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Cali, Colombia's salsa capital, lies 300 kilometres (186 miles) southwest of Bogota. Flying is the quickest option, taking 2h 10m - 2h 40m. The cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cali by road is the shared minivan at $24 (83,000 COP). The bus costs a little more and takes about as long.
Distance from Bogota to Cali
Bogota and Cali are about 300 km (186 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 461 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bogota to Cali is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 10m - 2h 40m.
4 ways to travel from Bogota to Cali
There are four ways to travel from Bogota to Cali. You can choose between the flight, bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 10m–11h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at $24 (83,000 COP).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Bogota→Cali1h
- Cali Airport→the city centre1h 5m
- Cali Airport to the City Centre35m
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Bogota→Cali1h
- Bogota to Cali by Bus10h 30m
- Cali Bus Terminal to the City Centre15m
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Bogota to Cali by Flight
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Bogota Airport
Flights from Bogota to Cali depart from El Dorado International Airport (BOG), about 30 minutes from the city centre by private transport. If you're flying in the evening, leave early. Rush hour traffic (16:30–19:30) can double travel time.
We recommend taxi-hailing apps like InDrive and Uber. InDrive fares start from $8.70 (30,000 COP), while Uber Taxi costs around $8.40 (29,000 COP) to $11 (38,000 COP).
If you prefer to book ahead, you can do so via BookAway:
- Shared minivan - $10 (35,000 COP) per seat
- Private car - $12 (43,000 COP) for 2 people
On a budget? The TransMilenio bus costs only $0.90 (3,000 COP), but you'll need a TuLlave card — cash isn’t accepted. Also note that buses are often crowded and usually require a transfer.
Check out our page on Bogota Airport for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Bogota to Cali by Flight
Flights from Bogota to Cali depart from El Dorado Airport (BOG). There are six airlines covering this route; Avianca, Latam, Wingo, Clic, APG and JetSmart. They all offer a cabin-luggage-only fare.
Flights depart frequently, about every hour, from 04:20 to 22:36. The flight takes around 1h 5m.
Step 3: Cali Airport to the City Centre
All flights will arrive in Cali’s International Airport, also called Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO), about 30 km away from the city.
There are three main ways to get from Cali Airport to the city centre: Uber, a combined ride of bus and Uber, or using public transport (bus + MIO).
Uber
The ride to the city takes about 35 minutes and usually costs around $20 (70,000 COP), but the final price can vary depending on traffic and time of day.
Bus + Uber
If you want to save some money, you can take a bus with the company Rápido Aeropuerto, which has a continuous and direct service between the airport and Cali’s main bus terminal.
Buses depart every 20 minutes from the airport’s first floor, right in front of the arrivals gate. The price is $3.80 (13,000 COP) and you must pay directly to the driver.
The bus will drop you at Cali’s main bus terminal. To get to the city centre from here, you can take Uber with rates from $5.20 (18,000 COP).
Bus + MIO
Travelling light and want the cheapest option? You can use Cali’s public transport system, MIO, for only $0.60 (2,000 COP).
From the airport, take the Rápido Aeropuerto bus to Cali’s main bus terminal. Once you arrive, walk about 8 minutes to the MIO stop at Av 3N entre Cl 31 y 30.
Catch Line P52D and ride it to Plaza de Cayzedo, right in the heart of the city. This option takes a bit longer and involves a few short walks, so it’s not ideal if you're carrying too much luggage.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Bogota to Cali by Bus
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.
Step 1: City Centre to Bogota Bus Terminal
Buses operating from Bogota to Cali depart from Terminal Salitre. The fastest way to get here from the city centre is via a 30-minute taxi or Uber.
Uber fares start from $8.70 (30,000 COP), and it's well worth the convenience and peace of mind. Taxis are usually cheaper at around $4.30 (15,000 COP), though there's a risk of being overcharged, especially for tourists who don't speak Spanish.
If you're on a tighter budget, you can take Bogota's metrobus system, TransMilenio. From Universidades Station, take Line 1 towards Portal El Dorado and get off at the station El Tiempo – Cámara de Comercio. The bus fare is $0.90 (3,000 COP), making this the cheapest way to reach the terminal.
Step 2: Bogota to Cali by Bus
The main bus companies operating from Bogota to Cali are Expreso Palmira, Expreso Bolivariano and Flota La Macarena. These buses have reclining seats and good legroom. They also make several stops along the way, so you can stretch your legs. Most buses have toilets on board and charging ports.
There are bus departures as early as 04:00 in the morning. But because this bus ride takes 10h 30m - 12h, we highly recommend taking one of the overnight buses.
You can book your tickets online or buy your ticket directly at the bus terminal. Keep in mind that night buses tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so it is better to book ahead. Bus ticket prices start at $25 (86,000 COP)
IMPORTANT: If you booked your tickets online, make sure to read the instructions carefully. Some bus companies ask you to print your ticket or check in at their counter at the terminal before boarding. For more info, check our Colombia transport guide.
Step 3: Cali Bus Terminal to the City Centre
The bus will arrive at Terminal de Transporte Cali. To get to the city centre, you can take Uber for about $5.20 (18,000 COP).
For a cheaper ride, take Cali’s MIO (Masivo Integrado de Occidente) bus. Walk 10 minutes from Terminal de Cali to the nearest bus stop at Av 3N entre Cl 31 y 30, then hop on Line P52D. Get off at Plaza de Cayzedo (the main square). The fare is just $0.60 (2,000 COP).
Bogota to Cali by Shared Minivan
The minivan ride from Bogota to Cali costs around $24 (83,000 COP). Travel time is about 11-12h, 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 Flota Magdalena for this route.
Shared Minivan schedule from Bogota to Cali
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Bogota to Cali by Private Transport
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 $620 (2,138,000 COP) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $205 (713,000 COP) each.
The companies that offer private transfers from Bogota to Cali are Viajes Imperial and Transfers & Tours.
Private Transport options from Bogota to Cali
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Cali?
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!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bogota to Cali, roughly 300 kilometres (186 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $24 (83,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 2h 10m.
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 Bogota to Cali?
The distance from Bogota to Cali is 300 kilometres (186 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bogota to Cali?
The fastest way to get from Bogota to Cali is by flight and takes 2h 10m - 2h 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cali?
The cheapest way to get from Bogota to Cali is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 83,000 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
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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