Getting Around Cartagena: A Solo Traveler’s Guide

The Walled City is one of the most walkable places in Colombia, small enough to cross on foot without much thought. But “getting around Cartagena” means more than just the walls once you factor in the airport, Bocagrande, and day trips out to the islands. This is the Cartagena-specific companion to my general Colombia transport guide, here’s what I actually use in this city specifically.

Getting To and From Rafael Núñez Airport

On both of my trips to Cartagena, I took a taxi straight from the airport to my hotel or Airbnb. The taxi stand is right there when you walk out. My recommendation if it’s your first trip: take the taxi. It’s quicker and more convenient, even if you end up waiting a few minutes in line for one.

There’s a genuine budget bus option too: walk one block outside the main terminal to Calle 70 in Crespo and catch bus route T102 (TransCaribe), which runs between Crespo and the Portal Transcaribe bus terminal via San Diego/El Centro, every 15-20 minutes, roughly 5:30 AM-7 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, 7 AM-8 PM on Sundays and holidays. Current fare is around 3,900 COP, but you’ll need a rechargeable transit card, single-ride cash tickets aren’t sold on board, so it’s not the smoothest option straight off a flight with luggage.

Uber does technically operate at the airport, with a designated rideshare pickup area at Ground Transportation on the arrivals level. In practice, because Uber sits in that same legal gray area covered in the general transport guide, some drivers are cautious about picking up right at the curb. Walking a short distance from the terminal before requesting a ride tends to go smoother than trying to get picked up directly outside arrivals.

Walking the Walled City (Centro Histórico & Getsemaní)

Once you’re actually inside the walls, this is mainly a walking space, and that’s the point. It’s small and easy to cross on foot. That said, if you’re on a time crunch, grabbing a taxi or a tuk-tuk instead is a completely fine option, no downside to it. For safety specifics on walking Centro and Getsemaní, especially at night, see my Cartagena Solo Travel Scams & Safety Guide.

Bocagrande to the Walled City

If you’re staying in Bocagrande like I did on my first trip, you’ll need a way to get to Getsemaní and the Walled City, it’s too far to walk. I always have my hotel order the taxi rather than flagging one on the street. They give you a confirmation code that you show the driver before getting in. It’s a simple additional step that confirms it’s actually the taxi your hotel ordered. The trip runs about 10,000 to 12,000 pesos.

Uber, InDriver, and Ride Apps in Cartagena

The legal and regulatory picture for Uber and InDriver is the same across Colombia, I cover that in the general transport guide, so I won’t repeat it here. Locally: I’ve used Uber in Cartagena and it’s worked fine every time, cost-effective and safe.

Mototaxis and Tuk-Tuks

Real options here, and ones I’ve actually used myself, cost-effective and safe. Worth having in your back pocket for anywhere the walk feels too long or you’re short on time.

Boat Transfers to the Rosario Islands

I haven’t made this trip myself yet, it’s on the list for a future Cartagena visit. But I’ve got friends and family who have gone, and they all had a fantastic time. Every one of them did it as a day trip rather than staying overnight, worth keeping in mind if you’re deciding between the two.

Most trips depart directly from Cartagena (exact pier confirmed when you book), typically as a full-day outing, usually 6-7 hours door to door once you count the boat ride out, time on the islands, and the ride back. Options span a wide range: a budget bus-plus-public-ferry combo starts around $8-22 USD if you want to do it independently, while a standard organized day tour with snorkeling and lunch, the version most first-timers book, typically runs $65-90 USD per person. Private boat charters exist too, for a lot more (upward of $500 USD), for anyone wanting a group trip without a set tour schedule.

Getting Between Cartagena and the Rest of the Caribbean Coast

Heading up the coast toward Santa Marta, Tayrona, or beyond? I cover that route in Caribbean Coast: Beyond Cartagena.

Practical Tips Recap

• First trip? Take a taxi straight from the airport, quicker and more convenient. The T102 bus via Calle 70 in Crespo (~3,900 COP) is a genuine budget option, but you’ll need a transit card, not ideal fresh off a flight.
• Walk the Walled City, that’s what it’s built for, grab a taxi or tuk-tuk only if you’re pressed for time.
• Order taxis through your hotel and check the confirmation code before getting in.
• Uber, mototaxis, and tuk-tuks are all real, safe, cost-effective options in this city.
• Rosario Islands: go for the day, that’s what’s worked for everyone I know who’s been.

Cartagena is one of the easier Colombian cities to get comfortable in fast, once you know which parts are a walk and which need a ride, you’ll feel at home here in a day or two.