City in Bolívar, Colombia
Getting around Cartagena
How to get around Cartagena
The old town and Getsemaní are walkable. Use Uber or yellow taxis for Bocagrande and the airport, and boats from the Muelle de la Bodeguita for the islands.
Ways to get around Cartagena
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Free | Old Town, Getsemaní and the bay walkway are in one flat area |
| Uber / DiDi | 10,000–20,000 COP for 5 km | Cheap and safer than hailing; may be flagged at stands |
| Street taxis | 8,000–15,000 COP within centre | Negotiate before riding; no reliable meter |
| Boat to Rosario Islands | About 60,000–200,000 COP round trip | Public boats leave from Muelle de la Bodeguita; tours cost more |
Ride-hailing apps in Cartagena
A 5 km ride costs about $10,000–20,000 ($3–6).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works citywide but pickup near old-town gates can be awkward |
| inDrive | Negotiated fares; many drivers |
| DiDi | Cheaper in off-peak hours |
- Street taxis rarely use meters, so settle a fare first; staying around Old Town you can mostly walk. Never accept unsolicited rides from touts.
Arriving in Cartagena
Rafael Núñez (CTG)
Taxi to Old Town or Bocagrande about 15,000–25,000 COP, 15–25 min; ride apps about 12,000–20,000 COP.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Not common; some golf carts and scooters are rented in nearby islands. The city is best done on foot.
- Driving: on the right. Tourists can drive with a valid home licence during their permitted stay; an IDP helps at police checks.
- Onward travel in Colombia: Domestic flights (Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, JetSMART) are cheap and save long, winding bus rides; buses connect every city but are slow through the mountains.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Cartagena?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, inDrive, DiDi.
What's the best way to get around Cartagena?
The old town and Getsemaní are walkable. Use Uber or yellow taxis for Bocagrande and the airport, and boats from the Muelle de la Bodeguita for the islands.
How do I get from the airport to Cartagena?
Taxi to Old Town or Bocagrande about 15,000–25,000 COP, 15–25 min; ride apps about 12,000–20,000 COP.
Is Cartagena walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Cartagena
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.