Are you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready for some fun back in the city? The parks and history of Santa Marta have you yearning for a little more? Head to Cartagena where you can experience the best of Colombia’s colonial port, turned urban center, with a beautiful old town that you can get lost in for days. But what is the best way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
How Do I Get From Santa Marta to Cartagena?
Santa Marta and Cartagena are about 239 km apart and driving time is about 4 hours.
There are a couple ways to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena, 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 local buses from Santa Marta to Cartagena will be the cheapest option, but if you prefer convenience and comfort, a private transfer from Santa Marta to Cartagena is recommended.
Santa Marta to Cartagena 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 5 buses that depart Santa Marta throughout the day, we recommend checking the bus schedule online if your itinerary is not very flexible. To buy your ticket, we recommend buying in advance, or you will need to go to the bus station in Santa Marta and go to the ticket office. The company you will be looking for is Expreso Brasilia with the first bus leaving at 9:00 AM and the last bus leaving at 11:30 PM and the tickets cost about 8 EUR.
| Time Intervals | About 5 buses at intervals between first and last departure |
| First/Last Departure | 9:00 AM/11:30 PM |
| Average Price | €8 |
| Distance | ~239 km |
| Duration | ~4 hr |
| Operating Companies | Expreso Brasilia |
Santa Marta to Cartagena by Taxi
Going from Santa Marta to Cartagena by taxi is recommended if you prefer a convenient and comfortable option for traveling place to place. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Santa Marta and be driven to your destination in Cartagena, no bus stops, no crowding, no confusion. Daytrip is a great option since they let you choose to stop and see some sites along the way! A trip from Santa Marta to Cartagena can include stops at…
- Minca
- Cienega
- Barranquilla
- Julio Florez House Museum
- El Totumo Mud Volcano
- With comfort, convenience, and adventure, it is clear that a private transfer is the best option! To Book a private transfer from Santa Marta to Cartagena, click here!
Going the other direction? Check our guide on: Cartagena to Santa Marta