How to get to Santa Marta

Santa Marta is a vibrant resort destination and the oldest city in Colombia, where the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea meet majestic mountain peaks. Before travelling to Santa Marta, travellers should consider the variety of routes available: you can comfortably fly in by plane, arrive by bus, or travel by car. We have compiled up-to-date information on how to get to Santa Marta so you can plan the perfect logistics for your journey.

The primary way to reach the coast is by flying into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), located practically at the water's edge. The air hub receives regular flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and other major hubs, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea during descent. The terminal is located just a few kilometres from the resort zone, ensuring a quick and comfortable journey to your hotel immediately after landing.

Alternatively, travellers often choose flights to neighbouring Barranquilla, whose airport is approximately 70 kilometres away from Santa Marta. This is a convenient option for connecting with international routes or when seeking more favourable fares. Airports also operate in the cities of Valledupar and Riohacha, although the journey from them will take significantly more time.

Travelling by rail to Santa Marta remains impossible for now: the city lacks a train station, and passenger trains do not operate in this part of Colombia. The local railway network is oriented exclusively towards industrial freight transport, so the romance of the rails will have to be replaced with more practical methods of transportation.

The major cities closest to the resort—Barranquilla, Valledupar, and Riohacha—also do not have passenger stations. Tourists are advised to prefer air travel or the developed network of intercity buses, which provide convenient connections to the coast.

Bus services in this region are excellently developed, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the changing landscapes on the way to the coast. The shortest and most popular route runs from bustling Barranquilla: covering a distance of 105 kilometres usually takes no more than two hours, which pass unnoticed while admiring the Caribbean views.

For travellers heading from the direction of the desert Guajira Peninsula, the route from Riohacha is convenient, lasting approximately three hours and covering a distance of 170 kilometres. If you are travelling from the musical heart of the region, Valledupar, the road will take between four to five hours, winding for 255 kilometres along the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Travelling by car to Santa Marta offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to stop at the most picturesque corners of the coast. The most popular and fastest route leads from Barranquilla: the road, 106 kilometres long, runs along a high-quality highway and takes just over two hours.

A trip from Riohacha will last about three hours, during which you will cover 172 kilometres. If you are heading from Valledupar, the journey will be 256 kilometres and will require approximately 4.5 hours. Many tourists also use private taxi services for such transfers; it is best to agree on the cost in advance.

Preparing for a trip to Santa Marta will help make your holiday as comfortable and carefree as possible. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations for you, which will be handy both during walks through the colonial centre and during trips to the national parks.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The city enjoys an eternal summer, so bring light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, a hat, and strong sunscreen. However, if you plan on trekking into the Sierra Nevada mountains or hiking in Tayrona Park, be sure to pack comfortable closed shoes and a light windbreaker or raincoat.
2. Transport. Taxis are the most convenient way to get around the city, but meters are rarely used. Always agree on the price of the trip with the driver before getting in to avoid misunderstandings. For trips to the beaches, you can use local minibuses (busetas), which run frequently and are inexpensive.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Peso. Although major supermarkets and hotels accept cards, always carry cash, preferably in small denominations, for payments in small cafes, souvenir shops, and on public transport. It is safer to use ATMs located inside bank branches or shopping malls.
4. Health and Safety. Drinking tap water is not recommended; it is better to buy bottled water. Since the region is tropical, be sure to use mosquito repellent, especially in the evening and when visiting nature reserves.
5. Communication. The official language of Colombia is Spanish. English is not widely understood, even in the tourism sector, so download an offline translator or learn a few basic phrases—the locals will greatly appreciate it.
6. Local Etiquette. Colombians are very polite and welcoming. When entering a shop, taxi, or hotel, it is customary to greet people ("Buenos días" or "Buenas tardes"). Life here flows at a relaxed rhythm, so there is no need to rush staff in restaurants—it is better to tune into the local atmosphere of tranquillity.
7. What to Avoid. Do not display expensive jewellery, cameras, or gadgets on the street unnecessarily, especially after dark. Also, avoid unofficial "helpers" on the street offering excursions at reduced prices; it is more reliable to book tours through agencies or your hotel.
8. Additional Advice. If your main goal is to visit Tayrona Park, check its operating schedule in advance. Several times a year (usually in February, June, and October), the park closes for "spiritual cleansing" at the request of indigenous peoples, and entry is impossible during these days.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid minor organizational difficulties and focus on the main things—the incredible nature, the warm sea, and the rich culture of the Caribbean coast.