How to Get From Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Bus · Minivan · Private
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 104 kilometre (65 miles) distance from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Santa Marta as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta?
There are three ways to travel the 104 km distance from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private.
The journey takes between 2h–2h 10m and the quickest way is by minivan (2h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 47,000 COP ($13).
2h 10m - 3h 30m
47,000 COP ($13)
2h - 2h 10m
48,000 COP ($13)
2h - 2h 30m
284,000 COP ($77)
Where to stay in Santa Marta?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Santa Marta.
Barranquilla to Santa Marta by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. Combined costs start from 47,000 COP ($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.
Step 1: How to get to Barranquilla Bus Terminal
Buses going to Santa Marta depart from Terminal Metropolitana de Transportes in Soledad, about 10 km south of Barranquilla city centre. There are 2 ways to get there: by Uber or via Transmetro, Barranquilla’s public bus system.
An Uber ride is direct and more convenient, with fares starting from 23,000 COP ($6.20). Travel time is around 30 minutes,
Taking the Transmetro is much cheaper, but involves some walking. Hop on any line heading towards Portal de Soledad and get off at Pacho Galán Station. From there, walk about 2 km to the bus terminal. A ticket costs 3,000 COP ($0.90), but note that cash is not accepted. You’ll need a rechargeable Transmetro card.
That said, we don’t really recommend taking the bus. The area around the terminal isn’t safe for walking, and the buses are often crowded.
Step 2: Bus from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Buses from Barranquilla to Santa Marta run almost 24/7, with frequent departures throughout the day and night. The journey takes around 1h 25m - 2h 45m, and ticket prices start from 25,000 COP ($6.70).
While it’s possible to buy your ticket at the terminal, buses can fill up fast, especially during weekends or holidays. To avoid the risk of waiting or missing a seat, it's a good idea to book your ticket online in advance.
When booking via Bookaway, some operators accept a voucher or e-ticket, while others may ask you to print your ticket or exchange it at the terminal. Redbus is usually stricter. Make sure to check the instructions in your confirmation email before you travel.
You’ll find more helpful tips about travelling by bus in our full Colombia transport guide.
Step 3: Santa Marta Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Buses arrive at Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta. From there, you can take an Uber to the city centre, where most hotels are located. Fares start from 20,000 COP ($5.40). If you're heading to the El Rodadero area, prices usually start from 34,000 COP ($9.20).
Taxis are also available and can sometimes be a bit cheaper than Uber. Just keep an eye out for overcharging. Some drivers hike up the fare for tourists, so it's best to agree on a price before getting in.
Barranquilla to Santa Marta by Minivan
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 48,000 COP ($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.
Minivan schedule from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Barranquilla to Santa Marta by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.
Rates start from 284,000 COP ($77) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 142,000 COP ($39) 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 ($84). 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.
Private Transport options from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaRounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Barranquilla to Santa Marta is 104 km.
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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About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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