Cartagena Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia’s iconic walled city and a premier Caribbean destination, is primarily served by one modern international airport. A second, smaller airport nearby handles regional and domestic traffic for a specific island destination. Understanding which airport serves your final vacation spot—whether the historic city or a remote island paradise—is crucial for a smooth arrival.

This guide explains every airport serving the Cartagena region, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Cartagena International Airport – Rafael Núñez (CTG)

Overview: Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport is the main gateway to the city and the entire Bolívar Department. Located in the Crespo neighborhood just 3 km (less than 2 miles) northeast of the walled city (Centro Histórico), it’s one of the closest city-center airports in the world. It handles all international arrivals from the Americas and Europe, as well as extensive domestic traffic within Colombia.

Terminals:

• Main Passenger Terminal: A single, modern terminal building efficiently handles both international and domestic flights under one roof. It is divided into separate wings/areas for domestic and international operations, but they are connected seamlessly inside.

Note: The airport is compact and easy to navigate. After clearing immigration and customs, you exit directly into a bustling arrivals hall with transport options and services.

Getting to and from Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG):

• Taxi: The most straightforward and widely used option. Official airport taxis operate on a fixed-price, zone-based system. You purchase a ticket at a clearly marked booth inside the terminal before exiting. Do not negotiate with drivers directly outside. Fares to the Walled City or Bocagrande are very reasonable (approx. COP 15,000-25,000).
• Ride-hailing (Uber/Cabify/Didi): Uber and other apps operate legally in Cartagena. However, pickup at the airport can be sensitive. Drivers often ask you to meet at a specific nearby location (like the gas station) to avoid airport fees. Follow the driver’s instructions in the app.
• Private Airport Transfer: Pre-booked through your hotel or a service. A driver will meet you in arrivals with a sign. Ideal for groups, those with lots of luggage, or for a stress-free start.
• Car Rental: Several international and local agencies have desks in the arrivals hall. However, driving in Cartagena’s chaotic traffic and finding parking is not recommended for tourists staying in the city. Renting a car is better for exploring outside the city.
• Walking: While technically possible to some parts of the Crespo neighborhood, it is not recommended for tourists with luggage due to the heat, humidity, and potentially confusing streets right outside the airport perimeter.

Best for: All travellers heading to Cartagena’s Walled City (Centro Histórico), Getsemaní, Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Manga, or using the city as a base for exploring the mainland coast.

Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport – Juan H. White (MMP) *For the Islands

Overview: Also known as San Bernardo Islands Airport or Tolu Airport, Juan H. White Airport is located on the mainland coast near Tolu, approximately 150 km (93 miles) southwest of Cartagena. It is the primary air gateway for travelers whose ultimate destination is the idyllic Islas de San Bernardo (e.g., Isla Múcura, Isla Tintipán) or the coastal resort areas of the Gulf of Morrosquillo.

Important: This is not an airport in Cartagena. It serves a different region, but is listed here because it is the key access point for popular island archipelagos often visited as part of a Cartagena trip.

Terminals:

• Small, single-runway regional terminal. Basic facilities.

Getting to and from Juan H. White Airport (MMP):

• Pre-arranged Boat Transfer: This is the critical link. Most hotels and ecolodges on the San Bernardo Islands include a boat transfer from the docks in Tolu or Covéñas as part of your stay. You will be met at the airport and taken to the dock.
• Taxi: Available for transfers to local towns or hotels on the mainland coast.

Getting there from Cartagena: You must take a flight from Cartagena (CTG) to MMP (approx. 30-45 min) on airlines like SATENA, or undertake a long 3-4 hour road transfer.

Best for: Travellers going directly to resorts on the Islas de San Bernardo. Do not fly here if your hotel is in Cartagena city.

Which Cartagena Region Airport Should You Choose?

Your choice is defined by your hotel location:

• For Cartagena City: You must fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). It is close, convenient, and served by numerous domestic and international flights.
• For the Rosario Islands: You still fly into CTG. Access to the Islas del Rosario (a closer archipelago) is via boat transfers that depart from Cartagena’s marinas (Muelle de la Bodeguita, Muelle Turístico). There is no airport on these islands.
• For the San Bernardo Islands: The most efficient route is a domestic flight from Bogotá or Medellín directly into Juan H. White Airport (MMP). You can also fly from Cartagena (CTG) to MMP, but this involves a connection.

Golden Rule: If your reservation says “Cartagena,” your airport is CTG. Always confirm your hotel’s exact location.

Key Tips for Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)

Arrival Process:

• Immigration: Have your passport, completed Check-Mig form (pre-register online within 72 hours of flight), and proof of onward travel ready.
• Customs: Use the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) channel after baggage claim.
• Money: Withdraw Colombian Pesos (COP) from ATMs in the baggage claim or arrivals hall. The airport exchange offices offer poor rates; only change a minimal amount if necessary.
• SIM Cards: Kiosks for Claro, Movistar, and Tigo are in the arrivals hall. Consider getting a local SIM or eSIM here for data.

Departure Process:

• Check-Mig: You must complete the online Check-Mig form again within 72 hours before your departure flight from Colombia. Show the confirmation at airline check-in.
• Domestic Flights: Arrive 2 hours early. Security is usually quick.
• International Flights: Arrive 3 hours early. Immigration queues on exit can be long, especially during peak seasons (Dec-Jan, Jun-Jul, Semana Santa).
• Tourist Tax (Tasa de Salida): This is almost always included in the price of your airline ticket. You should not need to pay cash at the airport. Verify with your airline.

Transport Scams to Avoid:

• Ignore anyone offering “unofficial” taxi services inside the terminal. Use only the official taxi booth.
• If using Uber, be discreet. Drivers may call you to give specific pickup instructions to avoid confrontations with traditional taxi drivers.
• Agree on the fare for regular taxis before getting in if you are not using the airport booth (only applicable for taxis hailed outside the airport).

Ground Transport from CTG to Key Areas

To Centro Histórico (Walled City) / Getsemaní:

• Official Airport Taxi: 10-15 minutes, COP ~15,000-20,000. Fastest and simplest.
• Uber: Similar time, often slightly cheaper. Meet at designated spot.

To Bocagrande / Castillogrande:

• Official Airport Taxi: 15-20 minutes, COP ~20,000-25,000. Route goes along the scenic coastal avenue.

To Laguito / El Laguito:

• Official Airport Taxi: 20 minutes, COP ~25,000.

To Manzanillo del Mar or La Boquilla (beach areas north):

• Official Airport Taxi: 20-30 minutes, COP ~30,000-40,000. Confirm fare at booth.

Bottom Line: Cartagena’s main airport (CTG) is a pleasure for its proximity to the city. The official taxi booth system is tourist-friendly and reliable. Your biggest challenge will be the heat upon exiting—have your transport plan set before you walk out the door.