Bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena
Marsol + Berlinas + Brasilia + Copetran Pullman · ~4 hours via Caribbean coast highway · US$12-25 · Multiple daily
Why choose Spring Bus?
Spring Bus is the best way to find bus tickets from Santa Marta to Cartagena
Plan your perfect trip
Find and book your bus tickets in just a few clicks.
Best prices
We partner with top bus companies to provide you with the best prices available.
Flexible Booking
Change your travel plans as needed with our flexible booking options.
The Santa Marta → Cartagena return route is the standard Caribbean coast Pullman transit.
Spring Bus connects you to operators on this route — Marsol + Berlinas + Brasilia + Copetran Pullmans ($12-25 USD).
Route details: Santa Marta to Cartagena
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 Santa Marta
Santa Marta Terminal de Transportes
Drop-off at Cartagena
Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena (Crespo) — taxi to Ciudad Amurallada (~20 min, $5-10 USD)
About the journey
The Santa Marta → Cartagena return is the standard Caribbean coast Pullman transit for travelers returning from Tayrona / Minca / Ciudad Perdida to Cartagena's colonial Ciudad Amurallada or onward CTG airport.
Travel tips for Santa Marta → Cartagena
- Marsol is the comfortable tourist Pullman.
- Bus passes Barranquilla en route.
- Onward to CTG Rafael Núñez airport — taxi from Terminal de Transportes (~30 min, $10-20 USD).
- Onward to Bogotá — overnight cama Pullman (~18-22 h) or flight (90 min) — most fly.
- Onward to Medellín — overnight cama Pullman (~13-15 h) or flight (~1 h) — most fly.
- Caribbean coast climate — hot + humid.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
**About 4 hours** — same as inverse direction.
How much is the bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
**COP 50,000-100,000 / US$12-25 per person**.
What time do Pullmans leave Santa Marta for Cartagena?
**Multiple daily — typically 6 AM, 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM**.
Can I make a same-day CTG international flight?
**Yes** — bus from Santa Marta (~4 h) + taxi to CTG Rafael Núñez airport (~30 min). Total ~4.5-5 hours. Comfortable buffer.
Can I continue to Bogotá or Medellín same-day?
**Yes via overnight cama Pullman** from Cartagena (long journeys) or **flight from CTG airport** (most travelers fly).
Going the other direction?