Arriving at Rafael Núñez Airport
Rafael Núñez Airport is the starting point for reaching Cartagena de Indias by air. For the onward journey, choose your accommodation area before comparing transport. An address in Centro or San Diego, a stay in Getsemaní and a building in Bocagrande are different destinations. The accommodation area guide helps you match the arrival journey to the places you want to visit.
The fortifications administration gives approximately 15 minutes by car between the airport and the historic centre. Treat that as an orientation figure, then leave room for traffic, baggage collection and the journey to your particular door. It is not a journey time for every accommodation in Cartagena. Avoid attaching a tightly timed activity to your landing time, especially when your plans also involve boarding a boat.
Taxi and Transfer from Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)
The airport’s undated visitor information describes authorised airport taxis operating around the clock, depending on airport operations. Use the authorised service and establish the destination and fare before travelling. Carry the complete accommodation address rather than relying on a neighbourhood name. Ask where the vehicle can actually stop and how to complete the last part of the arrival with your bags.
A prearranged transfer serves the journey from CTG to your accommodation in Cartagena. Match the booking to your flight, passenger numbers and luggage, and read the meeting instructions. Vehicle availability depends on your travel date. The practical comparison is between an airport taxi arranged on arrival and a transfer reserved for your own journey, including the conditions for delays and collection.
Book a fixed-price transfer from Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG) to Cartagena on Kiwitaxi.
An excursion from your accommodation
This Totumo excursion includes accommodation pickup and is separate from an airport transfer.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Totumo outing from your accommodation
A van excursion with a bilingual guide and a traditional snack, planned separately from your airport journey.
The T102 bus near the airport
The airport identifies TransCaribe route T102 Portal to Crespo in the Crespo neighbourhood near the airport. Plan the walk to the relevant stop as part of the journey; this description should not be read as a stop directly outside baggage reclaim. With luggage, consider the whole connection to your accommodation rather than comparing only the bus fare with a car.
The TransCaribe passenger fare has been 3,900 COP since 23 January 2026. Card purchase and loading arrangements are separate planning questions. Check the current route and operating times for your arrival day before choosing this option, particularly for an evening arrival. A short flight connection or a large bag can make a simpler door-to-door journey more useful than an itinerary with several separate steps.
An excursion after you have settled in
The Totumo outing offered here is an excursion from your accommodation, not an airport transfer. Its inclusions cover a bilingual guide, van transportation, a traditional snack with a soft drink, and accommodation pickup and return. For travellers staying in the Walled City or Getsemaní, the stated meeting point is Los Pegasos dock. Private van transportation describes the vehicle service; it does not turn the whole excursion into an exclusive private tour.
Leave this activity for a day when you are already settled in. The Totumo guide explains the excursion choices, while the tour overview covers other ways to use your time in the city. Keep an airport booking and a sightseeing booking as separate items in your plans, with their own start locations.
Car hire and parking
The airport lists car hire services and terminal parking in its transport information. A rental car is worth considering in relation to an onward road journey, including where you will leave it at your accommodation. Ask about the current conditions and charges for parking. A listed parking service does not reserve a space for your arrival, and the existence of car hire does not settle the local driving restrictions for a particular date.
Your first day and the return journey
Allow a modest first walk rather than trying to cover the whole city after arrival. The Walled City offers a useful introduction to the historic quarters, and the weather and season guide helps you account for heat. Carry drinking water and arrange shade breaks when visiting the fortifications, where the administration specifically warns about midday heat.
For departure, work back from your airline’s reporting requirements and allow for the road journey separately. During the November 2026 celebrations, a partial closure of Avenida Santander was announced from 3 November at 12:00 for grandstand construction. Check the route close to travel. For entry requirements, consult Cancillería and Migración Colombia according to your nationality and travel documents.
Questions before you go
How long is the drive to the historic centre?
Approximately 15 minutes is the fortifications administration’s orientation figure. Allow extra time for your address, traffic and airport formalities.
Does the Totumo excursion collect passengers at CTG?
The excursion uses accommodation collection, with Los Pegasos specified for Walled City and Getsemaní guests. Book the airport journey separately.
Can I use TransCaribe?
The airport identifies T102 Portal to Crespo nearby. Check the stop, current operation and onward connection with your luggage.