Cartagena is a compact, lively, and picturesque city where most travelers spend their time wandering between the Walled City, Getsemaní, and Bocagrande. But even though it’s walkable, you’ll still rely on taxis, rideshare apps, boats, and occasional buses to reach beaches, the airport, or nearby islands.

This guide explains every transportation option in Cartagena, how to use them safely, typical costs, travel tips, and the best ways to move around the city—perfect for first-time visitors.

1. Is Cartagena Easy to Get Around?

Yes. Cartagena is one of Colombia’s easier cities to navigate:

• The historic center is compact and walkable.

• Taxis and rideshare apps are everywhere.

• It’s cheap and fast to get to/from the airport.

• Boats are the main way to reach the islands.

The only challenge is traffic, especially in Bocagrande during late afternoons.

2. Walking in Cartagena

Best for: Centro Histórico, Getsemaní, San Diego

Not ideal for: Bocagrande → long distances; some areas outside tourist zones at night

Cartagena’s old town is one of the most walkable and enjoyable areas in Colombia. Most major attractions are within a few minutes of one another.

Tips for walking:

• Wear breathable clothing — humidity is intense

• Walk early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat

• Stay aware of your phone; petty theft can occur

• Side streets can be dark — avoid at night

3. Taxis in Cartagena

Taxis are plentiful and safe when used correctly, but they do not use meters, which means:

Always negotiate the price before getting in.

Typical taxi prices (2025):

• Airport → Centro / Getsemaní: 20,000–30,000 COP

• Centro → Bocagrande: 10,000–15,000 COP

• Bocagrande → Getsemaní: 12,000–18,000 COP

• Centro → La Boquilla: 18,000–28,000 COP

Taxi tips:

• Confirm price upfront

• Carry small bills

• Avoid street taxis at night unless necessary

• If price feels inflated, politely decline

• Official airport taxis have fixed price boards

4. Uber, InDriver & Didi

Cartagena has several ride-hailing apps, and they’re often safer, cheaper, and more transparent than taxis.

Apps available:

• Uber (most popular among tourists)

• InDriver (you propose your fare → drivers accept or counteroffer)

• Didi (budget-friendly)

Benefits:

✓ GPS tracking
✓ No negotiation needed
✓ Safer for night travel
✓ Often cheaper than taxis

Downside:

Drivers may ask you to sit in the front seat to avoid police fines (ride-hailing legality is “gray” in Colombia). It’s normal and safe.

5. Public Buses (TransCaribe)

Cartagena’s bus system is called TransCaribe.

Pros:

• Very cheap (2,900 COP per ride)

• Air-conditioned

• Good for Bocagrande → Centro → Airport

Cons:

• Complicated routes for tourists

• Requires a rechargeable card

• Can be crowded

• Not ideal late at night

Most visitors don’t use the buses unless staying long-term.

6. Airport Transportation (Cartagena – CTG)

Cartagena’s airport is extremely close to the city — just 10–15 minutes from the major tourist zones.

Best ways to get to/from the airport:

Taxi (recommended)

• Fixed prices posted inside the airport

• Pay at the official kiosk or go to the taxi stand

Uber / InDriver

• Must meet drivers outside the terminal

• Usually slightly cheaper

Walking?

Yes, technically possible to walk to Marbella, but not recommended with luggage or mid-day heat.

7. Boats & Ferries (for Islands + Beaches)

Many of Cartagena’s best beaches are only accessible by boat.

Main departure points:

• Muelle de la Bodeguita (Old Town) → For Rosario Islands

• Fenix Beach Pier

• Castillo Grande Pier

• La Boquilla → Mangrove tours

Costs:

• Rosario Islands day tours: 180,000–450,000 COP

• Beach clubs on Tierra Bomba: 60,000–150,000 COP

• Private boat rental: 1,200,000–2,500,000+ COP

Tips for boats:

• Bring cash

• Expect choppy afternoon waters

• Apply sunscreen before boarding

• Return trips leave before 3:00 p.m. (mandatory)

8. Renting a Bicycle or E-Bike

Getsemaní and Centro offer a few bike rental options.

Pros:

• Scenic along the city walls

• Fun and eco-friendly

• Good during early hours

Cons:

• Heat makes it uncomfortable mid-day

• Not ideal for Bocagrande traffic

Prices: 25,000–50,000 COP per hour.

9. Renting a Scooter or Motorcycle

Not common for tourists.

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavy traffic

• Unpredictable drivers

• High theft risk

• Expensive deposits

Unless you’re an experienced rider, skip it.

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10. Renting a Car

Highly discouraged for Cartagena city travel.

Why?

• Traffic congestion

• Scarce parking

• One-way streets in the old town

• Police checkpoints

• Limited need — everything is close

Better option: rent a car only if traveling to Barranquilla, Santa Marta, or Tayrona.

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11. Transportation to Popular Areas

Centro Histórico ↔ Getsemaní

• Walk (5–10 minutes)

Centro ↔ Bocagrande

• Taxi/Uber: 10 minutes

• Walk: 30–40 minutes (hot)

Centro ↔ La Boquilla

• Taxi/Uber: 15–20 minutes

• Bus: 25–40 minutes

Cartagena ↔ Baru / Playa Blanca

• Taxi to Baru bridge + moto → 50–90 minutes

• Boat → 45 minutes

Cartagena ↔ Rosario Islands

• Boat only → 45–75 minutes

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12. Safety Tips for Getting Around

Do:

✓ Use Uber or taxis at night
✓ Keep phones out of sight near traffic
✓ Use crosswalks — traffic can be chaotic
✓ Carry small bills for taxi payments
✓ Confirm price in taxis before entering

Don’t:

✗ Walk alone on dark streets
✗ Ride bicycles in heavy traffic
✗ Accept rides from strangers
✗ Take “unofficial tours” from beach hawkers

13. How Most Tourists Get Around Cartagena (Realistic Summary)

Inside the old town:

🚶 Walking

To/from Getsemaní / Bocagrande:

🚕 Taxi or Uber

To/from airport:

🚕 Taxi or 🛺 Uber/InDriver

To the islands:

⛵ Boat from Muelle de la Bodeguita

To further beaches (La Boquilla, Manzanillo):

🚕 Taxi or 🚘 private driver

You won’t need buses or rental cars unless staying long-term.

Final Tips for Transportation in Cartagena

• Avoid peak traffic hours (16:30–18:30).

• Book Rosario Island boats early in the morning.

• Bring cash for drivers, boat captains, and beach vendors.

• Always check the weather before booking a boat trip.

• Uber and InDriver are the safest and easiest options for most trips.