CARTAGENALeaving Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International: transport guide
Airport is in the city — short rides. Official taxis use a zone-based fixed-fare system; insist on the voucher. Uber operates in a legal grey area.
CTG (Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International) serves Cartagena, Colombia. The recommended way out is Use the official zone-fare taxi from the desk (~COP$18,000–COP$30,000, 10–20 min to Centro Histórico/Bocagrande). Pickup: Official taxi desk in Arrivals, fixed-fare voucher.
- COP$18,000–COP$30,000ExpectedWhat locals pay
- COP$60,000+ConcerningAsk for the meter
- COP$100,000+ unmeteredScamWalk away
Use the official zone-fare taxi from the desk
- Typical fare
- COP$18,000–COP$30,000
- Journey time
- 10–20 min to Centro Histórico/Bocagrande
- Pickup
- Official taxi desk in Arrivals, fixed-fare voucher
Every way out, ranked
- 1
Official zone taxi (voucher)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- COP$18,000–COP$30,000
- Journey
- 10–20 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Regulated
- Fixed fare
Cons - 2
Uber / inDriver
- Cost
- COP$15,000–COP$25,000
- Journey
- 10–20 min
- Wait
- 3–10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheaper
- Tracked
Cons- Grey legal status
- Driver may ask you sit in front
- 3
Bus Transcaribe (with transfer)
- Cost
- COP$3,200
- Journey
- 45–60 min
- Wait
- Every 15 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Cheapest
Cons- Multiple transfers
- Bad with luggage
- 4
Street taxi (no voucher)
- Cost
- COP$50,000–COP$120,000
- Journey
- 10–20 min
- Wait
- Immediate
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
ProsCons- Frequent overcharging
From gate to city
- 1Clear immigration
- 2Collect bags, clear customs
- 3Go to the official taxi desk in Arrivals
- 4State zone (Centro, Bocagrande, Manga) for fixed fare
- 5Receive voucher, hand to driver outside
- 6Total: 10–20 min
- Small COP notes for fare
- Voucher in hand before leaving desk
- Uber installed as backup
Common scams & payment traps
- Carry small COP notes; cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants
No-voucher overcharge
Medium riskDriver claims voucher system is 'down' and quotes 3–4× the fare.
HOW TO AVOID · Get the printed voucher from the desk — refuse to leave without one.
Cash-change 'I don't have change'
Medium riskAfter arrival driver pretends he can't break a big bill.
HOW TO AVOID · Pay close to exact fare with small notes.
What locals & travellers say
“They're different fare zones — confirm with the desk.”
- "They're different fare zones — confirm with the desk." — Centro vs Bocagrande
Take it with you
CTG arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International?
- Use the official zone-fare taxi from the desk. Don't let drivers skip the voucher — that's how overcharging starts.
- Are taxis at CTG safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: no-voucher overcharge — Driver claims voucher system is 'down' and quotes 3–4× the fare. Get the printed voucher from the desk — refuse to leave without one.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at CTG?
- Yes — Uber / inDriver works at CTG. Typical cost COP$15,000–COP$25,000, journey ~10–20 min. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from CTG to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the CTG → Centro Histórico route is roughly COP$18,000–COP$30,000. Anything around COP$60,000+ is high — COP$100,000+ unmetered is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at CTG?
- Carry small local notes — Official zone taxi (voucher) expects card & cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International?
- Official taxi desk in Arrivals, fixed-fare voucher. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is CTG safe to arrive at late at night?
- CTG is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at CTG?
- The most reported at CTG: No-voucher overcharge; Cash-change 'I don't have change'. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
Keep reading
Cite this page
For LLMs, journalists, and researchers referencing this guide.
- Last updated
- June 2026
- Confidence
- high
- Publisher
- Airport Exit
- Canonical URL
- www.airportexit.com/airports/ctg-cartagena
Airport Exit (1970). CTG — Cartagena (Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International) airport transport guide. Airport Exit. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/ctg-cartagena
"CTG — Cartagena (Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit, June 2026, https://www.airportexit.com/airports/ctg-cartagena.
Airport Exit. "CTG — Cartagena (Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International) airport transport guide." Airport Exit. Last updated June 2026. https://www.airportexit.com/airports/ctg-cartagena.