Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) serves Colombia’s most popular tourist destination, but it’s currently characterized by capacity constraints while undergoing a major expansion project recently initiated to address saturation and improve service conditions.
The historic, walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and between the beautiful beaches and great dining, it’s easy to see why tourists keep coming. Upgrades are underway, including a new international terminal and the implementation of five jet bridges as part of the expansion program, but until then, here’s how to travel through CTG smoothly.
Getting to and from Cartagena airport
The airport is located in the Crespo neighborhood, approximately 15 minutes by car from the historic center in Cartagena (Old Town), depending on traffic. The airport has two authorized taxi stations located at the national and international exits, but drivers occasionally overcharge foreigners for the ride since they may be unfamiliar with the area. Luckily, when coming from the airport, there is an easy solution.
Be sure to stop at one of the official taxi kiosks in the arrivals area. You can put the name of your hotel or destination street address in the kiosk, and it will print out a ticket with a flat rate price to hand to the driver.
Another easy way to avoid the taxi haggling is to order a rideshare transfer instead. Uber is widely available in Colombia as are other apps like inDrive or Cabify.
Also, watch out for the eager porters in the arrival area. They’re quick to help with bags and take them to your car, but they will expect a tip. I’ve had a hard time fending them off sometimes so be on the lookout or bring small change.
Keep in mind that not all taxis in Cartagena are the same. Some are known as “colectivos,” which carry multiple travelers to different destinations for a lower fare. This isn’t a recommended option unless you speak Spanish and are traveling light, as there’s not much room for luggage.
While the Transcaribe integrated public transport system serves the airport area via Route T102 (Portal–Crespo), which stops on Calle 70 (Avenida Santander) in front of the airport, it’s not an ideal way to travel. The stop requires walking from the terminal building to the main road, and there isn’t much space for bags on the bus either.
If you don’t mind paying a bit more for comfort, the best way to get from the airport is by booking a private car. Most hotels can organize this for you.
A bustling terminal
The terminal splits between domestic and international sections. Both can be quite busy and crowded when multiple flights leave simultaneously. It seems to be bursting at the seams, and its sole runway means the airport has to cap the number of departures and arrivals.
The airport currently operates without jet bridges, though five are planned as part of the expansion. This means that passengers must walk to the aircraft and board by stairs, so keep sunscreen handy and prepare for instant humidity. Part of the walk is beneath a covered walkway that provides some shade.
The airport has long been primarily a domestic facility, so there are more food and beverage options there than on the international side. Still, I recommend eating before coming to the airport as the choices here are quite limited.
As soon as I get past security in the international terminal, I make a beeline for the VIP lounge. The Heroica VIP Lounge (International) accepts Collinson memberships (Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Lounge Pass) and admits select business-class passengers including those flying KLM, Edelweiss, Plus Ultra, and Neos. It’s not huge, but it does provide some respite from the hectic terminal.
Unfortunately, it has no windows, and the food consists of basic packaged snacks. Wine and beer are also available. On the domestic side of the airport, an Avianca lounge is open to elite status members, including Star Alliance Gold members, Business Class passengers and those flying with Avianca, GOL or Star Alliance airlines.
The Avianca lounge is a step up, with better food and more natural light. It also accepts Priority Pass cards for entry, but you can also buy a single visit pass on the Avianca website or in the lounge.
If you don’t have lounge access, there are a few souvenir shops worth a look. Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminal, but if you spot a seat next to a power outlet, grab it quickly as these are limited in number.
Airlines and destinations
American, Delta and JetBlue are among the major U.S. carriers flying to Cartagena. Spirit Airlines operates flights from the U.S. and is a prominent low-cost carrier from the U.S., and Wingo is the Colombian low-cost airline. Both can be quite affordable, but charge for seats, bags and other services.
For European connections, KLM operates flights to Amsterdam (non-stop from Cartagena to Amsterdam; the flight from Amsterdam to Cartagena typically includes a stop in Bogotá), while Edelweiss operates flights to Zurich (non-stop from Cartagena to Zurich; the flight from Zurich to Cartagena typically includes a stop in Bogotá). Other seasonal destinations include flights to Madrid via Plus Ultra service, with Milan served seasonally via carriers like Neos.
Airlines from Central and South America provide ample connectivity too, including LATAM, Copa and Avianca among several smaller carriers. Flights to major Colombian cities depart throughout the day, although many will connect through Bogota.
Tips and tricks for flying to Cartagena
When flying to this popular city, these are some helpful tips and tricks that can make your trip smoother, both before you get to and while you’re at the airport.
How to save money on flights to Cartagena
On domestic flights within Colombia, the prices can be incredibly affordable for foreigners, but there’s a catch. You need to purchase the ticket using a local website or agency.
For example, when I book a domestic flight from Bogota to Cartagena, the price can be five times higher when purchased in the United States. If you can have someone book it for you in Colombia or use a VPN on your computer to access the local site, you can slash the cost of the ticket substantially.
Documents required for arrival
Passengers arriving from outside Colombia have access to the “Check Mig” digital immigration and customs form, which can be completed between 72 hours and one hour before flight departure. However, Migración Colombia currently states that it is not necessary to complete the Check-Mig form due to technological improvements to the application, though travelers should always consult the latest official guidance before flying.
This pre-registers your details with the Colombian government before you land. It is not a visa although some travelers may also need a visa to enter Colombia depending on their passport. It is a requirement for all international arrivals, no matter the citizenship. A similar departure form is also needed when flying out of Cartagena.
Immigration lines can sometimes take awhile when multiple international flights arrive at one time. Be sure to plan accordingly if organizing a pickup and allow some extra time.
Tax refunds
Like other international airports, if you make sizable purchases (outside of food, drinks and hotels), you’re eligible to receive a refund on Colombian taxes before leaving the country. DIAN refunds 100% of VAT on eligible goods to foreign tourists. This can add up to a nice bit of cash back if you’re buying expensive souvenirs, clothes, or jewelry.
Be sure to ask for a VAT (or IVA) refund or duty-free form when making large purchases. The salesperson in the store will need to see your passport when completing the form.
At the airport, you might have to present the goods to a customs agent before having the form stamped. You must complete the tax refund application and any necessary inspection of goods before checking in your luggage. The refund can be received as cash (through an operator) or as a credit back to your credit card. Allow plenty of time for this, as lines can be long, and it must be completed before you checkin.
Exchanging money
Most hotels and restaurants will accept credit cards, and I use Uber so I don’t have to exchange cash for taxis. But if you do choose to exchange currency, avoid doing it at the airport exchange booths or your hotel.
These tend to have a weaker exchange rate than a bank-operated ATM. Bank-affiliated ATMs are available at the airport for better exchange rates.
What’s next for Cartagena’s airport?
The city is planning for the “Ciudadela Aeroportuaria Cartagena de Indias,” a brand-new greenfield airport project located in the Bayunca sector (approximately 24 km from the city center), complete with a terminal equipped with 16 boarding bridges (jet bridges) in its initial phase and land acquisition reserved for a future second runway, with one runway to be constructed initially.
It’s expected to handle an initial capacity of 11 million passengers per year, with potential expansion to 17 million passengers in later phases. The expected operational start is the early 2030s.
An interim fix involves an expansion of the existing airport by growing the footprint of the international terminal and a remodeling of the existing one. This means there will be some growing pains while the work is underway for the next few years.
This will be a welcome change once it’s complete. It will allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft for flights to farther destinations and will help the city continue to grow its tourism numbers.
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.
