Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) Flights & Flight Status

Cartagena Rafael Nuñez (CTG) airport serves Cartagena, Colombia, a popular tourist destination known for its historic, walled Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The airport takes its name from the only Colombian president who was born in Cartagena. The destination also has beautiful beaches and excellent dining that only adds to the appeal making this one of the top tourist spots in the country. Those tourists arrive using CTG airport, which has space-constrained facilities and limited amenities. But, change is on the way to upgrade the airport. In the meantime, this guide can help you understand how best to travel through CTG.

A bustling terminal

The terminal building is divided 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.

There are no jet bridges at the airport. This means that passengers must walk to the aircraft where they board by stairs. Keep some sunscreen handy, and prepare for instant humidity as soon as you step outside. Part of the walk is beneath a covered walkway that provides some shade.

Since the airport has long been primarily a domestic facility, 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, which is accessible via Priority Pass or to premium cabin passengers on some airlines. Hardly big, it does provide some respite from the hectic terminal though.

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 flying on a domestic flight, and premium cabin passengers.

The Avianca lounge is nicer 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 do not have lounge access, there are a few souvenir shops in the small terminal worth perusing, and Wi-Fi access is free. If you find a seat next to a power outlet, grab it quickly as these are limited in number.

Airlines and destinations

American, Delta, JetBlue and United are among the major U.S. carriers to fly to Cartagena. Spirit Airlines is the main low-cost carrier from the U.S., and Wingo is the Colombian low-cost airline flying to the city. Both of these can be quite affordable, but charge for seats, bags and other services.

Long-haul flights to Amsterdam on KLM and to Zurich on Edelweiss have helped Cartagena welcome more European visitors. These flights make a stop in Bogota on the way to or from Cartagena, however. Other seasonal destinations from the airport include flights to Milan and Madrid.

Airlines from Central and South America also provide ample connectivity to Cartagena, including LATAM, Copa and Avianca among several smaller carriers. Flights to major Colombian cities depart from Cartagena throughout the day although many will have to connect through Bogota.

Getting to and from Cartagena airport

The airport is about 15 minutes by car north of the Old Town. The easiest way to get there is via taxi, which are readily available in the city center and outside the baggage claim area at the airport.

Take note that taxi 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.

Watch out for the eager porters in the arrival area that like to help with bags and take them to your car or taxi, but they will expect a tip. I have a hard time fending them off sometimes so be on the lookout or bring small change.

Take note 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 is not a recommended option unless you speak Spanish, and there is not often much space for extra luggage.

While there is a public bus that goes near the airport, it is not an ideal way to get there because the stop still requires a lot of walking. There is not much room for luggage on the bus either.

If you do not mind paying more, the most comfortable way to get from the airport is by booking a private car. Most hotels can organize this on your behalf.

Tips and tricks for flying to Cartagena

When flying to this tourist city, these are some helpful tips and tricks that can make your trip smoother, both before you get to and while you are 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 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 the local cost when purchased in the United States. If you can have someone book it for you in Colombia or by using a VPN on your computer, you can slash the cost of the ticket substantially.

Documents required for arrival

Passengers arriving from outside of Colombia must complete a “Check Mig” digital immigration and customs form before entering the country. This must be completed between 72 hours and one hour before your flight departure. You will not be able to check in for your flight without it.

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. So 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, beverages, and hotels), you are eligible to receive a refund on Colombian taxes before leaving the country. This can represent a nice cashback amount if purchasing 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 can receive the refund as cash or as a credit back to your credit card. Allow plenty of time to do this as lines can be long, and it must be completed before check-in.

Exchanging money

Most hotels and restaurants will accept credit cards, and I use Uber so that I do not have to exchange cash for taxis. But, if you do choose to exchange currency, avoid doing it at the airport exchange booths or at your hotel.

These tend to have a weaker exchange rate than a bank-operated ATM. You can find a bank-affiliated ATM on both the domestic and international sides of the airport.

What’s next for Cartagena’s airport?

Some pretty exciting things! By 2033, the city is expected to open a new airport in a different location with two runways and a modern terminal with jet bridges. It is expected to open with a capability to handle 11 million travelers.

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 that there will be some growing pains while the work is underway for the next few years.

This will be a welcome change once complete and allow Cartagena’s airport to accommodate larger aircraft that can fly to destinations farther away. It will also help the city to continue to grow its tourism numbers.