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Palomino is a laid-back beach village on Colombia's Caribbean coast. The jungle-clad slopes of the Sierra Nevada run right down to the sea. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino at $17 (57,000 COP), and the trip takes around 5h 25m - 6h 40m. A shared minivan costs a little more at $26 (90,000 COP).
Distance from Cartagena to Palomino
Cartagena and Palomino are about 233 km (145 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 297 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 5h 25m and 6h 40m.
3 ways to travel from Cartagena to Palomino
There are three ways to travel from Cartagena to Palomino. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 5h 25m–6h 30m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $17 (57,000 COP).
2 legs — see itinerary
- City centre→Cartagena bus terminal1h
- Cartagena to Palomino by Bus4h 55m
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Cartagena to Palomino by Bus
The bus is often the cheapest and fastest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino. The journey takes about 5h 25m - 6h 40m, and prices start at $17 (57,000 COP).
The companies operating this route depart from the main bus terminal in Cartagena.
Step 1: City Centre to Cartagena Bus Terminal
Terminal de Transporte Cartagena is on the easternmost part of Cartagena.
If you're staying in the city centre or by the beachfront hotels, the easiest way to reach the bus terminal is by Uber. Fares usually start at around $13 (44,000 COP) for the 30-minute ride.
Taking a taxi is another option and typically costs about $8.10 (28,000 COP). In Cartagena, taxi meters aren’t always used, so it’s best to agree on the fare before hopping in.
It’s worth checking with locals for the latest rates. If the driver gives you a much higher price, you're likely better off going with Uber.
Transcaribe bus is cheaper, but it takes longer
If you want to save some cash, take the Transcaribe bus to the terminal for just $1.00 (3,000 COP). You’ll need a Transcaribe card to get on board — cash isn’t accepted.
The city centre and popular areas like Getsemaní and San Diego are well connected to Cartagena Transporation Terminal by Transcaribe. Just hop on Line X104 at the Centro B1 Bus Stop. The bus journey takes about an hour.
Step 2: Cartagena to Palomino by Bus
The companies covering this route are Expreso Brasilia and Unitransco. You can book your tickets online or buy them directly at the bus terminal. Fares start from $16 (54,000 COP), and the journey takes around 4h 55m - 5h 40m.
The bus will drop you off along the main road, on the highway that connects Santa Marta and Rioacha, slightly across the petrol station in Palomino.
Palomino is a very small town so most hotels are within walking distance of the petrol station. If you’re staying out of town, there are mototaxis available that can take you to your accommodation for around $1.40 (5,000 COP).
Booking Tip
Note that the direct bus service from Cartagena is only available when going to Palomino. These buses are actually heading towards Rioacha. They are allowed to drop off passengers on the road but not to pick them up.
When travelling on the opposite route, you must first connect in Santa Marta. For more details, check our full guide for Palomino to Cartagena.
Alternative: Indirect bus from Cartagena to Palomino via Santa Marta
Heading to Santa Marta or Tayrona first? You can also get to Palomino from there.
First, take a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta. Fares start at $15 (53,000 COP) and the trip takes around 4-5.5 hours. You’ll also find shared minivans and private cars on BookAway for more comfort.
Once you've had your fill of Santa Marta, you can then take a bus to Palomino. Buses leave from the main terminal for around $6.40 (22,000 COP). You can also catch a cheaper Cootransoriente Tayrona bus from their station behind Mercado Central for just $3.60 (12,000 COP). This bus journey takes 1-2 hours. Check out our guide for Santa Marta to Palomino for more details.
Cartagena to Palomino by Minivan
* The last time we checked (October 2025), Transportes Marsol was not operating shared minivans from Cartagena to Palomino. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.
A minivan is essentially a shared taxi and a popular way to travel around the main destinations along the north coast. Their added value is their door-to-door service, meaning no extra cost and effort catching public transportation.
Transportes Marsol is the company that operates the route Cartagena to Palomino. There are 2 minivans every morning at 06:00 and 10:00. The trip can take around 5.5 hours depending on traffic and the destination of other passengers aboard.
You can check the availability and book your minivan tickets online through BookAway. Note that for the Cartagena to Palomino route, you must book at least 48 hours before departure and wait for their confirmation. You will be asked to be ready 1 hour before the pickup time.
If your hotel is located in the surroundings of Palomino the drop-off service may not be included. In that case, you will be dropped at the town where you can take a motorbike that costs $1.40 (5,000 COP) to your accommodation.
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Cartagena to Palomino by Private Transport
A private transfer from Cartagena to Palomino is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 6h 30m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Go Colombia offers pickups from both hotels and the airport in Cartagena.
Prices for private transfer start at $355 (1,235,000 COP) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $120 (412,000 COP) each.
Private transport options from Cartagena to Palomino
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Palomino?
Palomino is a small beach town on Colombia's north coast. Its laidback atmosphere is a huge contrast to the rest of the country's generally hectic vibe. In Palomino, one's worries go away, even just for a few days.
Its spectacular beaches and surrounding lush jungle make it the perfect destination for adventurous travellers and nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of activities in Palomino like surfing, horseback riding on the beach and river tubing. It also has an ideal location, close to other popular destinations like Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta and Rioacha.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cartagena to Palomino, roughly 233 kilometres (145 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $17 (57,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 5h 25m.
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 Cartagena to Palomino?
The distance from Cartagena to Palomino is 233 kilometres (145 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino?
Journey times from Cartagena to Palomino overlap: bus 5h 25m - 6h 40m, minivan 5.5 hours, private transport 6h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino?
The cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Palomino is by bus with ticket costs starting from 57,000 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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