A beautiful view from within central Cartagena-mobile

How to get from
Santa Marta to Cartagena

Santa Marta to Cartagena Trip Overview

Distance167 km (104.4 miles)
Price range$15-$434
Ride Duration Range3h 30m-5h 30m
Earliest Departure05:00
Latest Departure23:00

A bus is the best way to travel from Santa Marta to Cartagena. It’s a scenic ride along the coast that takes between three to four hours. There is a lot of history to explore in Cartagena. You can tour the city and walk the cobblestone streets or you can head down to the white sand beaches and visit the coral reefs. The ideal time to visit and experience dry weather and pleasant temperatures is from December to April.

Travel Schedule Options from Santa Marta to Cartagena



























































































Taking a bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena

Fastest bus: 4h

Cheapest bus: $15

The fastest: 4h

The cheapest: $15

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Charger

Reclining Seats

WC

TV

Wifi

English Speaking Staff

The fastest: 4h

The cheapest: $23

Pros

Many departure times

Free cancellations

Clean and comfortable cabin

Helpful drivers, service

Affordable, low cost option

Straightforward services with no surprises

Cons

Few amenities offered - only basic necessities

Crowded vehicle

Possible language barriers

Specific neighborhood pick up

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Wifi

The fastest: 3h 30m

The cheapest: $213

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Blanket

Charger

Wifi

A beautiful view from within central Cartagena

About the ride from Santa Marta to Cartagena

After days spent in the Caribbean paradise, Santa Marta, it’s time to continue your journey and visit the beautiful, antique Cartagena. The historic city is the queen of the Caribbean coast. The preserved beauty of the old colonial walls will leave you speechless. The maze of streets of Cartagena’s Old Town, along with beautiful churches and authentic balconies are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When traveling the 237 kilometer (147 mile) distance between Santa Marta and Cartagena, you have two options to choose from. You can travel with a minivan, or you can drive in a private car. The minivan takes between 4 and 6 hours to arrive, while the car takes a bit less than 4 hours. There are cars available for 3 and 4 passengers, as well as private minivans for groups of 6 to 12 passengers. Of course, you can book a shared minivan ride, too.

The best time to visit Cartagena depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you want to come during the dry and warm season, and also meet fellow travelers, the best time to visit is between January and March. However, if you don’t like crowds, and you’re traveling on a budget, the best time is between August and November. Keep in mind that this is the rainy season, so you won’t be able to enjoy the beaches and other summer activities.

Another thing that may impact your decision are the festivals. Cartagena hosts a number of different festivals travelers visit for. One of them is the EDM festival, Storyland, which takes place in January. Other popular events are a literary and arts Hay festival (January), and festival of Caribbean sweets and treats, Festival del Dulce (March-April).

 

What to see when traveling from Santa Marta to Cartagena

What you’ll be able to see outside of your window when traveling between Santa Marta and Cartagena depends on what time of the day your ride is leaving. Those who are leaving during the day are in for a real treat!

You’ll mostly be traveling on Troncal del Caribe, a road that occasionally goes along the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Relax in your seat and enjoy the views over the blue waters. If you’re traveling in a shared minivan, your driver might also make a stop in Barranquilla during your journey. If you’re quick enough, you might snap some pictures of the city through your window.

Once you arrive in the city, you’ll quickly learn that Cartagena is one of the most romantic and colorful cities. Take a short walk and soak in the beauty of pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, flowers on every corner, and the friendly Cartagenians.

The food in Cartagena is out-of-this-world kind of tasty, and there are many local street food tours available for tourists. If you want to explore some of the beautiful nearby spots on the sea, Playa Blanca and Islas del Rosario are the spots you’re looking for. 

During your stay, make sure to visit some of the most significant historical sites, such as Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the Palace of the Inquisition, the City Walls, and Santuario de San Pedro Claver.

 

How to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena

Taking a minivan

Taking a minivan from Santa Marta to Cartagena is a fast and convenient way to travel between these two places. Most trips take around 4 hours to arrive in Cartagena. However, some minivans will make a stop in Barranquilla, and those journeys will last 5 hours and 30 minutes. You can check whether the minivan makes a stop before you book a ticket.

Minivans are equipped with A/C and comfortable seating. They don’t have toilets on board, but the drivers will make frequent stops during your journey. You can choose between a shared and a private ride.

 

Driving with a private car

For those who need more privacy during their trip between Santa Marta and Cartagena, there are private cars available. Cars are comfortable, and they have A/C. The drivers will make frequent stops during your trip for toilets and rest. 

There are cars available for up to 3 or 4 passengers. This is a more expensive option compared to minivans, but it’s a bit faster and more comfortable. Also, when you book a private car, you have the option to choose your departure time, pick up, and drop off locations.

Companies Operating from Santa Marta to Cartagena

Average time

4h

Average price

$221 - $400

(126)

Average time

4h 40m

Average price

$251 - $434

(140)

Average time

4h

Average price

$213 - $319

(8)

Average time

5h

Average price

$15

(82)

Popular stations and stops in Santa Marta and Cartagena

Departure stations in Santa Marta

Terminal de Transportes Santa Marta

Marsol Transportes Santa Marta

Santa Marta - Any hotel

Playa El Rodadero - Any hotel

Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta

Arrival stations in Cartagena

Cartagena Transport Terminal Terminal (Cartagena de Indias)

Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena

Marsol Transportes Cartagena

Cartagena - Any hotel

Terminal de Transporte Cartagena

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