pullman option (reserved seats + A/C). **Berlinas del Fonce + Brasilia + Copetran** are also reliable. All similar pricing.
Can I take a local bus / chicken bus instead?
**Possible but not recommended** — Pullman is the standard for this Caribbean coast route. Local buses exist but are slower + less comfortable for the 4-hour journey.
What time do Pullmans leave Cartagena for Santa Marta?
**Multiple daily — typically 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM** for Marsol + Berlinas + Brasilia + Copetran combined.
Going the other direction?