How to Get From Cali to Bogota

All buses depart from Cali’s Bus Terminal, about 3 km from the city centre. An Uber ride takes about 15 minutes and prices start at 18,000 COP ($4.80), though rates may rise during rush hour.

For a cheaper option, take Cali's Bus Rapid Transit system, MIO (Masivo Integrado de Occidente). From Plaza de Cayzedo, the city’s main square, it’s just a 5-minute walk to San Pedro Station. From there, you’ll find several MIO bus lines heading to Terminal de Transporte Cali. The fare is 2,000 COP ($0.50).

The main bus companies operating on this route are Expreso Palmira, Expreso Bolivariano and Flota La Macarena.

Buses usually come with reclining seats, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a toilet. Some newer ones also have individual screens and charging ports.

You can book your tickets online or buy them directly at the bus terminal. But 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 78,000 COP ($21) and travel time is 10h 30m - 12h.

IMPORTANT: If you booked your tickets online, check the instructions carefully. Some bus companies require you to print your ticket or check in at their counter at the bus terminal before you can get on the bus. For more info, check our Colombia Transport Guide.

The bus will arrive at Terminal Salitre in Bogota. From there, the fastest way to get to the city centre is via a 30-minute taxi or Uber.

Uber (or other apps like DiDi) operates in Bogota, with fares starting from 30,000 COP ($8.10). Taxis can be cheaper, starting at around 15,000 COP ($4.10). But they’re also more likely to overcharge, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.

If you're looking to save money, walk to the closest TransMilenio metrobus stop, called El Tiempo - Cámara de Comercio. From there, you can take Line 1 in the direction of Universidades and get off at this station too. A ticket costs 3,000 COP ($0.90).

Flights to Bogota depart from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport (CLO), about 25 km outside of Cali.

There are three main ways to get to Cali Airport from the city centre: by Uber, a combined ride of Uber and bus, or using public transport (MIO + bus).

Uber

The ride to the airport takes about 35 minutes and usually costs around 70,000 COP ($19), but the final price can vary depending on traffic and time of day.

Uber + Bus

If you want to save some money, you can go to Cali’s main bus terminal by Uber for around 18,000 COP ($4.80). From there take a bus with the company Rapido Aeropuerto, which goes directly to the airport.

These buses depart every 20 minutes from the bus terminal, and the ticket costs 13,000 COP ($3.50).

MIO + Bus

If you’re travelling light and want the cheapest option, you can use Cali’s public transport system, MIO.

From Plaza de Cayzedo, walk 5 minutes to San Pedro Station and take the MIO bus going to Terminal de Transporte Cali. The fare is 2,000 COP ($0.50). From the terminal, hop on a Rápido Aeropuerto bus to the airport.

This option takes a bit more time and isn’t ideal if you’ve got heavy bags — it involves some walking to and from MIO stations.

There are 6 airlines covering this route; Avianca, Latam, Wingo, JetSmart, Clic and APG. They all offer a cabin-luggage-only fare. If you’re travelling light, you can save some money here.

Flights are frequent, with departures every hour from 04:24 to 23:51, giving you loads of flexibility.

The flight takes around 1h 5m, and ticket prices start at 134,000 COP ($36). The earlier you book, the better the rates!

Bogotá El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is within the city and connected to the TransMilenio bus system, with bus stops just outside the airport.

TransMilenio costs 3,000 COP ($0.90), and you’ll need a TuLlave card to pay — cash isn’t accepted. It’s cheap, but usually crowded and often requires a transfer. Not ideal if you’re carrying heavy bags.

For a more comfortable ride, private transport gets you to the city in around 30 minutes, though expect delays during rush hour (16:30–19:30). Below are your options:

• Taxi-hailing apps: InDrive fares start from 30,000 COP ($8.10), while Uber Taxi costs around 29,000 COP ($7.80) to 38,000 COP ($10).
• Pre-booked ride via BookAway: You can get a private car from 46,000 COP ($12) for 2 persons. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport.
• Taxi Imperial (the official airport taxi provider): This tends to be the most expensive, and often comes with additional hidden fees. Yellow metered taxis cost about 80,000 COP ($22), while prepaid white cars are around 95,000 COP ($26).

Check out our page on Bogota Airport for a more detailed guide.