Rafael Núñez (CTG) is Cartagena's airport, in the Crespo district, a few kilometres north-east of the walled old town. The ride into town is short; what matters is paying the right taxi fare and having a connection when you land.
Before you land
Flying in from abroad? Migración Colombia asks travellers to fill in Check-MIG, its free online form, between 72 hours and one hour before the flight, on the official site.
Getting online
Do not count on Wi-Fi when you land. The airport's free network works mainly past security, at the gates, and is weak at check-in and in arrivals. Adding an eSIM from a QR code needs a connection, so plan where you will add yours. Once the eSIM is on your phone, turn its line on after landing and choose it for mobile data (switch it on after landing).
From the airport to the old town
Taxi. Use one of the two official taxi ranks, at the domestic and international exits. Before you get in, get a slip with your destination and the official fare: from the machines on the right after customs in international arrivals, or at the taxi window on the left in domestic arrivals. Fares are fixed by zone, with higher fares at night and on public holidays. The ride to the historic centre takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Bus. Transcaribe, the city's bus system, runs along the main road in front of the airport, but you need its rechargeable card to board. With luggage, a taxi is simpler.
Good to know
- Heat. Cartagena is hot and humid all year.
- Emergencies. Call 123, Colombia's free national emergency line.
