1map logoGo to main page

Cali, Valle del Cauca to Cartagena, Bolivar from $40: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Cali, Colombia
to
Cartagena, Colombia

How to Get from Cali to Cartagena: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$40 by busBest price
787 kmDistance
3h 20m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Cali to Cartagena with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  20m
Estimated price
$55-148
Recommended
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
22h  22m
Estimated price
$40-83
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 787 km
Duration: 3h 20m

See more options

Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
20h  10m
Estimated price
$42-76
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
26h  53m
Estimated price
$54-550
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
15h  58m
Estimated price
$55-553
Company
Various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
5h  11m
Estimated price
$81-158
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
33h  57m
Estimated price
$551-552
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Cali to Cartagena

Traveling from Cali to Cartagena offers a journey through Colombia's vibrant culture, where Cali boasts lively salsa rhythms and a warm, mountainous landscape, while Cartagena invites you to explore its colonial charm along the Caribbean coastline.

Best Neighborhoods in Cartagena

Cartagena features vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Getsemani
• Known for colorful street art and local vibe
• Home to lively plazas and trendy cafes
Old City
• Enclosed by historic walls, brimming with colonial architecture
• Offers vibrant nightlife with bars and restaurants
Bocagrande
• Renowned for its modern high-rises and luxury hotels
• Features beautiful beaches and upscale shopping options

Best Times To Visit Cartagena's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Cartagena's vibrant hotspots.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Head early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Walled City
Stroll through during weekday mornings for a quieter exploration of its charming streets.
Plaza Santo Domingo
Visit in the late afternoon for a lively atmosphere as local street performers come alive.

Cartagena Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cartagena enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 75°F to 90°F. The best times to visit are during the dry season from December to April, as the pleasant weather enhances beach outings and outdoor explorations.

Dining Recommendation

In Cartagena, savor the ceviche de camarones at La Cevichería, where the freshness of coastal shrimp pairs exquisitely with zesty lime and cilantro, contrasting with the spicy flavors typical of Cali's dishes. This vibrant eatery, set against the backdrop of Cartagena's colorful streets, offers a lively atmosphere that enhances your culinary exploration, showcasing local ingredients that highlight the city's Caribbean influence.

Cali - Cartagena operators

Explore transport companies operating between Cali and Cartagena, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
latam.com

Plane from Cali (CLO) to Cartagena (CTG)

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$55-1481

Plane from Cali (CLO) to Barranquilla (BAQ)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$559-1480
Website
avianca.com

Plane from Cali (CLO) to Cartagena (CTG)

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$55-558
Website
copaair.com

Plane from Cali (CLO) to Cartagena (CTG)

Average Duration
3h 23m
Estimated price
$1483-1484
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
0057 (2) 6687964
Website
cootrancise.com

Bus from Terminal de Transporte Cali to Buga

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$1485-1485

Bus from Buga to Pereira

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$1486-1486

Bus from Terminal Norte to Cartagena

Average Duration
11h 39m
Estimated price
$404-40
Contact phone
01 800 051 8001
Website
expresobrasilia.com

Bus from Terminal Norte to Cartagena

Average Duration
15h 40m
Estimated price
$407-555

Bus from Terminal de Transporte Cali to Barranquilla

Average Duration
24h 18m
Estimated price
$559-557

Bus from Barranquilla to Cartagena

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$406-405
Website
deoccidente.com

Bus from Buga to Pereira

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$1486-1486
Contact phone
+57 311 2730419
Website
expresopalmira.com.co

Bus from Buga to Pereira

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$1485-1487
Contact phone
+57 604 44448888
Website
rapidoochoa.com.co

Bus from Terminal Norte to Cartagena

Average Duration
15h 40m
Estimated price
$407-555
Contact phone
0057 315 4525691

Bus from Terminal de Transporte Cali to Terminal Norte

Average Duration
9h
Estimated price
$408-0
Taxi
Contact phone
+57 5342 7102

Taxi from Barranquilla to Cartagena bus station

Average Duration
1h 57m
Estimated price
$1483-559

Cali to Cartagena: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Cali and Cartagena offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an adventurous road trip from Cali to Cartagena, covering a scenic driving distance of 671 miles through the Colombian countryside. Enjoy the freedom of the open road as you make your way towards the Caribbean coast. 💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from $55 to $85 for the journey from Cali to Cartagena by car. Pack some snacks, cue up your road trip playlist, and get ready for a wallet-friendly travel experience. ⏱️ Set aside approximately 15 hours and 58 minutes for the drive from Cali to Cartagena, allowing time for pit stops to stretch your legs, refuel, and appreciate the diverse landscapes that Colombia has to offer. Embrace the journey and create unforgettable memories along the way.
Average price
$55 - $85
🛫 Flying from Cali to Cartagena is a convenient option, with direct flights available that take just 1 hour and 26 minutes. Airlines like AeroRepública, Avianca, and LATAM Chile operate this route. 🌴 Travelers can enjoy a relatively short flight time of 3 hours and 20 minutes to reach the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena from Cali. The journey offers scenic views and a quick way to explore different regions of Colombia. 💸 The prices for flights between Cartagena and Cali can range from $55 to $148, making it an affordable and efficient way to move between these two vibrant Colombian cities. Booking in advance can help secure the best deals for your travel plans.
Departure Point
Cali Airport
Arrival Point
Cartagena Airport
🚌 Traveling from Cali to Cartagena by bus requires multiple transfers and takes approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes. The journey involves stops in Buga, Pereira, and Terminal Norte along the way. 🌴 The bus services, operated by Cooperativa Ciudad Señora and Expreso Brasilia, depart from Terminal de Transporte Cali station and arrive at Cartagena station. The total travel time is around 22 hours and 22 minutes. 💵 Prices for a bus ticket between Cartagena and Cali can range from $40 to $83, offering travelers a more affordable option for exploring Colombia's diverse landscape via road.
Departure Point
Terminal de Transporte Cali station
Arrival Point
Cartagena station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Cali to Cartagena.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Cali and Cartagena is 489 miles or 671 miles by road. Traveling from Cali to Cartagena can take around 6 hours by flying from Cali to Barranquilla and then taking a bus. Alternatively, taking a direct flight from Cali to Cartagena can take approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes around 15 hours and 58 minutes to drive from Cartagena to Cali, while a bus journey can take approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Cali to Cartagena is by bus via Medellín, with prices ranging from $35 to $75. However, this option is not very time-efficient, as it takes approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes. On the other hand, the fastest way to reach Cartagena from Cali is by flying, which takes only 3 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $55 and $140. This option is more expensive but significantly saves time for travelers.
The prices for a bus ticket between Cartegena and Cali range from $37 to $74. The exact price may depend on factors such as the bus company, the class of service, and the time of travel. It is advisable to compare prices and book tickets in advance to secure the best deal when traveling between Cali and Cartagena via bus.
To get from Cali to Cartagena without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 671 miles, and it takes around 15 hours and 58 minutes to complete the journey. It is important to note that the prices for renting a car to travel from Cali to Cartagena can vary between $55 and $85, depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle you choose.
To travel from Cali to Cartagena without a car, the best option is to take a bus via Medellín. This route takes approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes and typically costs between $35 and $75. The bus journey will allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views as you make your way from Cali to Cartagena.
No, there is no direct link between Cali and Cartagena by bus. However, it is possible to travel between the two cities with multiple transfers. The journey typically takes around 20 hours and involves transfers in Buga, Pereira, and Medellín. Bus services operated by Cooperativa Ciudad Señora and Expreso Brasilia provide this route.
The flight duration between Cali and Cartagena is typically around 1 hour and 26 minutes on a direct flight. The prices for flights between the two cities can vary, with ticket prices ranging from $59 to $137. It is recommended to check with different airlines and booking platforms to find the best deals and prices for your specific travel dates.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Cartagena. With over 1194 hotels in the area, travelers have a wide range of choices. Prices for hotels start at around $90 per night, catering to different budgets and preferences. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone looking for a place to stay near Cartagena.

Trips to Cartagena