Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is one of Colombia’s busiest coastal airports and the main gateway to the Caribbean city of Cartagena. Compact, efficient, and only minutes from the historic center, CTG is one of the easiest airports to navigate in Latin America.

This complete guide covers arrivals, departures, transportation, money exchange, Wi-Fi, SIM cards, safety, luggage, and everything a traveler should know.

1. Quick Overview of Cartagena Airport (CTG)

• Official name: Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núñez (CTG)

• Location: La Boquilla neighborhood, 10–15 minutes from Centro Histórico

• Distance to key areas:

  • Centro / Getsemaní → 10–15 min

  • Bocagrande → 15–20 min

  • Zona Norte / Hotels → 15–20 min

What to expect:

• Small, straightforward layout

• Easy check-in and security processes

• Domestic and international terminals in one connected building

• Good for quick arrivals and departures

CTG isn’t luxurious, but it’s convenient and stress-free.

2. Arriving at Cartagena Airport

Immigration (International Arrivals)

Immigration wait times vary. Typical:

• 10–30 minutes in low season

• 30–60 minutes in high season (December–January)

Baggage Claim

Small, easy-to-navigate baggage hall.
Baggage usually arrives quickly compared to larger airports.

Customs

You may be asked to scan luggage. Customs is rarely slow.

After Customs

You immediately enter a public arrivals hall with:

• ATMs

• Money exchange counters

• SIM card vendors

• Taxi booths

• Cafés

3. SIM Cards + Wi-Fi at CTG

Free Wi-Fi

Powerful and easy to connect.
Look for: “Aeropuerto Cartagena Free WiFi.”

Buying a Local SIM Card

Cheaper than roaming and recommended.

Providers available at arrivals:

• Claro (best coverage in Colombia)

• Tigo

• Movistar

Expected cost (2025):

• 5–10 GB: 30,000–45,000 COP

• 20–30 GB: 50,000–70,000 COP

They activate the SIM for you on the spot.

4. Money Exchange & ATMs

Best option: Withdraw cash from an ATM

ATMs inside CTG:

• Banco de Bogotá

• Davivienda

• Bancolombia

Typical withdrawal fees: 15,000–25,000 COP.

Tips:

• Avoid currency exchange counters (poor rates).

• Decline “conversion to your home currency” on the ATM screen — choose COL$.

5. Transportation From Cartagena Airport

CTG is one of the closest city airports in South America, so getting around is quick and easy.

A) Taxis (Official Airport Taxis) ✔ Most common

Available directly outside arrivals.

Fixed Prices (2025):

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

• CTG → Bocagrande: 25,000–35,000 COP

• CTG → Marbella / Crespo: 10,000–18,000 COP

• CTG → Zona Norte (resorts): 35,000–50,000 COP

You will see a fare board with the official prices.

Tips:

• Pay the driver, not the kiosk.

• No meters — prices are fixed for airport taxis.

• Carry small bills.

B) Uber, InDriver & Didi ✔ Safe & cheaper

These apps work well, especially for solo travelers and digital nomads.

Important:

Ride-share pickups are slightly outside the terminal.
Drivers may ask you to sit in the front seat — normal in Colombia.

Typical prices:

• CTG → Centro: 15,000–22,000 COP

• CTG → Bocagrande: 18,000–28,000 COP

C) Public Bus (TransCaribe) ✔ Cheapest

A TransCaribe station is right outside the airport.
Route normally used: T102.

Cost: 2,900 COP

Downside:

Requires a rechargeable card, and it’s slow with luggage.

D) Private Transfers ✔ Best for groups

Hotels and agencies offer private drivers.

Cost: 50,000–90,000 COP

Great for late-night arrivals or families.

6. Departing From Cartagena Airport

Arrival Time Recommendation

• Domestic flights: Arrive 1.5 hours before departure

• International flights: Arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure

CTG is efficient, but lines can build up quickly during peak season.

7. CTG Airport Layout

CTG is a single, two-level terminal.

Ground Floor (Level 1):

• Arrivals

• Baggage claim

• Ground transportation

• ATMs

• SIM card shops

• Cafés

Upper Floor (Level 2):

• Departures hall

• Check-in counters

• Security screening

• Food options

• Gift shops

• Boarding gates

Domestic and international areas share the same building, separated only after security.

8. Food & Shopping at CTG

Food options include:

• Juan Valdez Café

• Crepes & Waffles

• Dunkin

• Local bakeries

• Sandwich stands

Quality is decent but prices are higher than in the city.

Shops:

• Duty-free (perfume, alcohol, chocolate)

• Souvenir stores

• Local crafts

• Convenience stores

9. Luggage Storage at Cartagena Airport

There is no official luggage storage at CTG.

Alternatives:

• Ask your hotel to store bags

• Use paid locker services in the Boca Grande malls

• Use tour agencies offering luggage hold during day trips

10. Safety at Cartagena Airport

CTG is generally safe.

Tips:

• Ignore unofficial taxi offers inside the terminal

• Keep belongings close in the arrivals hall

• Only take rides from the official taxi stand or app pickups

• Avoid flashing large amounts of cash

11. Accessibility

CTG is reasonably accessible:

• Elevators

• Ramps

• Accessible restrooms

• Priority lines for people with disabilities or reduced mobility

If needed, request special assistance via your airline.

12. Flying to/from Cartagena: Airlines & Routes

Domestic flights (frequent & cheap):

• Bogotá (BOG)

• Medellín (MDE)

• Cali (CLO)

• Pereira (PEI)

• San Andrés (ADZ)

International flights:

• Miami

• New York

• Fort Lauderdale

• Panama City

• Lima

• Madrid (seasonal)

13. Final Tips for Navigating Cartagena Airport

• Withdraw cash from ATMs, not exchange counters

• Buy a Claro SIM for best coverage

• Use Uber or official taxis only

• Keep small bills for drivers and snacks

• Arrive early during holidays (Christmas, Holy Week, New Year)

• Expect heat — CTG is warm even indoors