Private Tour
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a stress-free transfer from Rafael Nuñez International Airport in Cartagena to your hotel in Santa Marta. A professional driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it. The trip lasts 4 hours to Santa Marta. Drivers do not speak English. Once you meet him he will take you to the vehicle and the next destination will be your hotel. There is one optional stop after passing Barranquilla where you can stretch your legs and go to the toilette. There is also the possibility to stop for lunch in case you need it (please note that this meal is not included).
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Spanish-speaking professional driver
A bottled water per person
Food (breakfast, lunch and/or dinner)
Gratuities
Rafael Nunez Airport
Cartagena Colombia
According to the schedule you provided, our driver will be waiting for you in the arrival's hall holding a sign with your name on it. After you claim your baggage, he will take you to the vehicle. We only use modern and spacious SUV; in case you are more than 3 people we have comfortable minivans. The price is per vehicle (car/SUV - Minivan). There are not any guides in this transportation, our drivers do not speak English, but do not worry, any additional request you may have, please do not hesitate to ask for it in advance (ATM's, grocery store, booster seats, etc.). Anything else, not listed in this post is not included.
English-speaking host: Direct stress-free transfer just for you and your group with an English-speaking host for your convenience
Compact SUV for up to 2 people: Renault Duster or similar. 3 medium and 2 carry-on suitcases allowed. Ideal for couples, friends, and solo travellers.
Pickup included
English-speaking host: Direct stress-free transfer just for you and your group with an English-speaking host for your convenience
Minivan for up to 6 people: Perfect for family and friends. Roomy 3-6 passenger minivan. 6 medium suitcases, 4 carry-ons allowed.
Complimentary 1-hour stop: Relax at Malecon del Rio, Barranquilla. Enjoy varied gastronomy and Magdalena River view during your break.
Pickup included
Private driver in Spanish: Direct stress-free transfer just for you and your group with a professional driver in Spanish
Spacious Minivan: 6-seater: Mercedes Vito or Hyundai H1, subject to availability. 6 medium, 4 carry-on bags allowed.
Complimentary 1-hour stop: Relax at Malecon del Rio, Barranquilla. Enjoy varied gastronomy and Magdalena River view during your break.
Pickup included
Private English-Speaking host: Direct stress-free transfer just for you and your group with an English-speaking host for your convenience
Large van for up to 13 people: 13-seater: Mercedes-benz Sprinter or similar. 14 medium and 8 carry-on suitcases allowed.
Complimentary 1-hour stop: Relax at Malecon del Rio, Barranquilla. Enjoy varied gastronomy and Magdalena River view during your break
Pickup included
Private driver in Spanish: Stress-free transfer for you and your group with a Spanish-speaking driver
Compact SUV for up to 3 people: Renault Duster or better models.
Complementary 1-hour stop: Relax at Malecon del Rio, Barranquilla. Enjoy varied gastronomy and Magdalena River view during your break.
Pickup included
Private driver in Spanish: Direct stress-free transfer just for you and your group with a professional driver in Spanish
Large van for up to 13 people: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or equivalent. Accommodates 14 medium and 8 carry-on suitcases
Complimentary 1-hour stop: Relax at Malecon del Rio, Barranquilla. Enjoy varied gastronomy and Magdalena River view during your break.
Pickup included
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
katiemD7042MH,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Hugo was so full of knowledge and we learned so much about Colombia. He was kind and courteous. The driver was very safe and efficient around the protest. We will love to use them again!!
aedanj2025,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our driver was Hader Mustamante. Friendly, easy-going driver. Happy to let us stop along the way to eat and to meet Shakira in Barranquilla. Very knowledgeable about the local area! Comfortable air-conditioned car and a safe pleasant trip!


Kim B,
Jun 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our driver Hader was the best! Punctual, polite, a safe driver and knowledgeable. We booked the "Spanish speaking driver"⁹0 but between our limited college Spanish and his English we were able to communicate. It was like having a private guide who pointed out interesting facts along the way. Highly recommend this private transfer!
985lizeta,
Sep 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We book transportation with Bukap from Cartagena airport to Santa Marta city. The Driver, Hader Bustamante, is an excellent Guide! We were met on time at the airport, the car is very comfortable for a group of 3 or 4, and was even prepared with cold water bottles for the heat. The trip to Santa Marta was very comfortable, and Hader was explaining different tourist spots and the history of the cities we crossed on the tour to Santa Marta. The trip is about 4 hours, but there are opportunities to use the bathroom and buy snacks. It was definitely a 5-star service! We were a group of 3 traveling from the Cartagena airport to Tayrona via Santa Marta. We definitely recommend Bukap's private shuttle service. Our driver, Hader, was punctual and an excellent driver and tour guide! The car was comfortable and spacious, we fit all of our luggage and had room to stretch out. The car ride is approximately 4 hours, but there are stops for bathroom breaks and snacks. Best private transportation service we could have used!
brookekana,
May 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the pleasure of riding with Hader Bustamante from Minca to Cartagena, he was an absolute pleasure to travel with. Although our Spanish was limited, Hader was able to explain a lot of the landmarks and cities along the drive. He was a very safe driver with lots of knowledge and made the drive very comfortable for us both. There were many opportunities for a bathroom stop although we didn’t need many. We would highly recommend the services of Bukap to all wanting a stress free and comfortable transfer from Minca or Santa Marta to Cartagena. The communication from Bukap during the entire process was excellent.
C2931TYmargaretf,
Mar 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Knowing how hectic the buses can get in Colombia, we booked a ride from Cartagena to Santa Marta. Our driver, Hader, was excellent. On time to pick us up, helped with the bags, stopped anytime we needed the restroom or snacks, and showed up with coffee candies and waters for all of us. He also tried to teach us about the areas we were driving through (even though there was a language barrier). Would book again without a second thought.
dancW8965QW,
Jan 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an excellent experience with Bukap drivers. We drove from Cartagena to Santa Marta with Gabriel in a nice van. He was prompt, friendly, kind, and a safe driver. We drove from Tayrona to Cartagena with Carlos in a beautiful Mercedes SUV. He was kind, friendly, and an excellent driver. Our communication throughout our time with Santiago, the booking manager, was excellent. We felt very well cared for. We highly recommend this company. We are a family of four from the United States.
Danese64,
Jan 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We chose to travel by private car from Cartagena airport to Santa Marta because we had no idea how long clearing immigration would take and we didn't want to chance missing the last shuttle bus. It was the best decision! We booked through the Tripadvisor app and had all the information that we needed at our fingertips. Our driver was waiting for us at the airport exit and it was such a stress free experience! He was kind and calm and we felt 100% at ease. We were dropped right at the front door of our hotel. Honestly, I couldn't have asked for any more. Can 100% recommend this service!
P3483KIvanessal,
Dec 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had an exceptional experience with the transport service from Cartagena to Santa Marta. The punctuality, comfort, and professionalism of the staff exceeded my expectations. The journey was smooth, and the vehicle was well-maintained. I would rate it a solid 10/10 and highly recommend it to others seeking a reliable and enjoyable travel option between these two cities.
kristinamW7095GA,
Nov 30, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I needed transportation from our hotel in Cartagena to our hotel in Santa Marta. Bukap travels was incredibly easy to reach via WhatsApp and they answered all our questions promptly. Our driver was right on time to pick us up at our hotel and gave excellent professional service all the way to Santa Marta, including various details about the areas that we would not have known otherwise. Highly recommend Bukap!
Operated by Bukap Travels