Covering an area nearly twice the size of Texas, Colombia is a vast and diverse country. With the Andes Mountains forming its backbone and over 70% of its land area covered in forest, navigating Colombia overland can be challenging. However, a solid network of transport options makes traveling through Colombia manageable, allowing you to cover large distances relatively easily. Despite this, fitting all the country's highlights into a single trip can be a challenge due to its sheer size and diversity.

While some remote parts of Colombia are best avoided due to ongoing guerrilla or paramilitary activity, exploring this country is now safer than ever. Most visitors utilize a combination of inexpensive domestic flights, affordable long-distance buses, and pocket-friendly local transport. This mix is often necessary to explore some of the more rural stretches of the country. No matter how you travel, getting around in Colombia is an experience in itself, and using public transport should be an integral part of any trip to this vibrant South American nation.

Traveling by Air: Quick but Not Eco-Friendly

Thanks to a surge of no-frills airlines, it's never been easier to turn long bus journeys into short flights in Colombia. EasyFly is the main budget airline, with fares often comparable to bus tickets, making domestic flights an affordable and time-saving solution. However, it's essential to consider the carbon cost of frequent flying. Prices tend to skyrocket during December and January when Colombians flock to the Caribbean coast for holidays, affecting destinations such as Cartagena, San Andrés, and Santa Marta. Booking in advance is generally advisable, but last-minute deals can sometimes be found.

For many remote coastal and Amazon regions, flying is the only option. Destinations like Leticia, Nuquí, and La Macarena are yet to be connected by road. Flights to these areas are mostly served by the state-owned airline Satena, which operates small jets and ATR turboprops. While air travel saves time, it's important to weigh the environmental impact and consider alternative modes of transport where feasible.

Buses: The Backbone of Public Transport

In most South American countries, buses are the primary mode of transport, and Colombia is no exception. Most towns have a central bus station from which large public buses depart for destinations across the country. For budget-conscious travelers, overnight bus travel can save on accommodation costs and stretch your money further. The nine-hour bus ride from Medellín to Bogotá costs around COP$65,000, while the 11-hour journey from Bogotá to Cali is about COP$80,000.

However, this affordability comes with other costs. On most bus journeys in Colombia, you can expect loud music or excessively violent films throughout the trip. Earplugs are essential, as is bringing enough food and drink for the long hours. Air conditioning is typically set to very cold temperatures, so dressing in layers is necessary, even in hot regions. Keep your passport handy, as you may need to show ID at military checkpoints en route.

Colombia's winding mountain roads can make bus travel a test of endurance. Drivers often speed on open stretches, so motion sickness pills might be necessary. Be cautious with your belongings; avoid flashing expensive items and keep valuables close. Using reputable bus companies like Expreso Bolivariano and Flota Occidental can enhance safety and comfort, as they offer more legroom, functioning toilets, and sometimes Wi-Fi, reducing the risk of delays and other issues.

Colectivos and Chivas: Quick and Quirky Rural Transport

For shorter trips between regional destinations, colectivos and chivas offer a quicker alternative to larger buses. These minivans or shared taxis are packed with passengers and luggage, sometimes even livestock. Because of their small size and speed, they can cover shorter distances much faster than larger buses, charging a slight premium. Fares are typically paid directly to the driver, who decides the price, and the vehicle won't depart until it's full.

In Colombia's coffee region, you might also encounter old-fashioned Willys Jeeps, which can be a hair-raising way to travel with passengers clinging to the back. Iconic chivas, colorful local buses, are a fixture in rural areas, crawling up mountain roads or rented as party buses in larger cities. While these options can be more adventurous, they provide a unique and authentic travel experience in rural Colombia.

Urban Transport: Safe and Efficient

In Colombia's larger cities, public transportation is generally clean and safe. Bogotá's TransMilenio bus network uses dedicated lanes, making it efficient for navigating the city. The TransMi App is useful for route planning. Calí has a similar system called Masivo Integrado de Occidente (Mio). Medellín's pride is its Metro, which connects with the Metroplús bus network and the Metrocable cable car, offering spectacular city views.

To use these forms of transport, you'll need a rechargeable card specific to the city, purchasable at stations and, in Bogotá, at El Dorado International Airport. Public transport in Colombia's cities is a reliable way to explore urban areas, offering convenience and affordability for travelers.

Summoning Taxis: Apps for Safety

Parts of many Colombian cities can be dangerous at night, so it's advisable to take a taxi rather than walking back to your accommodation after dark. Apps like Easy Taxi and Uber have made taking taxis safer, ensuring you don't get ripped off. Yellow cabs are common in cities and typically metered, but using an app can provide additional security and convenience.

If hailing a cab from the street, it's best to go to a taxi rank rather than flagging down a moving vehicle. While robberies are uncommon, they do happen, so take a photo of the taxi registration plate before getting in and forward it for safety. In Bogotá, taxi meters can be confusing, with fares calculated using a tariff sheet. To simplify, download the Calculadora de Tarifas app or consult with your hotel about expected fares and confirm with the driver before accepting a ride.

Cycling: An Adventurous Option

Colombia is a cycling hotspot in Latin America, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the country's challenging terrain. Cycling around Colombia offers a whirlwind adventure, with bicycle shops available for rentals and repairs. Bogotá's Sunday Ciclovía event closes 120km of roads to vehicles, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to take over the streets. This weekly event is a must-try for cycling enthusiasts visiting the capital.

Boats: Scenic Coastal Travel

Along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, boats are often the fastest and most scenic way to reach isolated settlements, hidden beaches, and remote islands. The beautiful Islas del Rosario islands, for instance, can only be reached by boat from Cartagena. Chartering speedboats is also the only way to access some parts of Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. Boats can typically be arranged at the nearest harbor, with skippers waiting for enough passengers to make the voyage worthwhile.

Accessible Transportation: Challenges and Solutions

Colombia isn't particularly accessible for travelers with disabilities, but Bogotá's TransMilenio system is mostly wheelchair-friendly. Traveling with a portable ramp is recommended for boarding buses. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are rare, so it's best to use a folding manual wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter. Few long-distance buses are accessible, making flights a better alternative for travelers with mobility issues.

You’ll find more information and tips here:
Essential Information for Traveling to Colombia
Best Time to Visit Colombia
Simplified Check-MIG Form Process
Comprehensive Guide to Safety in Colombia

Conclusion

Getting around Colombia is an adventure in itself, with a variety of transport options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you choose to fly, take the bus, ride in a colectivo, or cycle through the countryside, each mode of transport offers unique experiences and challenges. By understanding the available options and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your trip to this vibrant and diverse country. Happy travels!

Let Offvisa help you with your Check-MIG Form application, ensuring a memorable and stress-free travel experience.