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Using Buses to Travel Between Cities in Colombia

Date Updated: August 10th, 2025
Date Created: March 23rd, 2023
  

Date posted: Mar, 23, 2023

Key Takeaways:

$7 ticket from Cartagena to Barranquilla, Little more to Santa Marta

Buses leave very often: at least one an hour to major cities

Relatively comfortable

Must have a copy/screenshot of your ID on your phone if you don't have original doc. with you

In this post (and in the original video down at the bottom of the page), I discuss my experience traveling between cities using a bus service called Berlinastur. It's a convenient and affordable option for short trips between Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta. The bus ride from Barranquilla to Santa Marta takes around an hour and a half, and the trip from Cartagena to Barranquilla is about two hours.


Buses are going every hour, so you can simply show up at one of the bus stations below and you'll be in your seat and onto your destination in no time. No need to check for when they leave etc..


The ticket costs 30,000 pesos (around $7), and I usually buy two seats so I can keep my backpack next to me. You can find the Google Maps locations for the bus stops here:


Cartagena Berlinastur bus station: https://goo.gl/maps/KNURhgRooLs9LGMB9

Barranquilla Berlinastur bus station: https://goo.gl/maps/sqCp44xhV2KFjugs9

Santa Marta Berlinastur bus station: https://goo.gl/maps/yM3t2q6pNSQEioc86


You have to have a copy of your ID ready to show at the station. The bus seats are comfortable enough for the short journeys, and there's space for suitcases if you need it. If you're moving a lot of stuff between cities, you might consider using an in-driver service for around $65, which offers a more personalized experience and takes you directly to your destination. For those with just a backpack, taking a taxi from the bus station is a more practical option.