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Tayrona National Park is a stretch of jungle-backed Caribbean coves just east of Santa Marta. It's famous for palm-fringed beaches like Cabo San Juan. The local bus is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park at $1.70 (6,000 COP), taking 30m - 1h with a few changes along the way. A shared minivan, a boat or a private transfer get you there in more comfort for a higher fare.
Distance from Santa Marta to Tayrona
Santa Marta and Tayrona are about 6 km (4 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 16 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 30m and 1h 30m.
4 ways to travel from Santa Marta to Tayrona
There are four ways to travel from Santa Marta to Tayrona. You can choose between the bus, minivan, ferry, and private transport. The journey takes 30m–1h 5m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $1.70 (6,000 COP).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- El Zaino entrance1h
- Calabazo entrance45m
- Palangana entrance30m
- Bahia Concha entrance30m
2 legs — see itinerary
- Downtown→Taganga20m
- Taganga→Tayrona45m
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Santa Marta to Tayrona by Bus
Three out of the four entrances to the park can be found along the same bus route (Santa Marta to Palomino Road) - El Zaino, Palangana and Calabazo.
The buses, run by Cootransoriente Tayrona, leave frequently and are a budget-friendly option from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park. They depart from Tayrona Park Bus Station near the public market.
If you want to arrive in the Bahia Concha area, then the bus can be more challenging because you're required to change buses, and the road conditions are poor.
Below are the journey costs and duration for the park entrances that can be accessed by bus from Santa Marta:
| Arriving | Duration | Costs | Sites of interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Zaino | 1h | $2.90 (10,000 COP) | La Piscina, Arrecifes, Cabo San Juan |
| Calabazo | 45m | $2.90 (10,000 COP) | Cabo San Juan, Playa Brava |
| Palangana | 30m | $1.70 (6,000 COP) | Playa Cristal, Playa Cinto, Playa 7 Olas |
| Bahía Concha | 30m | $4.90 (17,000 COP) | Bahia Concha |
Option 1: El Zaino entrance
El Zaino is Tayrona National Park’s most popular entrance. From the main gate, it’s a 5 km walk or a short shuttle ride to the start of the hiking trail. If you take the shuttle (which we highly recommend), you’ll save time and energy for the main hike.
The trail is about 8 km through the jungle, passing a series of beautiful beaches on the way to Cabo San Juan. It usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace.
To get to El Zaino by public transport, take a Cootransoriente Tayrona bus heading towards Palomino. Buses run daily from around 04:30 to 18:00, departing every 20 minutes. They leave from the Cootransoriente Bus Stop behind Santa Marta's public market.
For the most accurate departure times, you can check the company’s website or Facebook page.
Option 2: Calabazo entrance
Calabazo is a small entry point along the road from Santa Marta toward Palomino, located just before El Zaino. It’s a quieter alternative to the main gate, best for hikers who want to explore the park’s less-visited trails and beaches. From here, you can reach paths leading to Playa Brava, La Piscina, and Arrecife.
To get here by public transport, take the same Cootransoriente Tayrona bus that goes to Palomino. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Calabazo entrance.
One of the trails also passes by El Pueblito, an ancient Indigenous site once open to visitors. You can still access the route, but travellers are no longer allowed to enter the village of El Pueblito, out of respect for the local community. Even so, you can still enjoy the hike for its Natural scenery and viewpoints without approaching the settlement.
Option 3: Palangana entrance
The Palangana entrance is one of the lesser-used ways into Tayrona National Park, mainly because it’s not directly served by public transport. It gives access to some of the park’s most stunning but remote beaches, including Neguanje, Playa Cristal, Playa Cinto and Playa Siete Olas.
Just note that there’s no shuttle service from the entrance, so getting around takes a bit of planning.
- Take the Cootransoriente Tayrona bus from Santa Marta and ask to be dropped off at the Palangana turnoff on the main road.
- Ride a motor taxi for about 5 km to the park entrance. You might find a driver nearby, but it’s not guaranteed. It’s best to arrange one in advance from Santa Marta.
- From Palangana entrance, you’ll need private transport or a tour to continue. Some beaches are accessible by road, while others require a boat or longer hike.
Unless you’re travelling with your own vehicle, joining a guided tour is the easiest way to explore this part of the park.
Alternative: Join a Tayrona Park group tour via Palangana entrance
One great option is the Tayrona Park Group Tour with GetYourGuide, which includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Santa Marta, Taganga or Rodadero.
The tour covers several highlights in one day, including scenic viewpoints, swimming spots and a boat trip to Playa Cristal. Everything is organised for you, so you can skip the logistics and just enjoy the day.
Price starts from $140 (485,000 COP) per person and the tour lasts around 11 hours.
Option 4: Bahia Concha entrance
Bahía Concha is the closest Tayrona National Park beach to Santa Marta, located about 11 km away by road. The route isn’t direct, so you’ll need to transfer in the Bastidas or Barrio Chimila area.
To get there, head to Carrera 5 in downtown Santa Marta and catch a local bus going to Bastidas. Bus ticket prices start from $0.60 (2,000 COP). Ask the driver to drop you off near Barrio Chimila, as close as possible to the point where shared cars or 4x4s leave for Bahía Concha.
This final ride costs around $4.30 (15,000 COP) one way. Some travellers arrange a round trip with the driver, agreeing on a set return time.
You can also take a mototaxi for a cheaper fare, but we wouldn’t recommend it because of the bumpy road ahead.
Santa Marta to Tayrona by Shared Minivan
A more convenient option than the bus is booking a shared transfer from your hotel in Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park. It saves you the hassle of making your way to the Mercado area to catch the public bus.
Tayrona Tour Colombia operates on this route.
It picks you up from an agreed spot in Santa Marta’s city centre and even takes you 5 km inside the park, dropping you near Cañaveral. Tickets for the shared transfer cost $12 (40,000 COP) and can be booked directly through the Tayrona Tour Colombia website.
Shared Minivan schedule from Santa Marta to Tayrona
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Tayronatourcolombia.
Santa Marta to Tayrona by Boat
Taking a boat can be an exciting and quick way to get from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park’s main beaches, especially if you want to avoid hiking.
That said, it really depends on the weather. When the sea is calm, the boat ride is smooth and scenic. But if it’s windy or stormy, the ocean can get rough, and the trip quickly becomes a far less pleasant experience, as one of our readers shared in the comments below.
If you're prone to motion sickness, it’s definitely better to take the bus to El Zaino and hike from there.
Boats don’t leave from downtown Santa Marta. They depart from Taganga, a small beach town about 7 km from the city. Getting there requires a short transfer.
If you're after convenience, we recommend joining a shared boat tour to Tayrona. This takes you from Santa Marta to Taganga and Playa Grande for $49 (170,000 COP).
Travelling on a budget? It’s cheaper to make your own way to Taganga and buy a boat ticket there. We explain how to do that below.
Step 1: Downtown Santa Marta to Taganga by Bus
From downtown Santa Marta, head to Carrera 5, where buses marked Taganga pass every few minutes.
A ticket costs $0.70 (3,000 COP) and the ride takes about 20 minutes.
Stay on the bus until the final stop, then walk down to Playa de Taganga. This is where you’ll find boat stands selling tickets to Tayrona.
Step 2: Taganga to Tayrona by Boat
Several local tour operators sell boat tickets to Tayrona National Park. Boats usually leave between 09:30 and 11:00 in the morning. It's best to arrive a bit earlier to secure a spot.
The typical travel time is about 45 minutes, but that’s only when the water is calm. On stormy or windy days, the journey can take up to 2.5 hours, and the waves can be intense. In those cases, the bus and hike option is far safer and more comfortable.
Most public boats go from Taganga to Cabo San Juan without any stops, but a few operators may offer tours that include visits to other beaches like Playa Cristal or Playa Cinto. These are usually private or custom tours.
Depending on the route, expect to pay around $18 (63,000 COP) for a one-way boat trip from Santa Marta to Tayrona. Many operators also offer round-trip deals at a discounted rate, with return pickup from Cabo San Juan in the afternoon.
Santa Marta to Tayrona by Private Transfer
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Santa Marta to Tayrona.
Rates start from $58 (199,000 COP) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about $19 (66,000 COP) per person. Travel time is around 40m - 1h 30m.
If you're landing at Santa Marta Airport, you can book a private transfer with Agencia Operadora de Viajes on BookAway. The driver will be waiting for you inside the Arrivals Hall, ready to get you on your way.
Taking private transport from Santa Marta to Tayrona gives you more comfort and flexibility. While it’s less of a local travel experience, it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with kids, with older family members, or just don't want to deal with the logistics of getting into Tayrona Park.
Private Transfer tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
| Arriving | Duration | Sites of interest |
|---|---|---|
| El Zaino | 50m | La Piscina, Arrecifes, Cabo San Juan |
| Calabazo | 40m | Cabo San Juan, Playa Brava |
| Palangana/Neguanje | 1h | Playa Crista, Playa Cinto, Playa 7 olas |
| Bahía Concha | 40m | Bahía Concha |
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Tayrona?
Tayrona National Park is a magical paradise on Colombia's north coast. With lush jungles and breathtaking beaches, it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Its beauty is unparalleled in Colombia, some would say even in Latin America.
Despite the increasing number of tourists visiting Tayrona, many areas remain off-limits, allowing the park to maintain its untouched glory. But don't worry, there's still a huge part of it you can explore while hiking, diving, snorkelling and camping. Tayrona National Park is an adventurer's dream!
Access points
Tayrona National Park spans 225 km² and has many access points. The most popular are:
- El Zaino – the main entrance with the most facilities
- Calabazo – a quieter, more scenic hiking route into the park
Both are easily accessible from Santa Marta, with buses departing frequently from the city centre. You can also reach the park from Barranquilla, Palomino, or Cartagena.
If you want to stay close to nature, consider skipping Santa Marta and spending the night in one of the most unique places to stay in Colombia, right by Tayrona National Park. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
When is Tayrona National Park closed?
Tayrona National Park closes three times a year to give the environment time to rest and recover.
These closures are requested by the Indigenous communities who live in and protect the area. During this time, they carry out physical and spiritual restoration practices to cleanse the territory, restore balance, and allow nature and wildlife to regenerate.
Tayrona has followed the same closure schedule for several years:
- 1-15 February
- 1-15 June
- 19 October - 2 November
During these dates, the park is completely closed to visitors. If you're planning a trip, make sure it doesn’t fall within these periods.
While the schedule is usually consistent, the dates can change slightly from year to year. It’s always best to check out Parque Tayrona's website for the latest information.
Entrance into Tayrona
For foreign visitors, the entrance fee is 87,000 COP during high season and 74,000 COP during low season. You can pay with cash or card, but card payments are only accepted at the El Zaino and Calabazo entrances. All other entrances require cash only.
In addition to the entrance fee, there’s a mandatory insurance charge of 6,000 COP per person, per day. This must be paid in cash at the entrance.
High season runs from:
- 15 June - 15 July
- 15 December - 30 January
- Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday
- All Colombian long weekends with public holidays
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Santa Marta to Tayrona, roughly 6 kilometres (4 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $1.70 (6,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 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 Santa Marta to Tayrona?
The distance from Santa Marta to Tayrona is 6 kilometres (4 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Santa Marta to Tayrona?
Journey times from Santa Marta to Tayrona overlap: bus 30m - 1h, shared minivan 1h, boat 1h 5m, private transfer 40m - 1h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Tayrona?
The cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Tayrona is by bus with ticket costs starting from 6,000 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
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.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
