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Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities on Colombia's Caribbean coast, lies 71 kilometres (44 miles) east of Barranquilla. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta at $13 (44,000 COP). The minivan costs a little more but it's quicker, taking around 2h - 2h 10m.
Distance from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Barranquilla and Santa Marta are about 71 km (44 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 103 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h and 3h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
There are three ways to travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 2h–2h 10m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $13 (44,000 COP).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Barranquilla Bus Terminal30m
- Barranquilla→Santa Marta1h 25m
- Santa Marta bus terminal→city centre15m
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Barranquilla to Santa Marta by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. Combined costs start from $13 (44,000 COP). 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 $6.60 (23,000 COP). 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 $1.00 (3,000 COP), 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 $6.70 (23,000 COP).
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 $5.80 (20,000 COP). If you're heading to the El Rodadero area, prices usually start from $9.80 (34,000 COP).
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 $13 (45,000 COP), 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
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 $77 (266,000 COP) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about $39 (133,000 COP) 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 $90 (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.
Private Transport options from Barranquilla to Santa Marta
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT 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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Barranquilla to Santa Marta, roughly 71 kilometres (44 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $13 (44,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 2h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Barranquilla to Santa Marta?
The distance from Barranquilla to Santa Marta is 71 kilometres (44 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta?
Journey times from Barranquilla to Santa Marta overlap: bus 2h 10m - 3h 30m, minivan 2h - 2h 10m, private transport 2h - 2h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta?
The cheapest way to get from Barranquilla to Santa Marta is by bus with ticket costs starting from 44,000 COP.
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.
Travel Writer
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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