How to Get in Bogota, Colombia

One of the most visited cities in Colombia is its capital Bogota. Many tourists decide to spend their holiday in that magnificent place. In this blog you will find useful information how to get there. It can be used as a guide, especially for those who come here for the first time.

If you are foreigner, there are two main ways to reach Bogota.

·        Getting in Bogota by Air

The city is served by El Dorado International Airport, that receives several flights daily from New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Paris, São Paulo, Madrid, Mexico City, San José (Costa Rica), Lima, Buenos Aires, Panamá City, Quito, Guayaquil, Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curaçao) and Toronto among others. Tourists can also take advantage of the convenient connections and direct flights from Los Angeles, Washington, Santo Domingo, San Juan, Punta Cana, Valencia (Venezuela), Havana, Montego Bay, London, Frankfurt and Orlando. Many international airlines such as JetBlue, Continental,Delta Air Lines, Air France, Air Canada, American Airlines, Iberia, LAN, Mexicana, Gol, Copa, Avianca, Aero República, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Spirit, TACA, and AeroGal among others. 

Domestic flights are served by many airlines including Avianca, Aero República and Aires. Domestic flights of Avianca are served from the Puente Aereo terminal, next to El Dorado terminal, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. There are more than 20 daily flights to the 2 airports located in Medellín, over 15 daily flights to Cali and more than 10 to Cartagena. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. El Dorado Airport is undergoing a complete makeover, which will end in 2012 and will make it bigger and more comfortable. El Dorado is also the third busiest airport in Latin America and the largest by cargo movement. 

To get out from the airport into the city there are a couple of options: 

1) Regulated taxis - You first have to search for a stand where you will have to point out your destination and then they will print out a ticket indicating the price you will have to pay. Then, pick up a taxi from the line and explain to the driver your destination. At the end of the journey you will have to pay ONLY what is printed out in the ticket. 

2) Bus - Walking only some meters outside the main door entrance, you will find a "paradero" (bus stop) with frecuent busetas passing by. Although this is by far the cheapest option, it can be daring if you don't know the city already, since the bus only indicates the main places where it passes by. However, bus drivers are very friendly and quite helpful, and you can ask them to indicate you when the bus is passing a certain point of the city. A good option is to ask him to drop you close by a Transmilenio station and then continue your trip from there.

·        Getting in Bogota by Bus

The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved in recent years. However, foreigners should be cautious not to travel to areas of unrest and travel only during the day. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Service in the 'upscale' buses is very good and they are very comfortable. Pick the most expensive service (just a couple of dollars extra) as these buses tend to be newer and better mechanical condition. Bogotá is also building 2 new terminals, one located far south and one on the north corner to serve buses going on those directions. Currently, buses run in and out of Bogota's main station, El Terminal de Transporte de Bogota. The station is clean and has standard amenities. Multiple bus companies have regular routes to destinations around the country. To get there from the airport, you can take a short taxi ride. 

No matter what of these two means of transport you use, if you intend to stay in Bogota for more than one day you have to choose a place for accommodation. The best alternative is to stay in a hotel in Bogota. There is a wide range of hotels in Bogota and usually they are full of foreigners during the high season. Considering that I recommend you to make an online reservation for the chose hotel in Bogota so that your stay will be guaranteed. So the decision is up to you but for sure you will have an unforgettable experience in Bogota.