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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 112 kilometre distance from Barranquilla to Tayrona. 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 Tayrona. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transport. The most affordable option is by minivan, starting from $16. The fastest route is by minivan (3h ).
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3h
$16
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3h
$143
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3h 55m
$19
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A simple and budget-friendly way to go from Barranquilla to Tayrona is to take any bus to the Guajira region (Palomino and Riohacha) and ask the driver to drop you off at the park entrance in El Zaino.
You can book tickets online on BookAway to Palomino or Riohacha, but we recommend asking the bus driver in advance to make sure that they will stop at the park entrance.
Here’s some more information on getting the bus from Barranquilla to Santa Marta and Santa Marta to Tayrona.
You won’t find any direct minivans from Barranquilla to Tayrona. Instead, you’ll need to break up the journey. First, travel from Barranquilla to Santa Marta by minivan, then continue to the park by bus or shared minivan.
The total cost is around $16, and the full trip takes about 3h - 3h 10m.
If you travel by minivan from Barranquilla to Tayrona, you have an option to spend a night in Santa Marta and head to the park early the next morning. The journey takes several hours, so it’s a good chance to rest up before hitting the beaches and jungle trails of Tayrona.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Koh Tao is a premier diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand, widely known as one of the most affordable places in the world to obtain your PADI certification. Beyond diving, the island offers beautiful bays, pristine beaches, stunning viewpoints, coral gardens, and abundant marine life.
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A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Barranquilla to Tayrona.
Rates start from $143 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about per person. Travel time is around 3h.
Taking a private transfer means skipping the bumpy bus rides and busy terminals. It’s a more relaxed way to get to Tayrona, though you might miss a bit of the adventure that comes with local travel. Still, it’s a great choice for families travelling with kids, older travellers, or anyone looking for a smoother journey.
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Carbon Footprint
This 112 km journey produces approximately 10 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
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.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
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.
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.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Popular budget resort with pool, located on Sairee Beach. Walking distance to dive shops and restaurants.
800 THB/night ($24)
Beachfront bungalows with balconies overlooking Sairee Beach. On-site restaurant and dive center.
2,200 THB/night ($66)
Luxury resort with private beach, infinity pool, and spa. Perfect for couples wanting extra comfort.
6,500 THB/night ($195)
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