Planning a trip to Cartagena, Colombia?

First, congratulations!

Cartagena is Colombia’s best known international destination with good reason. As you may have noticed, this website is devoted to sharing all the wonders of Cartagena, so please do check out all the tips I’ve shared here.

After living in Cartagena for over a decade, I have flown in and out of the Cartagena many times, both on international and domestic flights. Here, I’ll be sharing all that experience with you so you can know what to expect when flying into and/or departing the Cartagena, Colombia Airport yourself.

So read on to learn everything you need to know about the Rafael Nuñez International airport in Cartagena, Colombia.

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Cartagena (CTG) Airport Guide – Contents

• General Introduction to Cartagena’s Airport
• Practical Tips on Arriving to the Cartagena Airport
• Practical Tips on Departing the Cartagena Airport
• Other Information and FAQs about the Rafael Nuñez International Airport

Need your flights to or from Cartagena?
I recommend checking the following sites and airlines:

• CheapoAir
• Expedia
• JetBlue (I absolutely love their CTG-NYC direct flight!)
• Avianca
• LATAM
• COPA

Looking for the most convenient way to get to and from the airport?
Book a private transfer with our partner travel agency or via GetYourGuide.

Also, if you are still in the planning stages of your trip, I’d like to give a quick plug to BnB Colombia Tours, who I’ve partnered with to provide custom, tailor made itineraries to Cartagena and everywhere else in Colombia. If you’re interested in planning with a travel agent, you can find out more and see what they have to offer when you fill out the form on this page.

Ok, now let’s get into this guide to the Cartagena Airport, in Colombia’s premier destination.

I’m going to first go over some basic, general information on the airport, then I’ll give some helpful tips and details on what to keep in mind when arriving, then cover what to keep in mind when departing the airport in Cartagena, and conclude with some FAQs.

Rafael Nuñez International Airport – Overview

The name of Cartagena’s airport is the Rafael Nuñez International Airport, or Aereopuerto Internacional Rafael Nuñez in Spanish. It is named after, you guessed it, Rafael Nuñez, the only president of Colombia born in Cartagena.

A long time journalist before becoming president, he also wrote the poem that was later adopted as Colombia’s national anthem in honor of Cartagena’s Declaration of Independence. His house is a museum today that is an interesting visit, one of a handful of interesting museums in Cartagena, and one of the lesser known things to do in Cartagena.

The Cartagena, Colombia airport code is CTG. You can use the CTG airport code to search faster on airline ticket sites and to double check your flight is correct.

Sometimes people ask if there are multiple Cartagena, Colombia airports or what airport do you fly into for Cartagena, Colombia. You fly into Cartagena directly at the Rafael Nuñez International Airport. There is currently only one Cartagena airport. There have been reports for a few years about a long term plan to build another, larger airport, but they are just discussions for the time being.

So, there is just one airport, not airports in Cartagena, Colombia for the time being.

Where is the Cartagena airport?

The Cartagena airport is located on the northern edge of the city, in the neighborhood of Crespo. It is roughly 10-15 minutes away from the main tourist sectors of the historic Walled City or Centro Historico and popular beachfront hotel area of Bocagrande.

I always appreciated how easy it was to access the Cartagena airport and that it isn’t really far away like so many other destination cities.

By the way, if you are unsure which area is best for your stay in Cartagena, be sure to check out my guide to the best areas to stay. Or, you could also check out my picks for the best boutique hotels, the best beachfront hotels, the best luxury hotels, and the best hostels.

Is the Cartagena airport big?

No, in fact, it’s quite small. There is only one runway and a small handful of gates at the Cartagena airport. In fact, you can walk from one side of the airport to the other in 5 minutes or less.

There is only one waiting area each for domestic and international arrivals, so no worries about being at the wrong gate or hoofing it from one side of the airport ot the other or anything like that!

Practical Tips on Arrivals to the Cartagena Airport

Ok, let’s talk about some tips to keep in mind if you are arriving to the Cartagena airport. I’m going talk about what to expect, and how to get transportation into the city from the Ctg airport.

How long will it take to pass through immigration upon arrival at the Cartagena airport?

Everyone’s favorite, the immigration line…not!

Wait times to pass through immigration at the Rafael Nuñez Airport in Cartagena can vary widely. I’ve gotten through the line in less than 15 minutes, and I’ve had to wait in line over an hour. I’ve even heard stories of people waiting over 2 hours.

The truth is, it depends on how many people and flights are arriving around the same time and how many immigration agents are working.

I guess my practical advice here would be to plan for it to take at least an hour and be pleasantly surprised if it doesn’t. I would advise against planning anything that is a can’t miss or that can’t be canceled and refunded within 3 hours of your planned arrival time (flight delays do happen too) just to be on the safe side too. Also, plan for extra time during peak travel seasons like around the end of the year and Easter week.

Also, keep in mind, that when entering Colombia, you will need to show your passport, and if you’re coming as a tourist know the address you will be staying, and have proof of return tickets or onward travel out of country (they don’t always ask for this but they can and you are meant to have it).

You also have to have completed the Check-Mig form (you actually have to complete this before departure as well). This form is notoriously finnicky, so I don’t recommend waiting until the last minute before departure to fill it out. Finally, as of April 2023, you still have to show either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative Covid test to enter Colombia (see full entry guidelines here).

Usually, it’s the airline that checks this before departure, but the immigration agents can ask for it, so it’s best to have all of this stuff handy to speed up the process.

Obviously all this only applies if you are arriving from abroad, not on a domestic flight.

Transportation from the Cartagena Airport to the City

Since Rafael Nuñez Airport is so close to the main tourist areas of Cartagena, it’s easy to get from the airport to the city.

The easiest way to get from Cartagena airport to the old city or elsewhere is to take a taxi. Taxis line up just outside the exits from both the domestic and international arrival sections.

Now, although there are lots of honest Cartagena taxi drivers, there are also some that overcharge and have given them a bit of a bad reputation collectively.

If you’d like to avoid the hassle of wondering if you’re paying the correct price and have nicer, more comfortable transportation that will be waiting for you upon arrival, you can book a private transfer with our partner travel agency BnB Colombia Tours. It costs more than a taxi but is also more convenient. Click here to book and use the code ExploreColombia10 for a discount.

You can also book private transfers from the airport via GetYourGuide and Viator. You can also book private transfers, including in larger vans or buses at BookaWay.

How much is a taxi from Cartagena airport to the city?

Taxi prices vary depending on your final destination. There are set prices, and taxi prices from the Cartagena airport to most of the tourist areas and hotel zones will cost from $15,000 pesos to $25,000 pesos.

However, as I mentioned above, many taxis will try to tack on a few thousand pesos to those officially set prices.

But, you’re in luck!

That’s because I’m going to let you in on a little secret that not everyone knows about: There are kiosks that will give you a ticket with the official fare to give the taxi driver and make sure you are not overpaying for your taxi from the Cartagena airport to the city.

If you are arriving on an international flight, after you pass through immigration, you’ll exit into a large room with tall windows overlooking the street and some benches. Just to the right of the exit there is a small digital kiosk. Enter the address or neighborhood where you’re going and it will print out a little receipt with the fare. Give this to your taxi driver.

If you’re arriving on a domestic flight, after exiting baggage claim and walking outside, turn to the left and you’ll find a window with attendants. Tell them the address or neighborhood you’re going to and they will print and give you the ticket to give to the taxi.

Here are a few of the most common official prices (source is a decree with the list of prices for 2023):

• To Centro (Walled City) or Getsemaní: $17,400
• To Bocagrande, Castillogrande, or Laguito: $24,700
• To Manga or Pie de la Popa: $20,500
• To the Muelle de la Bodeguita docks: $17,400
• To La Boquilla: $17,400

It’s worth noting that these prices are more than the standard fares for similar distances because taxis do pay a surcharge to park at the airport.

Do be aware that there will be drivers standing around outside the exits that offer you taxis. While these are for the most part safe, they rarely actually charge less, and they are parked around the corner a block or two away. Sometimes you might save a couple thousand pesos (like the equivalent of 50 cents), but I don’t really think it’s worth the walk. Plus, you’re encouraging these guys to not pay the surcharge or wait their turn.

Uber exists in a sort of legal gray area in Colombia since many of the drivers don’t have proper licenses to provide transportation services, and I generally discourage its use for that reason. However, you can likely get an Uber from the airport. The application InDriver, which is mostly officially licensed taxis, usually has more drivers in Cartagena. For both, you may have to walk outside the airport to meet the driver, not to mention wait for them, and you probably won’t save much if anything.

Can you take a bus from the airport to the city in Cartagena?

Sort of. There is a bus system known as Transcaribe (a metrobus system) that runs close to the airport.

You can catch it by exiting and going straight ahead to the next block over. Then, cross the street. Look for a stop that has a big rectangle that says SITM (sistema integrado de transporte masivo) on it.

However, you need a card to pay the fare, and there aren’t stations where you can buy it nearby. So, I don’t recommend this unless you already have a card from a previous trip. Plus, the buses are often crowded, so it’s not worth it if you have luggage.

Another cheaper form of transportation is a collective taxi, or colectivo.

You can get colectivos that go to the Walled City on that same road a block away from the airport. Look for taxis that beep their horns in quick succession and hold up a finger as they go by (you can also hold up one finger). These shared taxis pack 4 passengers in, so only use them if you have a bag that fits comfortably on your lap.

If you just have a backpack or duffle or something that’s easy to carry, you could also just walk out to this street and get a regular taxi to save a few thousand pesos on the airport surcharge as well.

Where can I exchange money at the Cartagena airport?

There is a money exchange in the little waiting area just outside the exit from immigration and baggage claim. You should see a window there where you can exchange dollars, Euros, or a handful of other currencies for Colombian pesos.

To be honest, I recommend just using ATMs as they give a better rate even if you do have to pay some fees. That way you avoid the hassle of carrying large amounts of cash.

Practical Tips on Departures from the Airport in Cartagena

Ok, now that we’ve covered what to expect when arriving to the Rafael Nuñez Airport in Cartagena, let’s talk about departing.

How to Get to the Cartagena Airport

To get to the airport in Cartagena, you have several options. Again the easiest is to contract a private transfer. They will pick you up from your hotel at your chosen time and make sure you get there quick, easy, and in comfort. This could be an especially good option if you have a very early morning or late night flight or are traveling in a group.

Click here to book a private transfer with our partners (use the code ExploreColombia10 for a discount).

Getting a taxi to the Cartagena airport is also very easy.

Taxis are generally plentiful and easy to flag down at most hours if you’re staying in the main areas of Cartagena. See the prices listed above for the officially set prices to the airport from different common areas to stay in Cartagena.

Now, if you have packed relatively light, you could also save a few pesos by getting dropped off a block away (ask to get left at the Kokoriko in Crespo). If you have anything more than a light carryon, I’d probably just pay the few thousand pesos difference though.

If you’ve packed very light and have plenty of time, you could also take a taxi colectivo. You can get these near the Exitó San Diego. Be sure to confirm it’s going to Crespo (the colectivos that go to Bocagrande park nearby). It will go when its full (4 passengers). Just tell the driver to leave you near the airport.

Finally, you can also take the Transcaribe bus.

I would only advise doing this if you have used it during your stay since you need a card. If you already have the card and money left on it, it’s a cheap option if you aren’t in a hurry and don’t have a lot of luggage.

To take Transcaribe, you’ll want to take Route T102 Portal-Crespo, which only stops at the Centro Station across from Centro Uno and Exito Matuna. If you’re coming from Bocagrande, you can take the T103 Bocagrande-Portal to the Muelle del Bodeguita station, then you can take the T101-Centro-Portal or T100E Centro-Portal to the Centro Station. All the X routes also stop at both the Bodeguita and Centro stations.

As you ride, once you go past the big curve where there is a small Exito, press one of the red buttons to ask for the next stop. If you pass by the Kokoriko, you’ve gone too far, so be sure to press the button and get the next stop that is just past the airport.

Honestly, for most travelers, the taxi is the easiest thing to do and is pretty cheap comparatively.

How early should I arrive at Cartagena airport?

For international flights, you should arrive 2-3 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, an hour to an hour and a half is usually fine.

Rafel Nuñez Airport is fairly small, and usually check-in and security is pretty quick. However, it can vary. If you have bags to check, I’d recommend giving yourself some extra time, as in my experience, this is usually the part that takes the longest. So it is best to give yourself 3 hours for international and 1.5 for domestic. Better to be safe and be bored at the airport than sorry and miss your flight. I have also heard of them giving you a hard time if you arrive less than 3 hours before an international flight.

For domestic flights, security is usually a breeze. It rarely takes more than 15 minutes, and is often more like 5.

For international flights, you will have to go through immigration. It is also generally pretty quick, much quicker than arrival. It usually takes from 15-30 minutes unless there is a long line. Do keep in mind, you do need to complete the Check-Mig form again when leaving (usually it’s at check in where they check it but they could ask to see it here too).

One tip on something that is slightly different from the US: security will take away lighters in Colombia. That goes for domestic and international flights at the Cartagena airport. For domestic flights, they are a lot less strict about liquids than in the US though.

Another thing is that if you are carrying multiple books or bags of coffee in your carryon for international flights, there’s a good chance they will screen you and make you take everything out of your bag. Trust me, this has happened to me countless times! I’ve also had my checked bag searched (they will call you in the waiting room for this) a few times. I’m pretty sure that has been because of coffee too.

What food and other things are at the Cartagena aiport?

Outside the airport, you’ll find a Subway and a small restaurant that has snacks like empanadas as well as a limited number of Arabic plates. Inside, by the check in desks, you’ll find a Juan Valdez coffee shop which has snacks and pastries.

There are different options for food in the international and domestic departure section past security at the Cartagena airport as well.

Food Options in International Departures

Honestly, if you can eat before coming to the Cartagena airport, do it. There aren’t any great options for food in the international departure section of Cartagena’s airport.

There is a little stand that has coffee and a few sandwich and pastry options. There is also a place called Bukash that has empanadas, arepas, hot dogs, sandwiches and other snacks like that. They are overpriced, pretty meh, and there is always a long line. Pretty much what you expect for airport food. You can also grab a beer or bottle of water here too. Finally, there is also a small Gokela stand that has some sandwiches that are also pretty meh and over priced.

There is a small “duty free” shop just past security too. If you want to grab a bottle of aguardiente or something to take home, you can do it but it’s not any cheaper than in town. In fact, it’s probably more expensive. They do sell headphones here too if you need a pair.

Food Options in Domestic Departures

There are a lot more options for food in the domestic departures section of the Cartagena airport!

Here you’ll find:

• Subway
• Black Coffee
• Oma (better coffee shop)
• Presto (burgers and chicken)
• Kokoriko (chicken)
• Bukash (empanadas and other small snacks with a few Arabic plates; they also serve liquor here).
• Cupertino (a little bar, not sure if they have food).

There used to be a little pizza place in this part of the Ctg airport too, but they appeared to have closed permanently.

There are also handful of shops in the domestic departures section of the airport in Cartagena. These include El Market, which as coffee and chocolates that make for good souvenirs and last minute gifts, a Velez (leather shoes, bags, and luggage), Imaginarium (toys), and Inkanta (luggage and random fancy nicknacks).

There is also a little shop that sells drinks, magazines, and snacks like chips and candy bars. There are a few other stores as well that sell jewelry, purses, and hats. I’m pretty sure there is a little store where you can buy liquor bottles too.

Additional Information and FAQs

Here is a bit more information on the Rafael Nuñez International airport in Cartagena, including some common FAQs.

What airlines fly to Cartagena?

As of this writing in April 2023, the following airlines fly to Cartagena, Colombia either internationally, domestically, or both:

• Air Transat
• American Airlines
• Avianca
• Copa Airlines
• JetBlue
• KLM
• LATAM (formerly LAN)
• Plus Ultra
• Spirit
• Wingo

Note, you can buy tickets through airlines such as Delta and United that fly to Bogotá and partner with a domestic airline (usually Avianca or LATAM) to operate the connecting flight to Cartagena.

Also, keep in mind, this list is always subject to change and may also depend on changes to routes or even seasons (for example, Delta used to fly directly to Cartagena).

From what cities can you fly from and to Cartagena?

According to the airport’s website, there are 7 other cities in Colombia with flights to and from Cartagena. They are: Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Bucaramanga, Pereira, Montería, and San Andrés island.

Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York City, Atlanta, Toronto, Montreal, Lima, Panama City, and Amsterdam are the international cities that have flights to Cartagena listed on the airport’s website.

That being said, researching for this article (in April 2023), I couldn’t find direct flights to Cartagena from Atlanta but did from Orlando. So, this list is always a bit in flux.

How many terminals are there at the Cartagena airport?

There is only one terminal at the Rafael Nuñez Airport, although it is separated into an international side and a domestic side.

The international side, or “terminal” if you will, is located on the left hand side of the Cartagena airport. The domestic side is on the right side of the Ctg airpot. In the middle section of the airport, you’ll find the check-in desks, baggage drop, and offices for the airlines.

It’s a 5 minute walk from one side of the airport to the other, so no need to worry about getting lost or not making your flight if you happen to get dropped off at the wrong “terminal” at the airport in Cartagena.

There are only a handful of small gates on both sides of the Cartagena airport and none have connecting bridges to the flights. Instead it’s just a short walk to or from staircases for boarding and disembarking the planes.

Does Cartagena airport have WiFi?

Yes, there is free wifi available in the Cartagena Airport. You should be able to find it under the name SACSA Aereopuerto Rafeal Nuñez or something along those lines. You should be able to connect to it pretty easily in both the international and domestic departures section. It can be a bit hit or miss in my experience when in the immigration line.

Are there ATMS at the Cartagena airport?

Yes, there are a handful of ATMs from different Colombian banks at the Cartagena airport. You can find ATMs in a little nook just to the left if facing the security checkpoint to enter the domestic departures section. You can also find a few ATMs on the far left hand side of the sidewalk outside of the airport with your back to the airport.

Can you exchange money at the Cartagena airport?

Yes. As mentioned above in the international arrivals section, there is a money exchange immediately to the right as you exit the international arrival section. There is another money exchange immediately to the left after you exit the domestic arrivals baggage claim as well.

Can you do a Covid test at the Cartagena airport?

Yes, there is a Covid testing location at the Cartagena airport. It is located at the far left hand side if facing the airport from the street, past the international arrival section. It’s named Health Cars and it does take walkups.

Results of antigen tests are ready in 15-20 minutes, but if there is a long line, wait times to take the test itself can be long. I’d recommend giving yourself an extra hour or coming the day before to be on the safe side if you still need a Covid test to travel to your home country or next destination.

Cartagena Airport Guide Conclusion

Now you know everything you need to know about the airport in Cartagena. Keep in mind you can book private transfers via our partners BnB Colombia Tours and get a discount with the code ExploreColombia10. You can also see all their day tours here and get a discount on any and all of them with that code.

If you’d rather not pay the premium for private transfers, a taxi is the best choice for nearly everyone else. Keep in mind you’ll want to get to the airport 2-3 hours early for international flights and 1-2 for domestic flights. There are ATMs and Wifi at the airport, and while there are decent food options in the domestic departures waiting area, there are not good options in the international.

I hope you found this guide useful for planning your flights into or out of Cartagena. Please do check out all the other content on the site to help you plan your trip. Here’s to a safe, hassle free, no delays flight!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!