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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 240 kilometre distance from Cartagena to Tayrona. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 3 ways to get from Cartagena to Tayrona. You can choose between the minivan, bus, private transport. The most affordable option is by minivan, starting from $27. The fastest route is by private transport (4h 45m).
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4h 45m
$265
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5h
$27
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6h 10m
$73
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There are no direct minivans that will take the full route from Cartagena to Tayrona. You’ll need to split the trip into two parts.
First, take a minivan from Cartagena to Santa Marta. From there, you can continue to Tayrona by either public bus or another shared minivan.
The bus is an affordable way to get from Cartagena to Tayrona. You’ll need to book a bus to Riohacha and get off earlier at El Zaino, one of the park’s main entrances.
You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route: Expreso Almirante Padilla and Copetran.
Bus fares start from $73 and the journey takes around 6h 10m - 7h.
If you’re on a budget and don’t mind a longer ride, the Transcaribe bus is a good alternative. It costs 3,400 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.
Alternative via Santa Marta
Another option for getting from Cartagena to Tayrona National Park is to first take a bus to Santa Marta, which has more frequent departures. From Santa Marta’s bus terminal, you can hop on a local bus heading towards Palomino or Riohacha and ask the driver to drop you at El Zaino.
You can find out more about the bus from Santa Marta to Tayrona here.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Koh Tao is a premier diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand, widely known as one of the most affordable places in the world to obtain your PADI certification. Beyond diving, the island offers beautiful bays, pristine beaches, stunning viewpoints, coral gardens, and abundant marine life.
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A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Cartagena to Tayrona.
Rates start from $265 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about per person. Travel time is around 4h 45m - 5h.
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Carbon Footprint
This 240 km journey produces approximately 21 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Latin America
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Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Popular budget resort with pool, located on Sairee Beach. Walking distance to dive shops and restaurants.
800 THB/night ($24)
Beachfront bungalows with balconies overlooking Sairee Beach. On-site restaurant and dive center.
2,200 THB/night ($66)
Luxury resort with private beach, infinity pool, and spa. Perfect for couples wanting extra comfort.
6,500 THB/night ($195)
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