3 Ways to Travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta - by Bus, Minivan and Private Transport

How to Get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta

3 options104 kmfrom ~$13Research Verified

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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 104 kilometre distance from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 3 ways to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transport. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $13. The fastest route is by minivan (2h ).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
MinivanFastest	2h	($13)	--
Private Transport	2h	($77)	--
BusBudget	2h 10m	($13)	--

Minivan

Fastest

Duration

Price

$13

Best For

Popularity

Private Transport

Duration

Price

$77

Best For

Popularity

Bus

Budget

Duration

2h 10m

Price

$13

Best For

Popularity

Related Routes in Colombia

Santa Marta → Tayrona Bogota → Salento Medellin → Cartagena Salento → Medellin Medellin → Salento

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Bus

2h 10m - 3h 30mFrom ~$13

The bus is an affordable way to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. Combined costs start from $13. Travel time takes between 2h 10m - 3h 30m, including the time to get to and from the bus stations.

You can choose from five bus companies: Expreso Almirante Padilla, Expreso Brasilia, Unitransco, Rapido Ochoa and Copetran.

Ready to book your bus?

From ~$13 · 2h 10m - 3h 30m

Bookaway

Direct operator sites

Redbus

Minivan

2h - 2h 10mFrom ~$13

A minivan ride from Barranquilla to Santa Marta takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.

There are two companies operating on this route: Marsol Transportes and Beach Tayrona Park.

Marsol Transportes is the cheaper option with ticket prices from $13, but keep in mind that they don't offer hotel pickup or drop-off. You'll need to head to Marsol Transport Terminal in Barranquilla, and they’ll drop you off at their terminal in Santa Marta.

Looking for a door-to-door minivan transfer? Check out Beach Tayrona Park. Their tickets cost about twice as much, but the price includes free transfers to and from your hotel. That saves you the hassle and extra costs of arranging transport on either end.

Ready to book your minivan?

From ~$13 · 2h - 2h 10m

Bookaway

Private Transport

2h - 2h 30mFrom ~$77

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.

Rates start from $77 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about per person. Travel time is around 2h - 2h 30m.

If you’re heading straight to Santa Marta Airport, you can book your transfer in advance through BookAway. This gives you a confirmed pickup and a smooth, door-to-door journey.

Uber is another option, with prices starting from 310,000 COP. However, since this is a long-distance trip, availability can be limited. It may take a long time for a driver to accept your booking, if at all. It is not always a reliable choice when travelling to Santa Marta from Barranquilla.

Ready to book your private transport?

From ~$77 · 2h - 2h 30m

Bookaway

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Santa Marta?

Santa Marta is one of the main tourist hubs on Colombia’s north coast. It is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, arguably the most beautiful national park in the country. But to be honest, there's not much to do in Santa Marta itself.

You can spare a few hours exploring the colonial houses in the Old Town or scuba diving in El Rodadero, which has some of the most affordable scuba diving centres in South America. But we recommend saving your time for the more exciting destinations near Santa Marta — like Tayrona, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Ciudad Perdida.

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Carbon Footprint

This 104 km journey produces approximately 9 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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How to Get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta

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Bus

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Departure & Arrival Stations

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Where to Stay in Santa Marta

Casa Verano Beach Hotel

Casa de Leda

Akuamarina Hotel