Barranquilla is a large, spread-out city, and the heat makes walking long distances impractical for most of the year. Understanding your transport options from day one saves time, money, and frustration. The good news: getting around is easy and cheap once you know the system.
Uber & InDriver — The Default Choice
Uber operates openly in Barranquilla and is the most convenient option for most trips. The app works exactly as you’d expect, pricing is transparent, and drivers are plentiful in the main residential and commercial areas.
InDriver is a competing app where you propose a fare and the driver accepts or counters. It’s often 10–20% cheaper than Uber for the same trip, and drivers are abundant. Worth having both apps. Many locals prefer InDriver for everyday trips.
Typical Uber/InDriver Fares (2026)
- Within Zona Norte or El Prado: 8,000–12,000 COP ($2–3)
- El Prado to Zona Norte: 12,000–18,000 COP ($3–4.50)
- Airport (Ernesto Cortissoz) to Zona Norte: 30,000–45,000 COP ($7.50–11)
- Airport to El Centro: 20,000–30,000 COP ($5–7.50)
- Cross-city trips (e.g., El Prado to Bello Horizonte): 20,000–35,000 COP ($5–9)
- Peak hour surcharge: Expect 30–50% higher during 7–9am and 5–7pm weekdays
Surge pricing: Barranquilla’s Uber surges less aggressively than in larger cities. If you’re waiting for a surge to drop, InDriver is usually available at a flat rate even during busy periods.
Taxis
Yellow taxis are plentiful but require more attention. Taxis should use a taxímetro (meter). Agree on the price or confirm the meter is running before you start. Taxis hailed on the street are fine in safe areas; at night or if you’re unfamiliar with the city, use Uber or InDriver instead — you get a record of the trip and driver details.
Taxi fares are regulated and roughly comparable to Uber. Base fare starts around 4,500–5,000 COP, then adds per distance/time. A typical 15-minute trip runs 12,000–20,000 COP.
Radio taxis (called by phone or app) are safer than street hails. Taxis Libres and other local services operate in the city. Useful when Uber surge pricing is high or app availability is low late at night.
Transmetro (Bus Rapid Transit)
Barranquilla’s BRT system runs on dedicated lanes along major corridors. It’s functional, air-conditioned on the main trunk lines, and very cheap. It’s the best option for predictable commutes along its routes.
The Basics
- Fare: 3,000 COP per trip (~$0.75), paid with a rechargeable card (tarjeta Transmetro)
- Card purchase: Available at terminal stations, costs around 3,000 COP for the card itself
- Hours: Generally 5am–11pm, frequency drops evenings and weekends
- Main corridor: Runs along Carrera 46 (Murillo) from the south to the Centro, with branches
When to Use It
Transmetro is most useful if you’re commuting regularly along the main north-south axis, going to the Centro from northern neighborhoods, or just want to save money on daily transit. The main downside: it doesn’t cover much of the city’s residential areas, so you often need a connecting taxi or Uber to complete a trip. For casual use, most expats skip it. If you’re budget-conscious, it’s worth learning for your regular routes.
Bus (SITM Barranquilla)
Beyond Transmetro, there’s a network of regular city buses. These are cheap (around 2,500–3,000 COP) and cover neighborhoods that Transmetro doesn’t reach. Routes aren’t always clearly marked, the buses can be very crowded, and they’re slow in traffic. Useful if you know exactly which route you need; confusing otherwise. Most visitors and expats skip regular buses except for very routine commutes.
Driving Your Own Car
Many expats who plan to stay longer term eventually rent or buy a car. Barranquilla has significant traffic, especially on the main arteries during rush hour, but parking is generally available in residential areas and most commercial districts.
Renting
- Daily rental: 80,000–150,000 COP/day ($20–38) for a basic economy car
- Monthly rental: 1,500,000–2,500,000 COP/month ($375–625)
- International driver’s license: Accepted for tourists. If you’re a resident, you’ll eventually need a Colombian license.
Buying a Car
Used cars in Colombia are expensive relative to what you’d expect — import duties have historically been high, which inflates the local market. A decent used car starts around 20–35 million COP ($5,000–8,750). The process of buying, registering, and insuring as a foreigner is navigable but requires time and ideally a local contact. Unless you’re planning to stay long-term, renting makes more sense.
Traffic & Navigation
Google Maps works well in Barranquilla. Waze is popular locally and gives better real-time traffic information. The main congestion points are: the Vía 40 corridor, access to the Puente Pumarejo (the bridge to the south), and the main commercial areas around the malls during evenings and weekends.
Barranquilla has a pico y placa restriction — vehicles with certain license plate numbers can’t circulate during peak hours on weekdays. If you rent or buy, confirm the schedule; it changes periodically.
Motorcycles & Mototaxis
Mototaxis (motorbike taxis) are common in some areas, especially outside the main urban core and in working-class neighborhoods. They’re cheap (3,000–8,000 COP for short trips) but not recommended for visitors — no helmet provided, safety standards vary, and they operate in a legal gray area.
Some expats do rent or buy motorcycles for personal use. Traffic laws apply, helmets are required, and you need a license. Motorcycles are efficient for the city but require experience with Colombian traffic patterns.
Getting to Cartagena
Cartagena is 90–120km from Barranquilla, making it a very doable day trip or weekend destination.
- Bus (Berlinas, Unitransco, others): Departs from the bus terminal (Terminal de Transportes) in Barranquilla. Journey: 2–2.5 hours. Cost: 22,000–35,000 COP each way (~$5.50–9). Comfortable intercity buses with AC.
- Uber/InDriver to Cartagena: Some drivers will do the trip for around 150,000–220,000 COP ($37–55). Worth negotiating via InDriver for group trips.
- Car rental: The most flexible option, especially if you’re going for multiple days.
Ernesto Cortissoz Airport (BAQ)
The airport is located in Soledad, about 10km south of the city center. It handles domestic flights (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and other cities) and some international routes.
- Uber from airport to city: 30,000–45,000 COP, 20–35 minutes depending on traffic
- Official airport taxi: Fixed rates by zone posted in the arrivals hall. Slightly more expensive than Uber but fixed price.
- Uber availability at airport: Good. Just walk out of arrivals and request normally — no need to use the official taxi stand unless you prefer it.
Practical Tips
- Install both Uber and InDriver before you arrive. InDriver requires a local phone number to verify — set it up with your Colombian SIM once you have one.
- Traffic is worst 7–9am and 5–7pm weekdays. Plan around these windows for airport runs and important appointments.
- Safety in cars: Keep bags on the floor, not visible in windows. Lock doors. This is standard urban Colombia common sense, not specific to Barranquilla.
- Cash vs card in taxis: Taxis are cash only. Keep small bills available. Uber and InDriver accept cards or in-app payment.
- Night transport: Uber/InDriver after midnight is available but wait times increase. Some areas of the city are better avoided after dark; stick to your neighborhood or well-lit areas.
Related Guides
- SIM Cards & Mobile Data — Get your phone set up for Uber, maps, and navigation
- First Week Checklist — Full arrival guide including transport card setup
- Cost of Living — Monthly transport budget context