Overview: Drive or Ride?
Colombia is vast and diverse. Driving offers flexibility in coffee-country backroads, coastal detours, and national parks. Public transportation, meanwhile, is extensive and affordable for most city and intercity routes. A smart plan blends both: use transit and rides in big cities, then rent a car for rural regions or multi-stop countryside trips.
Quick decision: Big cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali) → transit + ride-hailing. Coffee Region, Boyacá lakes, Caribbean road trips → consider renting. Long distances between cities → fly or take an overnight bus.
Driving Documents & Basics
- License: Your valid home country license is typically accepted for short visits; many travelers also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Passport & contract: Keep a copy of your passport, rental contract, and vehicle registration in the car.
- SOAT insurance: All vehicles must carry SOAT (mandatory liability insurance). Confirm it’s current and the card is in the glove box.
- Seat belts & child seats: Seat belts are compulsory; check child-seat rules with your rental company if traveling with kids.
Road Types, Tolls & Fuel
Expect a mix of modern divided highways, curvy Andean mountain roads, and narrower rural lanes. Driving times can be longer than the distance suggests due to grades, trucks, and weather.
- Tolls (Peajes): Intercity routes often include multiple tolls. Carry small cash; some plazas accept cards but don’t rely on it.
- Fuel: Gas stations are frequent on major corridors; in remote areas, top up when you can. Unleaded gasoline (regular/premium) and diesel are available.
- Navigation: Download offline maps for mountain regions and valleys with patchy signal.
City Driving & Pico y Placa
Many cities use Pico y Placa (license-plate rotation) to reduce congestion, restricting certain plates on specific days/hours in defined zones. Fines can be steep.
Plan ahead: Check local city websites or ask your rental desk about current restrictions and exceptions (tourist corridors, airport routes, or congestion-charge areas). When in doubt, park and use transit/ride-hailing during restricted windows.
Parking: Use attended lots or garages. Avoid leaving valuables visible in the car and stick to well-lit areas at night.
Police Stops, Safety & Insurance
- Checkpoints: Routine roadside checks are common. Remain calm, present documents, and follow instructions.
- Accidents: For minor scrapes, document with photos and contact your rental before moving the car unless safety requires it.
- Night driving: In rural areas, avoid night driving due to visibility, livestock, potholes, and reduced services.
- Extra coverage: Consider collision damage waiver and theft protection beyond SOAT for rentals.
Car Rentals: Tips & Traps
- Vehicle choice: For mountain routes, a compact SUV with good clearance can be worth the upgrade.
- Contract details: Inspect the car (photos/video), confirm spare tire/jack, and understand mileage, fuel, and cross-department policies.
- Deposits & cards: A credit card deposit is standard. Verify hold amounts and return condition requirements.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
In major cities, yellow taxis are plentiful and metered. Ride-hailing apps are widely used and can offer transparent pricing and driver details. At airports and bus terminals, use official stands or app-designated pick-up points.
Airport tip: Pre-book an official transfer late at night or after a long flight to simplify arrival.
Intercity Buses & Minivans
Colombia’s intercity bus network connects virtually every city and town, with a range from basic to “luxo” coaches.
- Terminals: Large cities have multiple bus terminals by direction; ask which one serves your route.
- Classes: Semi-cama, full-recliner, A/C, and onboard bathrooms are common on long routes.
- Bookings: Same-day tickets are usually available; popular dates/routes sell out—buy ahead for holidays and weekends.
- Night trips: Convenient for distance but consider comfort and personal safety preferences.
City Transit: Metros, BRT & Cable Cars
- Bogotá: TransMilenio (BRT) and the SITP bus network cover the metro area. Dedicated lanes speed travel; stations can be crowded at peak times.
- Medellín: Colombia’s only metro system includes Metro rail, Metrocable gondolas into hillside neighborhoods, and Tranvía (modern tram).
- Cali: The MIO BRT spans major corridors with feeder buses.
- Barranquilla & Bucaramanga: Transmetro and Metrolínea provide trunk-and-feeder BRT service.
Rush hours: Weekday peaks (approx. 6:30–9:00 and 4:30–7:30) are crowded. If possible, travel off-peak for a more relaxed experience.
Paying Fares & Accessibility
- Fare cards: Cities often use reloadable cards (e.g., Bogotá travel cards, Medellín’s Cívica) available at stations and kiosks.
- Cashless rides: Some systems support mobile top-ups or contactless options—check locally.
- Accessibility: BRT and metro/tram systems include accessible stations; cable cars reduce steep-hill barriers.
Where Check-Mig Fits in Your Trip
Colombia Check-Mig is an online migration form that travelers are commonly asked to complete before arrival and again before departure. Even if checks can vary, the most reliable approach is to fill it out and keep proof handy (screenshot/QR or email confirmation).
Timing: Submit 24–48 hours before your flight and carry offline copies in case of weak signal or email delays.
Final Thoughts
Drive for flexibility in rural regions and scenic detours; ride transit for reliable, budget-friendly city mobility. Mix methods to match your route, comfort level, and time. Plan for tolls and restrictions, keep documents handy, and complete Check-Mig so airport formalities don’t steal time from your adventure.