Rafael Núñez Airport serves Cartagena, the historic fortified city on the Caribbean coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, approximately 3 km from the historic center.
It is among Colombia's most important tourist gateways, located very close to the walled old city.
How to get to Rafael Nuñez International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CTG
Parking near Rafael Nuñez International Airport
The airport's official parking area is located in front of the terminal.
There is no dedicated security staff, replaced by video surveillance; rates remain modest.
How to get to Cartagena de Indias from CTG
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Cartagena: Airport Transfer to/from Urban Area Hotels
Cartagena Airport: Private Arrival or Departure Transfer
Cartagena: Rafael Núñez Airport One-Way Transfer
Airport Transfers Cartagena
Car rental at Rafael Nuñez International Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, although Cartagena's historic center is almost entirely pedestrian.
The agency typically requires a driver's license, passport, credit card, and an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Rafael Nuñez International Airport
Crespo and La Boquilla (airport area)
The ibis Cartagena Marbella is 5 minutes by car from the terminal, on Marbella beach; the Radisson Ocean Pavillion, further north towards La Boquilla, is about 10 minutes.
Best for: Dawn flights, short layovers and those who want to stay near the terminal without giving up the beach.
- The transfer from the terminal takes just a few minutes, even at rush hour
- Both areas have direct beach access, no need to travel elsewhere
- The Centro Histórico stays 10-20 minutes away: a taxi is still needed for the walls and the museums
- Marbella and La Boquilla have few independent restaurants outside the hotels themselves
Recommended hotels
- ibis Cartagena Marbella 180 recently renovated rooms on Marbella beach, 5 minutes by car from the terminal and about 8 from the Centro Histórico. View availability
- Radisson Cartagena Ocean Pavillion Hotel Resort on La Boquilla beach, about 10 minutes from the terminal; indoor pool, jacuzzis and private beach with its own restaurant. View availability
Centro Histórico (Getsemaní and San Diego)
10-20 minutes by taxi from the terminal, about 3-5 km depending on the exact spot inside the walls; there are no direct tourist bus routes.
Best for: Those who want the walls, the colonial squares and evening life on foot, regardless of the transfer from the airport.
- Walls, squares and restaurants are all reachable on foot, even in the evening in the central areas
- It's the area with the highest concentration of historic and boutique hotels in the city
- Narrow, often pedestrian-only alleys: taxis can't reach every hotel's door
- Higher prices than elsewhere in the city, especially in high season
Recommended hotels
- Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena A former 1621 convent on Plaza San Diego, inside the walls; 123 rooms between the colonial and contemporary wings, a spa of almost 900 sqm. View availability
- Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Cartagena Opening in April 2026 in a complex of historic buildings, including the former San Francisco temple, on the border between Getsemaní and the walls; eight restaurants and a rooftop pool. View availability
- Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton 49 rooms in a restored colonial building on calle del Curato, a few steps from the walls and from Plaza San Diego; panoramic rooftop terrace with pool. View availability
Bocagrande and El Laguito
20-25 minutes by taxi from the terminal, about 8-9 km; El Laguito, at the tip of the peninsula, is slightly further than central Bocagrande.
Best for: Those who want an equipped beach, big hotels with pools and the life of an urban resort.
- Continuous beach with sunbed and umbrella service all along the peninsula
- Restaurants, shopping malls and nightlife within walking distance
- The transfer from the airport is the longest among the areas in the city
- Bocagrande's beach is less well kept than in other areas, according to many reviews
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Cartagena At the tip of El Laguito, with a private beach and four outdoor pools; the most secluded and quiet of the peninsula's chain hotels. View availability
- Hyatt Regency Cartagena On Bocagrande beach, one minute on foot from the sand; 261 rooms, 15 residences and two infinity pools overlooking sea and city. View availability
- Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand The oldest hotel in Bocagrande, prized for its large tropical garden and private beach with sunbeds; a well-preserved style from the 1940s. View availability
- Hampton by Hilton Cartagena Budget option on avenida San Martín, one block from the beach; simple rooms but a central location in Bocagrande. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, recently renovated, is modern. From check-in to gate you typically walk 10-15 minutes.
During peak hours, security checks can be lengthy: for international flights it is advisable to arrive with 3 hours buffer.
Map of Rafael Nuñez International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Cartagena's old town safe at night?
Generally yes on the main streets, with the usual precautions typical of any crowded tourist area; avoid less frequented areas and don't flaunt valuables.
Q. Is it better to stay in the old town or in Bocagrande?
The walled old town offers boutique hotels in colonial buildings and Cartagena's true atmosphere; Bocagrande, a modern peninsula, has cheaper resorts and direct beach access.
Q. What climate does Cartagena have all year round?
A hot, humid Caribbean climate almost all year round, with temperatures generally between 28 and 32°C: there's no real cool season, so light clothing and hydration are essential at any time of year.
Q. What to buy at Cartagena's duty free?
Wayuu mochilas, the famous handwoven bags made by the indigenous Wayuu community, along with Colombian coffee and rum.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
