Simón Bolívar International Airport serves Santa Marta, the oldest still-existing city founded by the Spanish in South America, on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
It is the most convenient access point to Tayrona National Park, the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida and nearby Taganga, a destination for diving and relaxed beach life.
How to get to Simón Bolívar International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SMR
Parking near Simón Bolívar International Airport
The official parking area is positioned in front of the terminal.
Rates follow the usual regional standards.
How to get to Santa Marta from SMR
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.
Car rental at Simón Bolívar International Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, making it convenient to explore the Caribbean coast independently.
You only need a valid driver's license, passport, and credit card to rent a car.
Hotels near Simón Bolívar International Airport
Bello Horizonte and Pozos Colorados
2-4 km from the terminal, 5-10 minutes by taxi depending on the exact hotel; some resorts also offer their own shuttle.
Best for: Dawn flights, short layovers and those who want a beach resort without straying from the terminal.
- The shortest transfer among all the areas of Santa Marta
- Private beaches and resort pools, away from the city traffic
- Few independent restaurants outside the hotels: most meals are eaten there
- El Rodadero and the historic centre stay 15-30 minutes away by taxi
Recommended hotels
- Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida In Bello Horizonte, just 2.3 km from the terminal (about 5 minutes): the chain resort closest to the airport in the area. View availability
- Hilton Santa Marta In Pozos Colorados, about 3.8 km from the terminal; four restaurants, two poolside bars and direct beach access. View availability
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Marta Resort Also in Bello Horizonte, with pool, sauna and an airport shuttle; a mid-range option among the area's resorts. View availability
El Rodadero and Los Cocos
15-20 minutes by taxi from the terminal: a bit more than the Pozos Colorados resorts, but still convenient.
Best for: Those who want the city's historic beach, with more restaurants, shops and evening life on foot.
- More independent restaurants, bars and shops than the airport area
- Urban beach with a pedestrian seafront promenade, useful even without a car
- A more crowded and less well-kept beach than the private resorts near the airport
- At rush hour the transfer from the airport can exceed 20 minutes
Recommended hotels
- AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Marta In Los Cocos, minutes from playa El Rodadero; minimalist design typical of the AC brand, aimed at business or couple travellers. View availability
- Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel Also in Los Cocos, near El Rodadero and Tayrona Park; a mid-range option with a pool. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for the strong tourist traffic toward Tayrona Park and the Caribbean coast.
The recommended arrival time before flights is 2–2.5 hours.
Map of Simón Bolívar International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How far is Tayrona Park from Santa Marta airport?
About 30-40 minutes by car: the park is famous for Caribbean beaches framed by jungle and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Q. What is Ciudad Perdida?
An ancient lost city in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada, reachable only by a multi-day trek from Santa Marta, often compared to a less touristy version of Machu Picchu.
Q. How much does a taxi from the airport to downtown Santa Marta cost?
A fixed fare of 30,000 COP; fares vary for other destinations such as El Rodadero (22,000 COP) or Taganga (42,000 COP).
Q. Is Santa Marta South America's oldest city?
It's the oldest still-existing city founded by the Spanish on the continent, dating back to 1525.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
