So you’ve discovered Cartagena’s UNESCO sites and gotten a glimpse into this colonial port town’s rich past? But now you need to experience more of Colombia’s rich history in its beautiful, culturally diverse, and urban port towns. Your next stop is Santa Marta, the first Spanish settlement, with lovely beaches and parks to boot! Home of Tayrona National Park, not only will you discover the oldest Spanish city in Colombia, but you are a short way from the beautiful mountains and ancient archaeological reserves! But, how do you get from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
How Do I Get From Cartagena to Santa Marta?
Cartagena and Santa Marta are about 239 km apart and driving time is about 4 hours.
There are a couple ways to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta, 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 Santa Marta is by bus. But a private car is both the fastest way to travel from Cratagena to Santa Marta and the best way to travel from Cratagena to Santa Marta because it’s so convenient.
Cartagena to Santa Marta 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 company mentioned below is the most transparent. There are about twenty five 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 company you will be looking for is Torcoroma with the first bus leaving at 4:00 AM and the last bus leaving at 4:30 PM and the tickets cost about 6.5 EUR.
| Time Intervals | every 30 minutes |
| First/Last Departure | 4:00 AM/4:30 PM |
| Average Price | €6.5 |
| Distance | ~239 km |
| Duration | ~4 hr |
| Operating Companies | Torcoroma |
Cartagena to Santa Marta 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 Santa Marta, 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 San Jose to La Fortuna can include stops at…
- El Totumo Mud Volcano
- Julio Florez House Museum
- Barranquilla
- Cienaga
- Minca
With comfort, convenience, and adventure, it is clear that a private transfer is the best option! To book a private transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta, click here!
Going the other direction? Check our guide on: Santa Marta to Cartagena