How to Get from Santa Marta to Palomino

The bus is an affordable way to get from Santa Marta to Palomino. Bus fares start from $14 and the journey takes around 2h. You can choose from five bus companies: Expreso Brasilia, Unitransco, Expreso Almirante Padilla, and Exalpa. Tickets are available for booking online. Among these, Expreso Brasilia and Unitransco are generally the most reliable. They have frequent departures and are known for good service and comfort. Almirante Padilla and Exalpa offer two afternoon trips each. However, travellers often mention delays and subpar service. Another option is Cootransoriente Tayrona. It has departures throughout the day, but tickets are only sold in person at their office. Be prepared to wait, though — Cootransoriente buses usually don’t leave until they’re full, which can mean a delay of up to 30 minutes.

Departure stations

Most buses depart from Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta near the city centre. If you're travelling with Cootransoriente Tayrona, their buses leave from Cootransoriente Bus Stop behind the central market (Mercado Central). Uber fares in Santa Marta start from [price 20,000 COP] if you’re coming from the centro, and around [price 34,000 COP] from El Rodadero. Taxis are another option and can be a bit cheaper than Uber, but there’s a catch. Drivers often try to overcharge, especially if you’re a tourist. More often than not, you have to negotiate. Make sure to agree on the fare before getting in!

A private transfer from Santa Marta to Palomino is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes , and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers. If you want reliability and peace of mind, it’s best to book in advance with BookAway. Prices start from [price 84.50 USD]. This is higher than other options, but you get a better car and won’t need to negotiate. Uber is also available and is the cheapest private transfer, with prices starting at for a -seater. Split it with your group and it’s about each. Just note it can sometimes take a while for a driver to accept your booking, if they do at all, since not all drivers take trips outside Santa Marta. You can also arrange a taxi through your accommodation or an official company. Rates vary depending on negotiation, but expect to pay at least [price 70 USD] for a private trip from Santa Marta to Palomino.