Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer: Safe Caribbean Route

Skip the minibus lines and travel between Caribbean cities in your own vehicle

A private transfer between Cartagena and Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast, with a professional driver and assistant who pick you up at your hotel and handle the luggage. The vehicle is air-conditioned and insured. The route takes roughly four hours depending on traffic and your exact pickup and drop-off points. You choose the direction at checkout.

The experience

The transfer runs between two of Colombia's main coastal hubs: Cartagena, the colonial walled city, and Santa Marta, the gateway to the Sierra Nevada and Tayrona. A driver and assistant meet you at your chosen hotel or meeting point, load your bags, and drive you through the Caribbean landscape in a climate-controlled sedan, minivan or van depending on your group size. The journey is straightforward and takes you directly to your arrival point without stops.

What sets this apart from shared minibus services is the privacy and flexibility. You're not waiting for other passengers or following a fixed schedule. The driver coordinates with you on timing and can adjust for traffic or a late arrival. The assistant helps with luggage and any questions along the way. All risk insurance is included, so you're covered for the trip itself. The vehicle size adjusts to your group: one to three people travel in a sedan, four to five in a minivan, and groups of six or more in a van.

Availability runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so whether you're catching an early flight out of Cartagena or arriving late into Santa Marta, the transfer can be arranged. Book your direction at checkout (Cartagena to Santa Marta or the reverse), and confirm your hotel address and preferred pickup time when you complete your reservation.

What’s included

• Professional driver and assistant.
• air-conditioned vehicle sized to your group.
• hotel or meeting-point pickup and drop-off.
• luggage handling.
• all risk insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day24 departure times: the first at 00:00, the last at 23:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 to 80 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gran Colombia Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this transfer if you're traveling with luggage between the two cities and want to avoid shared minibus schedules and stops. The fixed vehicle size means a family or small group travels together without waiting for other passengers to fill seats.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How long does the transfer between Cartagena and Santa Marta take?

The transfer takes roughly four hours, depending on traffic and the exact locations of your pickup and drop-off points within each city.

What size vehicle will I travel in?

The vehicle size depends on your group: one to three passengers travel in a sedan, four to five in a minivan, and groups of six or more in a van. All vehicles are air-conditioned.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes, the driver will pick you up at your hotel or your chosen meeting point in either Cartagena or Santa Marta, and will drop you at your destination hotel or address.

Can I book a transfer at any time of day?

The transfer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can arrange pickup at any time that suits your flight or schedule.

What's included in the transfer price?

The price includes the private vehicle, the professional driver and assistant, air conditioning, luggage handling, and all risk insurance for the journey.