Cali Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Cali, the salsa capital of Colombia and the main city of the Valle del Cauca department, is served by one international airport. Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), also known as Palmaseca Airport, is the primary gateway to southwestern Colombia. It is a modern facility offering connections to domestic destinations, regional neighbors, and a limited number of intercontinental flights.

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO)

Overview: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) is the main airport serving Cali and the surrounding region. Located in the municipality of Palmira, approximately 19 km (12 miles) east of downtown Cali, it is the third-busiest airport in Colombia by passenger traffic. It serves as an important hub for domestic travel and offers key international routes to destinations in North, Central, and South America, as well as Spain.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A modern, single-terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
  • Check-in Hall: Located on the ground floor, with counters for all airlines.
  • Departures: Security and gates are on the upper level.
  • Arrivals: Baggage claim and ground transportation are on the ground floor.

The terminal is clean, spacious, and easy to navigate. International and domestic areas are separated within the same structure.

Getting to and from CLO:

• Official Taxi (Taxi Autorizado):
  The most common and recommended option. Use the official pre-paid taxi desk located in the arrivals hall. You pay a fixed fare based on your destination zone, receive a ticket, and are assigned a driver. This ensures a safe and fair price. A trip to central Cali (e.g., Granada, San Antonio) typically costs around COP 55,000-75,000 (approx. $14-$19 USD). Ignore all individuals offering transport inside the terminal.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber, Didi, Cabify):
  Available and often cheaper than official taxis. However, pickup is from a designated area in the parking lot, not the curbside. Follow signs for “Aplicaciones” or check the app for the specific pickup point (often “Punto 1” or “Punto 2”).
• Public Bus:
  The most economical option. MIO buses (Cali’s integrated public transit) do not serve the airport directly. You must take a local bus from the main road outside the airport to the Calipso terminal and then transfer to the MIO system. This is not recommended for travelers with luggage or first-time visitors.
• Private Transfer:
  Many hotels and tour operators offer pre-arranged pickup services.
• Car Rental:
  Desks for major international and local agencies (Hertz, Localiza, etc.) are located in the arrivals hall.

Best for: All commercial international and domestic travel to Cali and the Valle del Cauca region.

Other Airfields

Marco Fidel Suárez Air Base (SK-??): A Colombian Air Force base located within the Cali metropolitan area. Not accessible for civilian passenger traffic.

Guaymaral Airport (???): Not in Cali; this is in Bogotá. Cali does not have a secondary commercial airport.

Which Cali Airport Should You Choose?

For all airline passengers, Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) is the only choice. It is the sole airport in the Cali area handling scheduled passenger flights.

Essential Travel Information for CLO

Arrival Process at CLO:

1. Disembark: Flights typically use jet bridges or a short walk to the terminal.
2. Immigration (International arrivals only): Proceed to Migración Colombia counters. Have your passport, completed customs/immigration form (now often digital), and proof of onward travel ready. Ensure you receive an entry stamp.
3. Baggage Claim: Collect your luggage from the carousels.
4. Customs (DIAN): All bags must be placed on the X-ray scanner conveyor belt. Walk through and collect your bags on the other side. You may be selected for a manual inspection.
5. Arrivals Hall: This is where you’ll find the pre-paid taxi desk, ride-hailing pickup signs, rental car counters, and meeting points.

Departure Process at CLO:

1. Arrive Early: For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. For domestic flights, 2 hours early is recommended. While not as large as Bogotá’s airport, lines for check-in and security can still be lengthy, especially during peak travel times (holidays, weekends).
2. Check-in: Find your airline counter. Avianca, LATAM, Viva Air (if operational), and Wingo are the main operators.
3. Security & Immigration:
   • Domestic: Proceed through security screening to the domestic gate area.
   • International: Pass through security first, then proceed to Migración Colombia for exit passport control. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
4. Gate Area: A comfortable waiting area with basic shops and cafes. Boarding is typically announced clearly.

Visa & Entry Requirements:

• Check if you require a visa for Colombia. Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days (or 180 days for some).
• Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay.
• You may be asked for proof of sufficient funds and an onward/return ticket.

Ground Transport to Key Areas:

• To Granada / San Antonio (Historic Center): 30-50 minutes by taxi/Uber, depending on traffic. COP 60,000-80,000.
• To El Peñón / South Cali: 25-45 minutes.
• To Menga / North Cali: 20-40 minutes.
• To Buga / Palmira (nearby towns): 30-60+ minutes.
• Traffic Warning: Cali’s traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) and on Friday afternoons. Always allow extra time.

Money & Safety:

• Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). ATMs are available in the arrivals hall. It’s wise to have some local currency for the taxi and initial expenses. US dollars are not widely accepted.
• Safety: Use only the official pre-paid taxi system or ride-hailing apps. Be discreet with valuables. The airport itself is secure.
• SIM Cards: Claro and Movistar kiosks are usually present in the arrivals hall, selling prepaid SIM cards.

Climate & What to Pack:

• Cali is known as the “Branch of Heaven” for its pleasant, spring-like climate year-round. Pack light clothing, but also a light jacket for cooler evenings.
• Sunscreen and a hat are recommended, as the sun can be strong.

Bottom Line: Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport is a modern, user-friendly gateway. For a smooth arrival, use the official pre-paid taxi desk or a ride-hailing app from the designated pickup zone. Allow extra time for traffic when traveling to/from the city. With its efficient layout and straightforward procedures, CLO provides a welcoming introduction to the vibrant and musical city of Cali.