3 Ways to Travel from Santa Marta to Cartagena - by Bus, Minivan and Private Transport

How to Get from Santa Marta to Cartagena

3 options227 kmfrom ~$17Research Verified

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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 227 kilometre distance from Santa Marta to Cartagena. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 3 ways to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transport. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $17. The fastest route is by minivan (4h ).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
MinivanFastest	4h	($23)	--
Private Transport	4h	($167)	--
BusBudget	5h 5m	($17)	--

Bus

5h 5m - 7h 30mFrom ~$17

You can go from Santa Marta to Cartagena by bus. The whole journey takes about 5h 5m - 7h 30m, including the transfer time to/from the bus station. This is the cheapest option for this route, with combined prices from $17.

Ready to book your bus?

From ~$17 · 5h 5m - 7h 30m

Bookaway

Direct operator sites

Redbus

Minivan

4h - 5h 30mFrom ~$23

Travelling by minivan is a direct option to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena. You can choose from a good number of operators, but the popular ones are Marsol Transportes, Beach Tayrona Park and Cartagena Toures y Excursiones, which you can book via BookAway. Most companies offer door-to-door service, with hotel pickup in Santa Marta and drop-off at your accommodation in Cartagena. Marsol Transportes offers the cheapest fares at only $23. However, it departs and arrives at its own terminals in both cities, so you’ll need to arrange your own hotel transfers. The trip usually takes around 4 hours, but if the minivan stops in Barranquilla, you’re looking at around 5.5 hours. Check the booking details to see if there’s a stop along the way.

Ready to book your minivan?

From ~$23 · 4h - 5h 30m

Bookaway

Private Transport

4h - 4h 40mFrom ~$167

If you're short on time, travelling in a group, or just prefer a smoother ride (and budget isn’t a big concern), a private transfer from Santa Marta to Cartagena is the best option. The journey takes 4h - 4h 40m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers. Prices for private transfer start at $167 for a -seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each. You can try flagging down a taxi or asking your hotel to arrange one, but it’s not always reliable. Overcharging is pretty common among taxi drivers here. That's why we recommend booking through BookAway, which gives you fixed prices, no haggling, and 24/7 support if anything goes wrong.

Ready to book your private transport?

From ~$167 · 4h - 4h 40m

Bookaway

STAY

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

San Lazaro Art Hotel

How often do you get to stay in a hotel that overlooks a castle? With floor to ceiling windows in most rooms, you’ll never want to close your curtains and stop looking at San Felipe de Barajas Castle. The rooftop pool, terrace restaurant and bar also offer the same incredible view. All of the rooms offer ultimate comfort, with huge beds and modern bathrooms.

Rooftop pool
Incredible views from the restaurant and terrace
Amazing staff
Great breakfast included

Double rooms available from $80 per night

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Mid-Range

Posada La Fe

Cartagena can get hot, so having a pool to take a dip in is the perfect touch. All of the modern and spacious rooms have air conditioning too. The staff go above and beyond to make sure that your stay is nothing short of perfect. By the end of your stay, you’ll feel like you’re leaving family. The location is also hard to beat!

Exceptional staff
Light and airy rooms with air conditioning
Swimming pool
Delicious breakfast included

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

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Mid-Range

Hotel Santa Cecilia B&B

Offering a light and neutral colour palette, Santa Cecilia oozes relaxation. The large beds guarantee a great night’s sleep too. The location is great, with some rooms offering balcony views over the city. Just across the road, you’ll find a selection of food trucks, a nice place to grab some delicious food and chill out.

Friendly and welcoming staff
Calm and relaxing rooms
Great location
A large and delicious breakfast included

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

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Budget

Ayenda Casa Roman

Ayenda is a chain of hotels found in Colombia, and Casa Roman in Cartagena is one of the best. Being close to the main boulevard and the beach makes this an ideal location to stay. The modern rooms and terrace with hammocks are perfect for relaxing after a busy day. Helpful staff and a delicious breakfast will help to set you up right for the day ahead.

Large and modern rooms
Terrace with hammocks
Great location
Superb breakfast included

Double rooms between $20-$40 per night

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How to Get from Santa Marta to Cartagena

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Bus

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Minivan

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Private Transport

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Where to Stay in Cartagena

San Lazaro Art Hotel

Posada La Fe

Hotel Santa Cecilia B&B

Ayenda Casa Roman