Have you seen everything you can in Cartagena? Cartagena’s UNESCO sites offering a glimpse into this colonial port town has had it’s wonders at every turn. But you can’t get enough and now, you’re ready to explore more and more of why these Caribbean cities flourished and became some of Colombia’s most beautiful, culturally diverse, and urban spots. Your next stop is Barranquilla, the lively city known for the annual carnival celebration! Enjoy how Barranquilla has flourished from the transformation of Caribbean settlement to an expansive city. But, how do you get from Cartagena to Barranquilla?
How Do I Get From Cartagena to Barranquilla?
Cartagena to Barranquilla are about 134 km apart and driving time is about 2 hours.
There are a couple ways to get from Cartagena to Barranquilla, while there is no train, nor a local airport, you have the option of taking one of the local bus companies or using a private car service. For travelers on a budget, the cheapest way to travel from Cartagena to Barranquilla is by bus. But a private car is both the fastest way to travel from Cratagena to Barranquilla and the best way to travel from Cratagena to Barranquilla because it’s so convenient.
Cartagena to Barranquilla by Bus
When taking one of the local bus companies, it is important to note that there are a handful of companies, some require direct contact for price inquiries, the companies mentioned below are the most transparent. There are over 40 buses that depart Cartagena throughout the day, which allows for flexibility, but we always recommend checking the schedule. To buy your ticket, we recommend buying in advance, or you will need to go to the bus station (Cartagena Transportation Terminal) and go to the ticket office. The companies you will be looking for are Expreso Brasilia, Copetran, and Transportes Marsol, with the first bus leaving at 1:30 AM and the last bus leaving at 10:00 PM and the tickets cost about 5 EUR.
| Time Intervals | Intervals throughout the day |
| First/Last Departure | 1:30 AM/10:00 PM |
| Average Price | €5 |
| Distance | ~134 km |
| Duration | ~2-2.5 hr |
| Operating Companies | Expreso Brasilia, Copetran, and Transportes Marsol |
Cartagena to Barranquilla by Taxi
Taking a private car is recommended if you prefer a convenient and comfortable option for traveling from place to place. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Cartagena and be driven to your destination in Barranquilla, no bus stops, no crowding, no confusion. Daytrip is a great option because they even let you choose to stop and see some sites along the way! A trip from Cartagena to Barranquilla can include stops at…
- El Totumo Mud Volcano
- Julio Florez House Museum
With comfort, convenience, and adventure, it is clear that a private transfer is the best option! To book a private transfer from Cartagena to Barranquilla, click here!
Going the other direction? Check our guide on: Barranquilla to Cartagena