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Cartagena's walled old town and palm-lined beaches sit at the western end of Colombia's Caribbean coast. It's a long way from Palomino. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Palomino to Cartagena at $19 (67,000 COP), though it's a long ride with a couple of changes along the way. The minivan is the quickest option, taking 5.5 hours.
Distance from Palomino to Cartagena
Palomino and Cartagena are about 233 km (145 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 308 km by road. The quickest way to get from Palomino to Cartagena is by taking the minivan, which takes around 5.5 hours.
3 ways to travel from Palomino to Cartagena
There are three ways to travel from Palomino to Cartagena. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 5h 30m–6h 30m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $19 (67,000 COP).
3 legs — see itinerary
- Palomino, La Guajira→Santa Marta2h
- Santa Marta→Cartagena3h 45m
- Cartagena Bus Terminal→city centre1h
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Palomino to Cartagena by Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to get from Palomino to Cartagena. There's no direct bus, though. You’ll need to go to Santa Marta first, then catch a bus to Cartagena.
The whole trip takes about 6h 15m - 9h, with combined fares starting at $19 (67,000 COP).
Step 1: Palomino to Santa Marta by Bus
Cootransoriente Tayrona is a small local bus company that operates on the Palomino to Santa Marta route. They depart every 10 to 20 minutes from 04:30 to 18:00, from the petrol station on the main road.
Buses will pick up passengers from other towns and from Tayrona Park before finally stopping at Cootransoriente Bus Station in Santa Marta (behind Mercado Central), where you should get off.
A more comfortable way to get from Palomino to Santa Marta is by private transport. You can ask your hotel or hostel to book a taxi or go through an official company. Prices typically start at $79 (275,000 COP), but may vary depending on your negotiation skills.
Booking in advance with BookAway starts from $95 (330,000 COP) for a 2-seater. It’s pricier, but you get a nicer car and don’t have to deal with negotiating. The trip takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 2: Santa Marta to Cartagena by Bus
Buses to Cartagena depart from Santa Marta Bus Terminal. If you're arriving in Santa Marta with Cootransoriente, just take local bus 03 or 03-F (La 30) from the central market to reach the terminal for $0.70 (2,000 COP).
Five companies are covering this route: Ruta Dorada Exalpa, Expreso Super Star, Expreso Brasilia, Unitransco and Copetran.
There are several departures daily, and travel time is around 3h 45m - 6h. Fares start at $15 (51,000 COP). You can book them online through the links provided below.
Step 3: Cartagena Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Cartagena Bus Terminal is quite far from the city centre. The quickest way to get into the Old Town is by taking a 30-minute Uber. It's a reliable option since you’ll know the fare upfront, no surprises and no need to haggle with drivers. Prices start at $13 (44,000 COP), but the rates can vary depending on traffic or time of day.
Taxis are right outside the bus terminal. But even though taxi rates are regulated in Cartagena, it’s common for drivers to charge above the standard fare, so we don’t recommend taking a taxi from here.
The bus is cheaper, but it takes longer
If you’re travelling on a tight budget, the Transcaribe bus is a good alternative. It’s not the fastest, but it’s definitely the cheapest, with fares from just $1 (3,000 COP). From the terminal, look for Line X104, which connects directly to the city centre and popular areas like Getsemaní and San Diego.
When going to the Walled City, ride all the way to the last stop, La Bodeguita. But if you're staying in Getsemaní or San Diego, get off one stop earlier at Centro B1 Bus Stop.
You’ll need a Transcaribe card to ride the bus — cash isn’t accepted. These cards are available at all Transcaribe stations and authorised retailers like SuperGiros.
Palomino to Cartagena by Minivan
*The last time we checked (October 2025), Transportes Marsol was not operating shared minivans from Palomino to Cartagena. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.
Minivans are a popular choice of transportation to travel around the main destinations on 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 Palomino to Cartagena, with 2 minivans departing every day at 09:00 and 15:00. The trip is quicker than the bus and only takes about 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 Palomino to Cartagena 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.
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Palomino to Cartagena by Private Transport
A private transfer from Palomino to Cartagena is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 6h 30m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation or the airport — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at $355 (1,232,000 COP) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $120 (411,000 COP) each.
Private Transport options from Palomino to Cartagena
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is known as Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast. Unlike the rest of the country, it has been a tourist hub for quite a while because it’s a common stop for cruise ships sailing the Caribbean.
Its attraction lies in the almost intact and colourful, colonial-style mansions in the walled old city. Inside these walls, you'll be transported back in time and into a foodie's paradise. A tip when exploring Cartagena: for safety, stay out of the city's outskirts! The tourist centre is generally safe.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Palomino to Cartagena, roughly 233 kilometres (145 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $19 (67,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 5h 30m.
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 Palomino to Cartagena?
The distance from Palomino to Cartagena is 233 kilometres (145 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Palomino to Cartagena?
The fastest way to get from Palomino to Cartagena is by minivan and takes 5.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Palomino to Cartagena?
The cheapest way to get from Palomino to Cartagena is by bus with ticket costs starting from 67,000 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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