City in Magdalena, Colombia
Getting around Santa Marta
How to get around Santa Marta
Walk the centre and use taxis, Uber or colectivos for beaches. Buses and minivans reach Minca, Tayrona and Palomino from the Mercado and terminal.
Ways to get around Santa Marta
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Local buses and colectivos | About 2,500–3,500 COP | Cover city routes; Rodadero line goes along the waterfront |
| Taxis | 8,000–15,000 COP in city | Agree fare first; ride apps often cheaper |
| Colectivo to Minca | About 10,000–15,000 COP | Leaves from near the Mercado; about 40 min |
| Bus to Tayrona (El Zaino) | About 10,000–15,000 COP | From the Mercado; 1 h |
Ride-hailing apps in Santa Marta
A 5 km ride costs about $9,000–18,000 ($2.7–5.4).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works in the city; drivers may prefer cash |
| DiDi | Common in Santa Marta; check that cash is accepted |
| inDrive | Negotiate fares during peaks |
- Taxis are plentiful but unmetered; agree a fare first. For Tayrona, Minca and Palomino, minivan colectivos from fixed spots are cheaper.
Arriving in Santa Marta
Simón BolÃvar (SMR)
Taxi to centre or Rodadero about 25,000–45,000 COP, 15–25 min; ride apps usually cheaper.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Scooter rental is available in Taganga and Rodadero; roads are rough and licence rules apply. Use caution on busy highways.
- 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 Santa Marta?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber, DiDi, inDrive.
What's the best way to get around Santa Marta?
Walk the centre and use taxis, Uber or colectivos for beaches. Buses and minivans reach Minca, Tayrona and Palomino from the Mercado and terminal.
How do I get from the airport to Santa Marta?
Taxi to centre or Rodadero about 25,000–45,000 COP, 15–25 min; ride apps usually cheaper.
Is Santa Marta walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Santa Marta
Going to Santa Marta solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Santa Marta meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.