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Bogota, Colombia's capital set high in the Andes, sits 300 kilometres (186 miles) northeast of Cali. Flying is the quickest way, taking 2h 10m - 3h 5m. By road, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Cali to Bogota, but it will take a long time, around 11h 30m - 13h 30m.
Distance from Cali to Bogota
Cali and Bogota are about 300 km (186 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 446 km by road. The quickest way to get from Cali to Bogota is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 10m - 3h 5m.
4 ways to travel from Cali to Bogota
There are four ways to travel from Cali to Bogota. You can choose between the bus, minivan, flight, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 10m–12h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $23 (77,000 COP).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Cali→Bogota15m
- Cali to Bogota by Bus10h 30m
- Bogota Bus Terminal to the City Centre1h
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Cali city centre→airport1h
- Cali→Bogota1h 5m
- Bogota Airport→city centre1h
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Cali to Bogota by Bus
If you’re up for travelling by bus from Cali to Bogota, get ready for a long ride. The journey takes around 11h 30m - 13h 30m, including the time it takes to get to and from the bus terminals. It does save you some cash, though, compared to taking a flight.
We recommend taking an overnight bus — you can save a night on accommodation, and spend most of the trip sleeping. If you prefer to travel during the day, bring water, snacks, and something to keep you entertained, like a book or a playlist.
Step 1: City Centre to Cali Bus Terminal
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 $5.20 (18,000 COP), 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 $0.60 (2,000 COP).
Step 2: Cali to Bogota by Bus
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 $21 (73,000 COP) 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.
Step 3: Bogota Bus Terminal to the City Centre
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 $8.70 (30,000 COP). Taxis can be cheaper, starting at around $4.30 (15,000 COP). 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 $0.90 (3,000 COP).
Cali to Bogota by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Cali to Bogota costs around $24 (81,000 COP). The minivan journey takes about 12h, depending on traffic.
Flota Magdalena operates on this route.
Like the bus, minivans depart from Terminal de Transporte Cali and arrive at Terminal de Transporte Salitre in Bogota.
Shared Minivan schedule from Cali to Bogota
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Cali to Bogota by Flight
A flight is definitely the fastest option when travelling from Cali to Bogota. It only takes 2h 10m - 3h 5m, including transfers to and from the airport.
Combined fares start from $44 (152,000 COP).
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 Cali Airport
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 $20 (70,000 COP), 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 $5.20 (18,000 COP). 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 $3.80 (13,000 COP).
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 $0.60 (2,000 COP). 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.
Step 2: Cali to Bogota by Flight
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 $39 (134,000 COP). The earlier you book, the better the rates!
Step 3: Bogota Airport to the City Centre
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 $0.90 (3,000 COP), 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 $8.70 (30,000 COP), while Uber Taxi costs around $8.40 (29,000 COP) to $11 (38,000 COP).
- Pre-booked ride via BookAway: You can get a private car from $12 (43,000 COP) 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 $23 (80,000 COP), while prepaid white cars are around $28 (95,000 COP).
Check out our page on Bogota Airport for a more detailed guide.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Cali to Bogota by Private Transport
A private transfer from Cali to Bogota is quite expensive with rates from $620 (2,149,000 COP) for a 3-seater. That's about $205 (716,000 COP) each when you split the cost.
It's worth noting that you don't get to save much time with a private transfer. If you're looking for convenience, it would be more cost-efficient to take a flight.
Travel time with a private transport takes 9h 30m - 10h. On the bright side, you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation or the airport — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Private Transport options from Cali to Bogota
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Bogota?
Bogota is the capital of Colombia and the centre of most economic, political, and cultural activities. It sits 2600 metres (8530 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Here, you can enjoy a temperate climate all year round.
Modernity and culture collide in this vibrant city, where you will find skyscrapers alongside colonial architecture. Every other guide to Bogota will tell you it is home to some of the most incredible street art in the world. And we totally agree! You will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to museums, art galleries and food.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cali to Bogota, roughly 300 kilometres (186 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $23 (77,000 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 Cali to Bogota?
The distance from Cali to Bogota is 300 kilometres (186 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cali to Bogota?
The fastest way to get from Cali to Bogota is by flight and takes 2h 10m - 3h 5m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cali to Bogota?
The cheapest way to get from Cali to Bogota is by bus with ticket costs starting from 77,000 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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