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Santa Marta sits 170 kilometres (106 miles) up the coast from Cartagena. It's Colombia's oldest surviving city and the usual gateway to Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta at $16 (57,000 COP), though it takes the longest at 4h 35m - 6h 20m. A shared minivan is quicker for a bit more, at $25 (85,000 COP).
Distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Cartagena and Santa Marta are about 170 km (106 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 224 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h and 6h 20m.
3 ways to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta
There are three ways to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 4h–4h 35m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $16 (57,000 COP).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Cartagena Bus Terminal1h
- Bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta3h 45m
- Santa Marta Bus Terminal to Santa Marta City Centre20m
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Cartagena to Santa Marta by Bus
Taking the bus is an affordable way to travel from Cartagena to Santa Marta. The entire journey, including travel time to and from the bus stations, takes around 4h 35m - 6h 20m. Combined prices start from $16 (57,000 COP).
The main bus companies operating on this route are Ruta Dorada Exalpa, Expreso Brasilia, Unitransco and Copetran.
Step 1: How to get to Cartagena Bus Terminal
Buses to Santa Marta depart from Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena on the far east side of the city, about 12 km from the centre.
You can get there via Uber, with prices starting from $13 (44,000 COP). Taxis are also available, but drivers often try to overcharge tourists, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a longer ride, the Transcaribe bus is a good alternative. It costs $1.00 (3,000 COP), and you'll need a Transcaribe card to board since cash is not accepted.
If you're coming from the city centre and other popular areas like Getsemaní and San Diego, you can catch Line X104 at the Centro B1 Station. The bus takes you straight to Cartagena's main terminal.
Step 2: Bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Bus ticket prices from Cartagena to Santa Marta start at $13 (46,000 COP), and the journey takes between 3h 45m - 5h.
If you book in advance through Bookaway, some companies allow you to board directly with just a voucher or e-ticket. Others may still require you to print your ticket or exchange it at the terminal. Be sure to check the instructions in your confirmation email so you know what to expect.
Check our Colombia transport guide for tips on how to book bus tickets and compare the differences between bus companies.
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Step 3: Santa Marta Bus Terminal to Santa Marta City Centre
Buses arrive at Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta. From there, Uber is a popular choice for getting to the city centre. Fares start at around $3.80 (13,000 COP) — a bit more than a taxi, but many travellers find the convenience and fixed pricing worth the extra cost.
Taxi rates start from $2.30 (8,000 COP). Just make sure to agree on the price beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Heading to El Rodadero? Expect to pay around $4.30 (15,000 COP) for a taxi and about $9.80 (34,000 COP) for an Uber.
Cartagena to Santa Marta by Minivan
A minivan ride from Cartagena to Santa Marta takes about 4h - 5h 30m, depending on traffic.
There are three companies operating on this route: Marsol Transportes, Beach Tayrona Park and Cartagena Toures y Excursiones.
What we like about taking the minivan is that some companies offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.
Marsol Transportes offers the cheapest option, with rates starting from $25 (85,000 COP). However, they don't offer door-to-door service.
You’ll leave from Marsol Transportes Terminal in Cartagena, and you'll be dropped off at Marsol Transportes Terminal in Santa Marta. Once you add the cost of getting to and from the terminals, you might end up paying about the same — or even more — than a service that already includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Minivan schedule from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Cartagena to Santa Marta by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Cartagena to Santa Marta.
Rates start from $175 (602,000 COP) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about $44 (151,000 COP) per person. Travel time is around 4h - 4h 40m.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Santa Marta?
Santa Marta is one of the main tourist hubs on Colombia’s north coast. It is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, arguably the most beautiful national park in the country. But to be honest, there's not much to do in Santa Marta itself.
You can spare a few hours exploring the colonial houses in the Old Town or scuba diving in El Rodadero, which has some of the most affordable scuba diving centres in South America. But we recommend saving your time for the more exciting destinations near Santa Marta — like Tayrona, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Ciudad Perdida.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cartagena to Santa Marta, roughly 170 kilometres (106 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $16 (57,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 4h.
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 Santa Marta?
The distance from Cartagena to Santa Marta is 170 kilometres (106 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
Journey times from Cartagena to Santa Marta overlap: bus 4h 35m - 6h 20m, minivan 4h - 5h 30m, private transport 4h - 4h 40m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
The cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta is by bus with ticket costs starting from 57,000 COP.
About the Authors
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
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