Travel in Colombia:
A Guide to Transportation for Backpackers

Coaches will be the best friend of those wandering through Colombia. There's a reason it's the most popular way of getting from A to B in this sprawling country.

Colombia's coach network is excellent, connecting you to the most remote parts of the country

There are dozens of regional and national operators, each offering various levels of comfort and price. Though when it comes to booking coaches, we recommend researching the operator's reputation and quality of service.

For longer journeys, always book an overnight coach. This is a great way of saving money on hostels. It also spares you from a decidedly cranky check-in after a long journey.

Overnight coaches in Colombia are very safe, with robberies or hijackings practically unheard of.

If you book a long-haul overnight coach, book a service with comfy reclining seats and a toilet – you can thank us later.

Domestic air travel in Colombia is very safe and very cheap. If traveling large distances in Colombia, the low pricing and time saved with air travel may prove a tempting alternative to long coach journeys. However, the carbon footprint isn't for us and shouldn't be for you.

In some cases, air travel will be unavoidable to reach specific destinations, such as Isla de Providencia or Caño Cristales. Always do your research to find the best price. We recommend using Skyscanner.

Public transport is a cheap and quick way to get around Colombia's major cities.

The bus system is very good in big cities. Expect low waiting times, air conditioning, and a good standard of comfort – this is particularly true of the TransMilenio bus system in Bogotá.

While safety on public transport has improved markedly in recent years, there is a risk of pickpocketers and petty theft. To counteract this risk, keep both eyes on your belongings and don't flash expensive gadgets that could make you a target. In addition, something as simple as standing over your backpack strap will help keep your belongings safe.

For solo female travelers, try to sit on the aisle seats of buses so you can't be cornered or harassed. This is pretty rare in Colombia, but it does happen occasionally. Sitting on an aisle seat also puts you in other passengers' fields of vision so they can respond to harassment if it does occur.

Collectivos

What we would call a mini-bus. These are a really great option for short-distance travel to popular tourist spots. They're very safe, dirt cheap, and great for meeting locals and fellow travelers.

The Medellín Metro

The Medellín Metro is seriously impressive. The transport system for Colombia's second-largest city cuts through the metropolis from north to south.

The Metro Plus system joins the network and operates on the road in designated lanes. There is also the metro cable ascending from Medellín's base towards the Aburrá Valley.

Tickets for the Medellín Metro are dirt cheap, starting at 2,300 COP and covering most of the city. If you're riding the metro cable, you may need to pay an additional fare – this is always worth checking so you don't get penalized.

At the Metro's various stations, eating and drinking are prohibited – they're spotless. The Metro's stations are also equipped with easy-to-understand maps, a lifesaver if you're unfamiliar with the network.

If you're not sold on the idea of a bus or other public transport, you're probably going to call a cab. 

Taxi's come with a bit of a bad reputation in Colombia. Still, providing you take some precautions, they can be safe.

• Never hail a taxi off the street. Many are not licensed and are looking to rob unwitting travelers.

• Never fall asleep in a taxi. The driver may wander around to hike up the price of your trip.

• Always take a photo of the taxi's number plate.

• If possible, make a call letting someone know you're in a taxi and the number plate.

• If hailing a taxi in a rural area, never get onto a motorcycle taxi; they're quite dangerous and have a high mortality rate.

The real taxis of Colombia are typically found around shopping malls, coach stations, and hotels.

However, an Uber will always be the safer option. Ubers are one of the safest ways to get around Colombia – especially in the country's major cities. They take the worry out of booking a taxi. The driver's details and your journey are always logged.

Bar a few exceptions, trains aren't a thing in Colombia. The country doesn't have a national rail service.

Those exceptions are the metro service in Medellín and the tourist train running between Bogotá and Zipaquira – home of the iconic underground salt cathedral. 

Notably, Bogotá is the biggest city in the world to not have a metro service.