El Dorado International Airport (BOG) serves Bogotá and is Colombia’s busiest airport by passenger traffic. The modern facility operates two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (formerly Puente Aéreo), serving as a major connecting hub for Avianca, LATAM, Copa Airlines Colombia and Satena. The airport is the principal connecting hub in Colombia, with established international routes to destinations in Europe (such as Madrid), the Americas (including Panama and Lima), and extensive domestic connections to cities like Rionegro, Barranquilla, and Cali. Here’s the inside scoop on how to navigate it like a pro.
Arriving at El Dorado
If you’re landing at Terminal 1 and connecting to another international flight, be aware that official guidance from El Dorado indicates all passengers in transit must enter Colombian territory for their transfer. This means you’ll need to go through immigration, and foreign nationals may require a transit visa according to Cancillería rules.
If you’ve checked baggage and it’s tagged only to BOG (not your final destination), you’ll need to collect it and re-check it, which requires going through the full immigration and customs process. This often happens when switching airlines.
You’ll also need to clear immigration and customs if you’re connecting to a domestic flight. Keep in mind that some domestic flights leave from the smaller Terminal 2.
Every international passenger arriving in Bogota must complete the Check-MIG immigration form online between 72 hours and 1 hour before travel, then present confirmation when passing through immigration. Immigration lines can be lengthy, so if you’re a Colombian citizen aged 12 or older, consider registering for Biomig, the nation’s expedited processing program that uses iris recognition technology. My Colombian friends recommend it.
Currency, storage and shuttles
You’ll find multiple currency exchange spots like Aerocambios in Terminal 1, including locations at International Departures (Pier A) and International Arrivals. My advice? Skip the exchange counters and hit an ATM for a better rate. I always do.
Need to stash your bags for a bit? Luggage storage is available on Floor 1 of the public hall, right in front of door 11.
If you need to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 (or the other way around), a free shuttle bus runs daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. According to airline guidance, you can catch it at door 1 (domestic arrivals) or door 9 (international arrivals) at Terminal 1.
Getting from the airport to the city
Getting a taxi can feel overwhelming at El Dorado, especially when random people approach offering rides. The official airport taxi service is managed by Taxi Imperial. Stop at the authorized taxi counters located in the arrivals area (Lane 1, between doors 2 and 4; and first floor between doors 4 and 7) first. Staff will issue a printed ticket with the pre-liquidated (exact) fare before boarding. The official pickup point is on Lane 1 between doors 2 and 4. The airport uses fixed prices based on your destination, so you’ll know the fare upfront without relying on a taximeter.
My personal preference for ground transportation is using rideshare apps like Uber or Didi. They’re technically not allowed in the arrivals area, but I find the workaround easier than dealing with some cities where the apps are banned.
I request a pickup via the app, head to the departure level, and meet the driver at one of the doors near the ticket counters (sometimes crossing the approach road to wait on the median). Sitting in the front seat makes it look less like a rideshare pickup.
This tactic has worked for me multiple times, though it can involve texts or calls with the driver to confirm the exact location. If you don’t speak Spanish or this sounds too complicated, stick with an authorized taxi.
You can also take public transportation. The Transmilenio K86 bus stops at Terminal 1, Floor 1, Door 2. Payment requires a Tullave card. Just know that it gets crowded, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re wrestling with a lot of luggage.
The lounge scene at El Dorado
All VIP lounges at El Dorado are located in Terminal 1, distributed across the domestic and international departure zones. My personal favorite is the El Dorado Lounge in the International Terminal, one of the better deals I’ve found for this type of facility. Day passes are available for purchase, and the expansive venue features a buffet-style dining room, adults-only bar, work and relaxation spaces, and a large children’s playroom. Showers, conference rooms and spa services are available for an extra charge. Priority Pass members have access as part of their membership benefits.
For airline-specific options, Avianca operates lounges in both domestic and international sections. In the Terminal 1 domestic departures area, you’ll find the Avianca VIP Lounge (Domestic) and The Lounge Bogotá (located in the South Pier/Concourse D). Both sell day passes (The Lounge Bogotá charges approximately USD $38–$40) regardless of airline.
Avianca lists two lounges in the International Terminal: the Avianca Gold Lounge and the Avianca Diamond Lounge (check current availability for the Diamond Lounge). The Gold Lounge in the International Terminal offers shower facilities and is open from approximately 03:30 AM to midnight, with a bar, work areas and a children’s play area. Avianca passengers flying in Business Class or those holding LifeMiles Elite status (Silver, Gold, Diamond) have complimentary access to Avianca VIP lounges, and LifeMiles members can redeem miles for admission—the miles are deducted immediately upon entry.
The LATAM Sala VIP in the International Terminal offers showers and free snacks and beverages. For long layovers, Wait n’ Rest operates like a mini hotel with private sleeping rooms available airside (International Departures, Pier A, between gates A12–A13) at reasonable hourly rates. You can reserve online or pay in person, though walk-up availability isn’t guaranteed.
Departing from El Dorado
First things first, double-check which terminal you’re flying out of. Terminal 1 handles most operations, but certain domestic carriers like Clic and Satena use Terminal 2.
Don’t be surprised if security at the terminal entrance asks to see your passport or boarding pass, it’s standard procedure here. You’ll also notice a visible presence of armed security, which is normal for the airport.
A word to the wise: get here early, especially if you’re flying out of the always-busy Terminal 1. The lines for check-in, security and immigration can be surprisingly long, and you don’t want to be sprinting to your gate.
Remember, Colombia requires you to go through emigration control when you leave the country on international flights, too. So factor in time for that extra line. If you’re flying domestically, the process is a bit quicker.
El Dorado has a surprisingly helpful airport app (available in Spanish and English) that covers flight status, security wait times, currency rates, dining, shopping, ground transportation and lounges. You can even verify if a taxi is authorized by entering its license plate.
The airport offers free WiFi under the network name “Airport_El_Dorado” (or “Aeropuerto_El_Dorado” in Spanish). You can reconnect as many times as you need at no cost if the connection is interrupted.
Navigating Terminal 1
Once you’re past security in Terminal 1, the layout uses International piers A and B, and Domestic piers C and D according to the official wayfinding system. You’ll only be able to access the section for your specific flight.
The pre-security area in Terminal 1 has a more impressive dining selection than most airports I’ve visited in the Americas. You’ll find Mis Carnes Parrilla (grilled meats), Crepes & Waffles (a beloved Colombian chain) and Juan Valdez Café (the Colombian answer to Starbucks, with locations both before and after security).
The international departures area is more spacious with additional restaurants like Sushi Tequila (a bar-like venue serving sushi and soup) and Cumbia House (casual Colombian cuisine). If you’re flying domestically, grab food pre-security since there are more options.
A quick guide to Terminal 2
Think of Terminal 2 (formerly known as Puente Aéreo) as the smaller, quieter sibling to Terminal 1. It’s home to domestic airlines Clic and Satena, and because it’s so much smaller, getting from check-in to your gate is a breeze.
The trade-off is that there are far fewer options for shopping and dining. If you’re looking for a hot meal, one of your only choices is Kokoriko, a decent chain that specializes in grilled chicken. You can also find healthy snacks and juices at spots like Cosechas.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
