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.

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.

ARRIVING AT

CARTAGENALeaving Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International: transport guide

Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International · Colombia

CTG

Medium riskUpdated June 2026High confidence

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.

TL;DR

CTG (Cartagena–Rafael Núñez International) is the main international airport serving 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 is at Official taxi desk in Arrivals, fixed-fare voucher. The most common scam to watch for is "No-voucher overcharge". Fares on the CTG → Centro Histórico route typically run COP$18,000–COP$30,000; anything above COP$100,000+ unmetered is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.

IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING

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

WARNING · Don't let drivers skip the voucher — that's how overcharging starts

Compare your options at a glance

Option	Cost	Wait	Payment	Pick
Official zone taxi (voucher)	COP$18,000–COP$30,000	Immediate	💳Card / Cash
Uber / inDriver	COP$15,000–COP$25,000	3–10 min	💳Card	—
Bus Transcaribe (with transfer)	COP$3,200	Every 15 min	💳Card	—
Street taxi (no voucher)	COP$50,000–COP$120,000	Immediate	💵Cash	—

Your first 30 minutes

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

Airport exit score

AIRPORT EXIT SCORE

74/ 100

Stay sharp

Scam risk70
Public transport75
Ride-hailing80
Signage clarity80
Payment convenience80

Fare reality check

CTG → Centro Histórico

ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
COP$18,000–COP$30,000
ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
COP$60,000+
Probably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
COP$100,000+ unmetered

Best ways 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
Pros
Cons
Frequent overcharging

Paying without surprises

Carry small COP notes; cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants

Common scams

No-voucher overcharge

Medium risk

Driver 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 risk

After 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

CTG·Cartagena

“They're different fare zones — confirm with the desk.”

Official AirportCentro vs BocagrandeChecked June 2026likely

Arrival checklist

Small COP notes for fare
Voucher in hand before leaving desk
Uber installed as backup

✉︎

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.

Other airports in Colombia

ALL COLOMBIA AIRPORTS →

Back to all airports