Bus from Palomino to Riohacha
Minibus · ~1h 30m · $4–$10 USD · Frequent (every 30–60 min)
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Continuing east from Palomino, the short bus to Riohacha is the natural next step for anyone working their way toward La Guajira's deserts. In about ninety minutes you leave behind Palomino's green riverbanks and jungle-backed beach and cross into the arid landscape of Colombia's far northeast, where cactus and scrub replace the rainforest of the Sierra Nevada. The ride is quick, cheap, and frequent, making it one of the simplest legs on the eastern coast.
Because Palomino has no terminal, the trip starts at the highway: walk up to the Troncal del Caribe and flag any eastbound vehicle marked toward Riohacha or La Guajira. Almost everything heading that way will stop. You arrive at Riohacha's central terminal, steps from the seafront malecón and the tour offices that arrange onward 4x4 trips to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, so try to land with enough daylight to sort the next stage of your desert journey.
Route details: Palomino to Riohacha
Travel time
1 h 30 min
Distance
95 km
Typical fare
$4 – $10 USD per person
Frequency
Frequent (every 30–60 min)
First departure
Approx. 5:30 AM
Last departure
Approx. 6:00 PM
Operators on this route
Cootragua (minibus) · Expreso Brasilia
Pickup at Palomino
Palomino highway entrance on the Troncal del Caribe, flagging eastbound minibuses toward La Guajira
Drop-off at Riohacha
Riohacha's Terminal de Transportes near the center, a short walk or moto-taxi from the seafront and tour offices
About the journey
Palomino to Riohacha is a short eastbound hop that links the backpacker beach town to the gateway of La Guajira. There is no station in Palomino, so you flag an eastbound minibus or Expreso Brasilia coach from the Troncal del Caribe at the edge of town. The 95-kilometer ride takes around an hour and a half, crossing into the dry, cactus-studded scrubland of La Guajira as the lush Sierra Nevada foothills fall away behind. Vehicles run frequently, dropping passengers at Riohacha's central terminal near the seafront. For travelers chaining the coast together, this is the easy connecting leg between Palomino's hammocks and rivers and the desert adventures that begin in Riohacha.
Travel tips for Palomino → Riohacha
- Flag eastbound buses from the highway. Palomino has no station, so stand at the Troncal del Caribe entrance and wave down any minibus or coach heading toward Riohacha.
- Arrive with daylight for La Guajira. Onward desert transport to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas is arranged in Riohacha, so aim to get in by early afternoon.
- Carry small peso notes and water. Fares are paid in cash to the conductor, and stocking up on water before the dry Guajira stretch is wise.
- Keep your passport reachable. As you enter the border department of La Guajira, checkpoints become more common, so have your documents accessible.
- Travel light in the cabin. On minibuses your large bag may ride in the rear, so keep valuables and documents in a daypack with you.
- Plan the desert leg ahead. Research 4x4 operators and tour prices before reaching Riohacha so you can move quickly on the onward Guajira journey.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus from Palomino to Riohacha take?
Plan on about an hour and a half for the 95-kilometer eastbound trip, though frequent roadside stops and pickups can stretch it slightly.
How much does the bus from Palomino to Riohacha cost?
Fares are usually $4 to $10 USD, paid in pesos directly to the conductor. Minibuses are the cheapest option on this short leg.
Where do I catch the bus in Palomino?
There is no terminal in Palomino. Walk to the highway entrance on the Troncal del Caribe and flag any eastbound minibus or coach heading toward Riohacha and La Guajira.
What time do buses run from Palomino to Riohacha?
Eastbound service is frequent from around 5:30 AM until about 6:00 PM, with vehicles roughly every 30 to 60 minutes. Travel earlier to allow for onward Guajira transport.
Is Riohacha the start of the La Guajira desert trip?
Yes. Riohacha is the main staging point for La Guajira, with tour offices near the terminal arranging 4x4 transfers to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas.
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