Simón Bolívar International Airport

Simón Bolívar International Airport is more than just a transit hub; it is a true prelude to your Caribbean adventure. The air harbour is situated so close to the coastline that upon approach, it feels as though the landing gear will touch the turquoise waves of the Caribbean Sea. It is the ideal starting point for travellers eager to explore the city's colonial architecture, relax on the beaches of Rodadero, or venture into the famous Tayrona National Park.

The airport is renowned for its unique location and incredibly scenic views, which passengers can enjoy directly from the terminal windows. Thanks to recent modernization, the building has become much more comfortable: spacious waiting halls are equipped with modern air conditioning systems, which is particularly pleasant in the tropical climate.

Among other advantages, one can note its compactness and clear navigation — it is practically impossible to get lost here, and all necessary services, from car rentals to cafes serving local cuisine, are within walking distance. Furthermore, the airport is located near the main coastal highway, allowing for quick access to both the historical centre of Santa Marta and popular resort zones.

To communicate with representatives of Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta, you may use the following contact details. We recommend verifying the information on official resources, as contact details are subject to change.

• Official Website: aeropuertosdeoriente.co — here you can find flight schedules, news, and general information about services.
• Information Desk Phone: +57 605 4320106. When calling from outside Colombia, do not forget to dial the international country code.
• Airport Address: Carretera Troncal Del Caribe Km 80, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.
• Email: For general enquiries and feedback, you can use the address atencionalciudadano@aeropuertosdeoriente.co.
• Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, where important updates are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged checked baggage, please contact the airline representative directly. The airport service only handles items left within the terminal building.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For immediate assistance on-site, please approach the information desks located in the departure and arrival halls.

Getting to Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) from the city of Santa Marta is quite simple, as it is located just 16 kilometres south of the historical centre. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods. The journey to the airport from the central part of the city usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, although this time may increase during peak hours.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. Blue city buses (locals call them busetas) operated by SETP run regularly to the airport. Look for a bus with the sign "Aeropuerto" on the windshield. You can catch one on the main streets of the city, for example, on Carrera 1. The fare is very low, around 2,500 Colombian pesos. This method is excellent for travellers with a small backpack wishing to experience local culture. However, please note that buses can be crowded, and there is no dedicated space for large luggage.

Taxi or Private Transfer are the most comfortable and popular methods. Official yellow taxis can be found throughout the city or ordered via an app. A trip from the historical centre of Santa Marta will cost approximately 30,000 – 40,000 Colombian pesos. From the tourist district of Rodadero, which is closer to the airport, the price will be lower. It is highly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings. You can also book a transfer online in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meeting at the appointed time.

If you value independence and plan to explore the surroundings of Santa Marta, such as Tayrona National Park or the village of Minca, then car rental might be an excellent solution. Both international and local rental agencies operate in the city. The road to the airport runs along the main coastal highway, Troncal del Caribe, so it is difficult to get lost. There is a parking lot directly at the airport where you can leave a car for both short and long periods.

To summarise, the choice of transport to Simón Bolívar Airport depends on your priorities. For maximum savings, choose the city bus. For comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling at night, a taxi is best suited. And for complete freedom of movement around this region of Colombia — a rented car.

Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta is a modern and compact terminal complex. Following a recent large-scale reconstruction, it operates as a single terminal serving both domestic and international flights. Such a structure makes the airport extremely easy to navigate, and you will not have to worry about long transfers or searching for the right building.

The layout of the terminal is simple and intuitive. It consists of two main levels:

• First Floor (Primer Piso) — this is the arrivals area. You enter here after disembarking the aircraft. Located here are the baggage claim belts, immigration and customs control counters (for international flights), car rental offices, as well as the exit to taxis and buses.
• Second Floor (Segundo Piso) — the departures area. Here you will find airline check-in counters where you can drop off luggage and receive your boarding pass. Immediately behind them is the security checkpoint, after passing which you enter the "airside" zone with waiting lounges, shops, and cafes.

Since there is only one terminal, moving between zones is done on foot and takes just a few minutes. All services — from check-in to boarding — are located in one building, which significantly simplifies orientation. Thanks to the modern design with panoramic windows, the departure hall offers a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Sierra Nevada mountains on the other, making waiting for your flight particularly pleasant.

Passing through registration and security procedures at Santa Marta airport is usually faster than in major metropolises. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. During the peak tourist season (for example, in December-January or during national holidays), queues can be longer, so it is better to have extra time. Overall, navigating the airport will not cause difficulties: signs are clear, and staff are always ready to help.

The history of Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) is inextricably linked with the transformation of Santa Marta into one of the key tourist centres on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The airport was opened in 1949 and initially represented a small airfield serving primarily domestic flights. It received its name in honour of the great liberator Simón Bolívar, who spent the last days of his life and passed away not far from the city, giving the air harbour a special historical symbolism.

As the region grew in popularity as a tourist destination, especially due to its proximity to Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, an urgent need for airport modernization arose. A key stage in its development was a major reconstruction completed in 2018. Within the framework of this project, a completely new passenger terminal was built, the runway was extended, and the entire infrastructure was updated. This allowed the airport to accept larger aircraft and serve a significantly increased passenger flow, including international charter and scheduled flights.

One of the most remarkable facts about the airport is its unique location. The runway is located right at the edge of the Caribbean Sea, thanks to which passengers can enjoy stunning views of the turquoise waters on one side and majestic mountains on the other during takeoff and landing. This makes arriving in the city a truly breathtaking and memorable start to the journey.

Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable and pleasant journey. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything necessary here while waiting for your flight.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops: Several establishments are located within the terminal where you can have a full lunch or a quick snack. Cafes serving aromatic Colombian coffee and restaurants offering both local and international dishes await you. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores with souvenirs, clothing, and travel essentials, as well as a Duty Free zone with a wide assortment of perfumes, beverages, and confectionery.

Lounges and Wi-Fi: For passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment, VIP lounges are available with comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, beverages, and press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous power outlets and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

Financial and Medical Services: In the terminal, you will easily find ATMs and currency exchange points, which is very convenient for arriving tourists. In case of need, a medical point operates at the airport, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: Simón Bolívar Airport is well-equipped for the comfort of all travellers. For families with small children, there are nursing rooms. Passengers with reduced mobility can use ramps, special restrooms, and elevators. Assistance services can also be booked in advance with your airline.

Business Services and Hotels: Although there are no dedicated conference rooms in the airport, work zones with access to office equipment can often be found in the VIP lounges. There are no hotels directly inside the airport building, however, in the immediate vicinity, there are many hotels of various price categories which can be quickly reached by taxi.

Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal to wait for their flight in comfort. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in capital city airports, you certainly will not go hungry. Most establishments are located in the public area before security control (landside), but there are also several spots in the departure zone (airside) where you can drink coffee or buy snacks.

Once in Colombia, be sure to try the local cuisine, even if you are at the airport. Pay attention to small cafes offering freshly brewed Colombian coffee — you will smell its aroma immediately. This is the ideal souvenir and a great way to invigorate yourself. For quick and filling snacks, choose traditional arepas (corn cakes with filling) or empanadas (fried pastries). You can also find kiosks with fresh juices made from exotic fruits here — a wonderful conclusion to your journey along the Caribbean coast.

For those looking for a quick snack, coffee shops and snack bars are perfect. Here you can buy sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. If you have time to spare, you can settle into one of the cafes with seating, which offer more substantial meals, such as grilled sandwiches or simple hot lunches. Such establishments are usually located in the main hall of the terminal.

Regarding special dietary needs, please note that finding certified Halal or gluten-free restaurants may be challenging. However, vegetarians will easily find options: fruit salads, vegetable empanadas, or cheese arepas. We recommend clarifying ingredients with the staff. Prices at Santa Marta airport are expectedly higher than in the city but remain moderate compared to major international hubs. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) goes smoothly, take advantage of these tips. For domestic flights within Colombia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure, and for rare international flights — 3 hours prior. Although the airport in Santa Marta is not as large as those in the capital, it is better to have a buffer of time, especially during the high season. Registration and security procedures here usually go faster, but online check-in will help save time.

When choosing a seat on the plane, there is a trick: if you are flying into Santa Marta, try to occupy a window seat on the left side (seats with letter A). It is from here that the most impressive views of the Caribbean coast and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains open up. Regarding hand luggage, the rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Don't forget that large bottles of sunscreen must be checked in.

Simón Bolívar Airport mainly serves direct flights and is not a major transfer hub. If you have a connecting flight planned, check with the airline whether you will need to collect your luggage and check in again. Upon arrival on an international flight, you will have to pass through customs control. Be prepared to fill out a declaration and answer questions about the purpose of your visit and the presence of goods subject to declaration.

To save money, check in for your flight online, travel with hand luggage to avoid baggage fees, and take an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after security. In case of a flight delay, monitor information on the departure boards and airline announcements. The airport has several cafes and shops where you can pass the time while waiting. Staff at the information desk or representatives of your airline will advise on what options (meals, accommodation) are provided to passengers during long delays.