Airport Hubs:
CTG → Cartagena Walled City & Getsemaní Updated for 2026

How to Get from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to the Walled City & Getsemaní

Distance 5 km
Fastest 12 min
From 3,000 COP (~$0.75)
Top Pick Official Kiosk Voucher Taxi / Metrocar Bus
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

Cartagena Airport (CTG) is only 4-5 km from the historic Walled City and Getsemaní. An authorized yellow taxi is the best choice: use the touchscreen kiosk in baggage claim to get a printed ticket with the fixed government fare (15,000 - 18,000 COP / ~$3.80 - $4.50 USD), taking just 10-15 minutes. Budget travelers can walk 2 minutes outside the airport gate to Calle 70 and board a Metrocar city bus into town for 3,000 COP (~$0.75 USD).

Cartagena de Indias is Colombia's premier Caribbean destination, famed for its Spanish colonial fortress walls, vibrant bougainvillea-draped balconies, and lively Getsemaní plazas. CTG airport is conveniently close to all historic accommodations.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Official Authorized Kiosk Voucher Taxi Best Overall
10–15 min
15,000 - 18,000 COP
~$3.80 - $4.50 / €3.50 - €4.20
 Continuous queue All travelers—fastest, safest, and officially price-regulated Book Cartagena Transfer
Metrocar Local City Bus (via Calle 70) Cheapest
20–30 min
3,000 COP
~$0.75 / €0.70
 Every 10 min Backpackers with light bags traveling on a strict budget See Boarding Steps ↓

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Official Authorized Kiosk Voucher Taxi

15,000 - 18,000 COP ~$3.80 - $4.50 / €3.50 - €4.20
Travel time 10–15 min
Frequency Continuous queue
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Touchscreen ticket machine inside baggage claim before exit.
Main advantage: Takes only 10-15 minutes; fixed price printed on kiosk ticket; door-to-door delivery.
Keep in mind: Cash payment preferred in Colombian Pesos.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Retrieve bags and walk toward the exit doors.
  2. Use the computerized taxi kiosk to enter your destination and print your rate ticket.
  3. Present the ticket to the coordinator at the official yellow taxi queue outside.
  4. Enjoy the quick 10-minute coastal drive to the Clock Tower or Getsemaní.
Book Cartagena Transfer
Option #2 Cheapest

Metrocar Local City Bus (via Calle 70)

3,000 COP ~$0.75 / €0.70
Travel time 20–30 min
Frequency Every 10 min
Operating hours 06:00 - 21:00 daily
Where to buy tickets Pay cash directly to the bus driver upon boarding.
Main advantage: Very cheap (under $1 USD); runs frequently along Santander Avenue.
Keep in mind: No air-conditioning; no dedicated luggage storage; crowded.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Walk out of the terminal, through the parking lot, and turn left onto Calle 70 (2 min walk).
  2. Flag down any white and green Metrocar bus with a sign reading "Centro".
  3. Pay 3,000 COP cash to the driver.
  4. Alight at Parque de la Marina just outside the historic city wall.
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / InDrive / Cabify & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / InDrive / Cabify pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Colombia eSIM on Airalo →Compare Colombia Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Cartagena (CTG) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Cartagena Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

Inside baggage claim right before the exit sliding doors, there is an official taxi kiosk. Type in your destination hotel or neighborhood to print a voucher with the fixed price. Hand this to the driver outside and pay upon arrival in cash COP.

Traveling with Suitcases

Taxis have trunk space for suitcases. Metrocar city buses are compact local transit vehicles without luggage racks and can be crowded.

Arriving After Midnight

Taxis queue 24/7 outside arrivals. The Crespo neighborhood surrounding the airport is residential and safe, but taking an official taxi straight to your hotel is strongly recommended after dark.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Skipping the taxi voucher kiosk inside the terminal—drivers outside will attempt to charge $15–$20 USD instead of the official $4 USD rate.
  • Trying to pay taxi drivers with US Dollars or large 50,000 COP notes—carry smaller bills (10,000 and 20,000 COP).
  • Dragging heavy rolling bags through Getsemaní's narrow pedestrian streets without knowing your exact hotel entrance.
  • Inside the terminal right before the exit door, there is an official taxi touchscreen kiosk. Enter your destination neighborhood (e.g. Centro Histórico or Bocagrande) to receive a printed voucher with the exact regulated price. Give this to the driver at the curb so you are never overcharged.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is a taxi from Cartagena Airport to the Walled City?

The official fixed tariff printed by the airport kiosk is 15,000 to 18,000 COP (~$3.80 to $4.50 USD).

Can I take Uber from Cartagena Airport?

Uber operates in Cartagena, but pickup at the airport curb can be restricted by local taxi unions; using the official kiosk taxi is faster and virtually the same price.