Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport CLO

Colombia

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport serves Cali, the world capital of salsa, in southwestern Colombia, approximately 20 km from the city center.

It is the main gateway of southwestern Colombia.

Content verified on 03/09/2026
Official source: www.aerocali.com.co

How to get to Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport

Cali city center is approximately 20 km from the airport: the transfer takes roughly 30-35 minutes by taxi or bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city center of Cali in approximately 30-35 minutes.

By Train

Colombia does not have a railway connection at Cali.

By Bus

A direct bus service connects the airport to Cali city center.
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Tips Cali is celebrated for its nightlife linked to salsa: if you want to experience it, ask your hotel for recommendations on the most authentic and safe venues, avoiding off-limits areas after sunset.

Average travel time to CLO

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus30-35 minutes
Taxi / Private hire30-35 minutes

Parking near Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport

The parking lot operated directly by the airport is in front of the terminal.

The lot is not staffed but is monitored by security cameras, with reasonable costs.

How to get to Cali from CLO

By Train

Colombia does not have a rail connection to Cali.

By Bus

A direct bus service connects the airport to downtown Cali.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; approximately 60,000–70,000 COP (14–16 USD) to downtown, fare updated according to the new 2026 tariff decree.

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Car rental at Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport

Major car rental operators manage a desk in the arrivals area.

The agency typically requires a driver's license, passport, credit card, and an International Driving Permit.

 

Hotels near Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport

The airport is in Palmira, 16-20 km from downtown Cali: the drive takes 25-45 minutes depending on traffic on the autopista, without the time pressure typical of Bogotá or Medellín's José María Córdova. Choosing a zone is therefore more a matter of atmosphere than logistics: Granada, to the north, for restaurants and nightlife; the historic centre for those who want Plaza de Caicedo a few steps away; San Antonio and the riverside for a quieter stay.
Neighbourhood

Centro and Centenario

25-40 minutes from the airport, by car or taxi, depending on traffic on the road to Palmira.

Best for: Those who want the historic core, Plaza de Caicedo and the Cathedral just steps from the hotel.

Pros
  • A few minutes' walk from the city's historic core and from the Chamber of Commerce
  • Area well served by chain hotels across several price ranges
Cons
  • Downtown Cali empties out in the evening: for nightlife you need to head to Granada or San Antonio
  • Heavy traffic at rush hour along Avenida Colombia
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Granada

30-45 minutes from the airport, by car or taxi.

Best for: Those looking for the best dining scene and the nightlife most popular with tourists.

Pros
  • Over a hundred restaurants in a compact area, with the highest concentration of bars and venues in the city
  • A cosmopolitan neighbourhood, the closest thing to Provenza in Medellín or Zona Rosa in Bogotá
Cons
  • On weekends, Avenida 9 Norte and nearby streets stay noisy late into the night
  • Further from the historic centre and the museums of the casco antiguo
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

San Antonio and Santa Teresita

30-45 minutes from the airport.

Best for: Those who want a quieter riverside atmosphere, near the artistic San Antonio hill.

Pros
  • One of the quietest and most exclusive residential areas in western Cali, facing the river
  • A few minutes from San Antonio hill, with its art galleries and the venues of the namesake neighbourhood
Cons
  • Fewer restaurants and less nightlife than Granada
  • Further from the historic centre, still needs a taxi or car to get around
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Sur and Ciudad Jardín

30-50 minutes from the airport, being the southernmost area of the city.

Best for: Business trips or clinic visits: a university and commercial area in the south of the city.

Pros
  • Across from the Universidad del Valle and three minutes on foot from the Jardín Plaza shopping mall
  • Close to the Fundación Valle del Lili, among the best-known clinics in the city
Cons
  • It's the area furthest from the airport among those in this guide
  • A neighbourhood built for cars and malls, little street life in the evening
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport offers services consistent with its role as the main air gateway to southwestern Colombia.

Shopping & Duty Free

There is a duty-free area with Colombian coffee and handicrafts from the Valle del Cauca.

Lounges & relaxation

With no VIP lounges, passengers rely on the terminal's bar and restaurant before their flight.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal area. For a local SIM, Claro, Movistar, and Tigo operators have a counter at the airport.

Families & Children

The terminal provides basic attention to families traveling with small children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is appropriately sized for regional traffic. From check-in to gate, the walk is typically about 10 minutes.

Customs control times vary: for international flights, it is prudent to arrive at least 3 hours in advance.

Map of Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport

Map of Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is Cali called the world capital of salsa?

For its music scene and dance venues, among the liveliest in Latin America: salsa is an integral part of the city's cultural identity.

Q. Is the Granada neighbourhood safe in Cali?

It's generally considered among the safest and most touristy in the city, with a good range of restaurants and salsa clubs.

Q. What climate does Cali have throughout the year?

A tropical climate moderated by an altitude of around 1,000 metres: mild temperatures all year round, generally between 24 and 28°C, without the intense humid heat typical of the Caribbean coast.

Q. Do you need a visa for Colombia when arriving in Cali?

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

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Things to do in Cali

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