In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 463 kilometre distance from Bogota to Cali. 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 4 ways to get from Bogota to Cali. You can choose between the flight, bus, shared minivan, private transport. The most affordable option is by shared minivan, starting from $24. The fastest route is by flight (2h 10m).
Click a column header to sort. Click a row to jump to the full guide.
2h 10m
$151
--
9h 30m
$618
--
11h 30m
$91
--
12h
$24
--
Stay Connected
We're a small team of passionate travellers sharing what we've learned on the road. Get our best tips, route updates, and travel stories delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Taking the bus from Bogotá to Cali takes around 11h 30m - 13h 30m, including transfers to and from the terminals. It’s a long ride, but if you travel overnight, you can spend most of the time sleeping.
With an overnight bus, you can also save a night on accommodation.
The minivan ride from Bogota to Cali costs around . Travel time is about , depending on traffic.
Like buses, minivans heading this route depart from Terminal de Transporte Salitre Bogota and arrive at Terminal de Transporte Cali. If you're planning to leave very early in the morning, we recommend you take the bus instead. The earliest departure time for minivans is at 08:30. And the last one leaves at 21:00.
Minivans have A/C and even Wi-Fi, though availability can vary. They also have reclining seats but are not as spacious as the bus and may be uncomfortable for this long journey.
See below the schedule of for this route.
A private transfer from Bogota to Cali is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 9h 30m - 10h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation or the airport — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at $618 for a -seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each.
The companies that offer private transfers from Bogota to Cali are Viajes Imperial and Transfers & Tours.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Cali is a vibrant city in southwest Colombia, where residents literally dance the night away. Known as the world's salsa capital, its streets are often filled with parties and locals dancing salsa.
Every year in the last week of December, the city celebrates Feria de Cali, a salsa carnival and cultural festival that attracts millions of visitors from around the world. Some travel guides to Cali will tell you it's not safe, but just follow the advice of locals and you should be fine!
Every route on GeckoRoutes is independently researched and regularly verified.
500+
ROUTES RESEARCHED
Every route is personally traveled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.
Monthly
UPDATES
Routes are reviewed on a regular cycle to catch schedule changes, new operators, and price updates. Every guide shows when it was last verified.
Verified
BY TRAVELERS
Tips and corrections from our community of travelers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep GeckoRoutes free and up to date.
Carbon Footprint
This 463 km journey produces approximately 41 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.
Treat YourselfThis Alko Hotel really takes things to the next level. If you’re looking for somewhere that oozes luxury, then this is the place! Their rooms are HUGE! We’re talking apartment-sized rooms, boasting ultimate comfort.
Adding to the comfort, every room has its own hot tub bath. The outdoor swimming pool and bar make the hotel a relaxing retreat from the busy city of Cali. This is a stay that you won’t forget!
Mid-RangeAnother Alko Hotel that couldn’t be left out from our top favourites. The hotel feels like a piece of modern art. Its unique designs make it an incredible place to stay. All of the rooms are bright and spacious, with a lot of them offering their own private terrace. The views are great!
You’ll be in a great location here. The friendly staff will also help you to make the most of the area.
Mid-RangeWith its vibrant pops of colour and tropical swimming pool, it’s hard not to smile when you walk into Rossa Palma. This hotel feels like a mini oasis inside of Cali.
You can choose from beautifully decorated private rooms, to fully equipped apartments. They also have an onsite seafood restaurant that is absolutely delicious!
BudgetIts name says it all, this place is magical. Its near perfect reviews also seem to agree! The rooms are uniquely decorated, each of them with their own character. You can see which one suits your style the most.
The incredibly friendly hosts help to add that extra sprinkle of magic. They truly want your stay in Cali to be the best. Starting off with their delicious breakfast every morning!
Leave a Comment