Ernesto Cortissoz Airport serves Barranquilla, the largest port on Colombia's Caribbean coast and birthplace of Shakira, approximately 15 km from the center.
It is also known for the famous Barranquilla Carnival, among Latin America's most important carnivals and a UNESCO World Heritage cultural event.
How to get to Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BAQ
Parking near Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
The airport operates an official parking lot directly in front of the terminal.
There is no dedicated security staff, replaced by video surveillance; rates remain modest.
How to get to Barranquilla from BAQ
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
Major car rental companies have a desk in the arrivals area.
Driver's license, passport, credit card, and almost always the International Driving Permit: these are the documents required.
Hotels near Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
Alto Prado, Riomar and Buenavista
30-45 minutes by taxi or app from the airport, about 12 km; the time changes little between the area's hotels, almost all a few blocks from each other.
Best for: Business trips, trade fairs and Carnival: it's the only part of the city with international hotels, shopping malls and upscale restaurants.
- Buenavista shopping mall and numerous restaurants within walking distance of most hotels
- Modern and safe area, with the widest hotel choice in the city
- The transfer from the airport almost never drops below 30 minutes, whichever hotel is chosen
- Barranquilla's historic centre, further away, needs to be visited on a separate outing
Recommended hotels
- Barranquilla Marriott Hotel The newest of the area's large hotels (2022), 191 rooms over 11 floors just steps from the Buenavista Mall. View availability
- Crowne Plaza Barranquilla 76 rooms in the Torres del Atlántico, with views over the city and the Caribbean; among the most central chain hotels in the northern district. View availability
- Hilton Garden Inn Barranquilla Inside a complex with a convention centre and shopping mall, 8 minutes on foot from the Buenavista Mall. View availability
- Hampton by Hilton Barranquilla In one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the north of the city, 5 minutes from the Buenavista Mall and 15 from the beaches of Puerto Colombia. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is modern. From check-in to gate, you typically walk about 10 minutes.
Customs control times are variable: for international flights it is advisable to arrive at least 3 hours early.
Map of Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. When is Barranquilla's Carnival?
Generally in February, before Lent: it's among the most important carnivals in Latin America, a UNESCO World Heritage event, with parades and music throughout the city.
Q. Is Barranquilla Shakira's hometown?
Yes, the singer was born and raised in Barranquilla, where she is celebrated as a symbol of the city.
Q. Is Barranquilla safe for tourists outside the Carnival period?
Yes, generally in frequented areas such as El Prado and Alameda, with the usual precautions typical of a large Colombian city; during the Carnival itself, the risk of petty theft increases simply due to the crowds and confusion in the streets.
Q. Do you need a visa for Colombia when arriving in Barranquilla?
The same rules apply for all entries into the country: no visa for most Western nationalities, up to 180 days per calendar year.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights