Bogotá El Dorado Airport (BOG) Flights & Flight Status

El Dorado International Airport is the largest airport in Colombia. It’s a modern and attractive facility with two terminals — and since it serves as a hub for both Avianca and LATAM, it’s an important connecting point for flights around Colombia, around the Americas and to and from Europe.

Arriving at El Dorado

If you’re landing at Terminal 1 and connecting to another international flight, you usually don’t need to pass through immigration and customs; just stay inside the international transit area.

However, if you’ve checked baggage, check to see if it’s being sent directly to your final destination on the connecting flight. If you need to claim your bags in Bogota before connecting (which may be the case if you’re flying a different airline for the next part of your journey), then you’ll likely have to go through immigration and customs to claim your luggage and recheck it for the following flight.

You’ll also need to pass through immigration and customs if you’re connecting to a domestic flight (and note that some depart from Terminal 2).

Immigration lines at El Dorado can be lengthy. If you’re a Colombian citizen, consider registering for Biomig, the nation’s immigration processing program that expedites the process; my Colombian friends recommend it.

Every passenger arriving on an international flight in Bogota must complete an immigration form called Check-MIG. You should fill it out online before the flight, and then present the confirmation when passing through immigration.

Currency exchanges, luggage storage and terminal shuttles

There are multiple currency exchange facilities in Terminal 1, near customs and the baggage claim and in the public areas outside of security. Check exchange rates online before arriving, and compare rates at more than one exchange service, if you have time. I generally use an ATM instead.

Storage is available on Floor 1 of the public hall, in front of door 11.

If you’re arriving at Terminal 1 and connecting to a flight that departs from Terminal 2 (or vice versa), take the free shuttle bus or a taxi. The bus runs from 5am until 11pm and stops at doors 2 and 11 at Terminal 1.

Traveling from the airport to the city

Getting a taxi can feel a bit overwhelming at El Dorado. After leaving the baggage claim area, you’re likely to be approached by random people offering rides. To reduce your stress level, stop at the taxi kiosk near the baggage claim exit first; you can’t pay in advance, but the taxi representative will give you a slip with the estimated fare, based on your destination.

After receiving the slip, proceed outside to the designated pickup area (door two for domestic arrivals and doors five and six for international arrivals). Taxis fares are based on the meter, not a flat rate, and costs can vary based on time of day and day of the week.

My personal preference for ground transportation from the Bogota airport, however, is to use a ride share app. Uber and Didi — the two most popular such services — are technically not allowed to pick up passengers in the arrivals area, so the process is a bit complicated. Still, I find it easy enough — and less of a hassle than in some cities where the apps are banned.

I get around the restriction by requesting a pickup on the Uber app, proceeding to the upper level (the departure level) and walking to one of the doors in front of the ticket counters. I usually have to cross the approach road and wait on the median, and — once the Uber driver arrives — sit in the front seat, to make my pickup look less like a rideshare service.

This tactic has worked for me multiple times, but it can involve some texts or even a call with the Uber driver to confirm the exact pickup location, so if you don’t speak Spanish or this sounds too complicated, stick with an authorized taxi.

Another option is to take public transportation. The Transmilenio K86 route stops at door 2 on the 1st floor of Terminal 1, but buses get crowded, and I don’t recommend it if you’re carrying luggage. You can also arrange an airport transfer in advance with local tour operators like Gran Colombia Tours, which will tell you exactly where to meet via WhatsApp (so you’ll need that app).

Departing from El Dorado International Airport

Be sure to determine which terminal your flight is departing from. Most flights — both international and domestic — depart from Terminal 1, but a few domestic flights depart from Terminal 2.

Don’t be surprised if security personnel at the terminal entrance ask to see your boarding pass or passport; this is a standard security measure. You may notice the presence of a larger number of armed security forces around the terminal, too.

Arriving early is crucial, especially for flights departing from the always-busy Terminal 1. There are lots of self-check-in kiosks and bag drops, but lines can be long if you need customer assistance, and I’ve frequently been surprised by lengthy waits to clear security and immigration.

Colombia requires international passengers to go through immigration processing for both arrivals and departures, so expect an extra line in addition to the standard security line. If you’re flying domestically, wait times are shorter, since you won’t need to go through as much processing.

To help familiarize passengers with El Dorado, the airport has its own (surprisingly helpful) app, which is available in Spanish and English and provides information including flight status, security line wait times, currency exchange rates, restaurants, shopping, ground transportation, lounges and other services. You can even enter the license plate of a car to verify if it’s an authorized taxi.

The airport has free WiFi service (ElDoradoFreeAirport). Each free session lasts only 30 minutes, but you can reconnect by filling out the form again.

Navigating El Dorado airport Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is essentially divided into two sections on the airside: one is for domestic flights and the other, much larger area is for international flights. You’ll only be allowed to spend time in the section that’s designated for your flight.

The international departures area is more spacious and has more shops and restaurants than the domestic departures area; if you’re flying domestically, you may want to get food in the pre-security area, since there are more options.

The pre-security area, in fact, has a much more impressive selection of dining options, compared to most airports that I’ve visited in the Americas. Among the choices are Mis Carnes Parrilla, which specializes in grilled meats, and Crepes & Waffles, a beloved Colombian restaurant chain. You’ll also find Juan Valdez Café, which is Colombia’s answer to Starbucks, in multiple locations before and after security screening.

Inside the international departures area, restaurants include Sushi Tequila, a bar-like venue that serves sushi, soup and other items, and Cumbia House, a casual eatery with Colombian cuisine.

Navigating Terminal 2

Terminal 2 is far smaller and offers far fewer services in terms of restaurants and shopping, but its smaller size also means that it takes less time to get from check-in to the gate.

The airlines Clic and Satena operate from Terminal 2. Clic flies to Colombian cities, while Satena flies domestically as well as to Venezuela.

For hot meals, one of the few choices in Terminal 2 is Kokoriko, an inexpensive-but-decent chain that specializes in grilled chicken. You can also get healthy snacks and juices at Cosechas and Frutalia.

Airline lounges at El Dorado International Airport

El Dorado has a wide array of VIP lounges, but they’re all in Terminal 1. In the domestic departures section, both Avianca and The Lounge Bogota operate attractive facilities that sell day passes, regardless of airline. Avianca passengers flying in certain fare classes may have free access to the Avianca lounge, and Avianca Lifemiles members can redeem miles for admission.

Avianca also operates two lounges in the international section; the one at Concourse B is open later and has showers, a bar, work areas and a children’s play area. Access is similar to the carrier’s domestic lounge.

My personal favorite lounge is the appropriately named El Dorado Lounge, which is one of the best deals I’ve ever found for this type of facility. Day passes are reasonably priced, and the expansive venue features a buffet-style dining room, an adults-only bar, work and relaxation spaces and a large children’s playroom. For an extra charge, you can also make use of showers and conference rooms and reserve spa treatments. Priority Pass member may get free or discounted access.

Other options include the LATAM Sala VIP, which has showers and free snacks and beverages, and Wait n’ Rest, which is the best option for long layovers. Wait n’ Rest operates like a mini hotel, with private sleeping rooms and a reasonable hourly rate; you can reserve online, but it’s cheaper to pay in person (although then you run the risk that they won’t have availability).