Barranquilla is a city that rewards having a transport strategy. It’s large, it’s hot, and it’s not particularly walkable beyond specific neighbourhoods. Here’s how to move around efficiently.
Uber & InDriver — The Default Choice
Uber operates in Barranquilla and is the go-to for most visitors and expats. Safe, trackable, air-conditioned, and the drivers know the city. Fares are low by international standards — most journeys within El Prado or to nearby neighbourhoods cost $2–5 USD.
InDriver is an alternative ride-hailing app where you propose the fare and drivers accept or counter-offer. Often cheaper than Uber for longer journeys. Very widely used in Barranquilla.
Both apps are strongly recommended over street taxis for safety reasons — registered drivers, tracked trips, in-app payment.
Street Taxis
Yellow taxis are everywhere and cheap. The risk is “paseo millonario” — a rare but real scam where drivers take you on an unplanned detour to an ATM. If you do take a street taxi, share the licence plate with someone and only use taxis from taxi ranks outside hotels or shopping centres, not those that stop for you on the street.
Transmetro (BRT Bus)
Barranquilla’s Bus Rapid Transit system runs along the main corridors of the city. It’s cheap (around 3,000 COP / $0.70 per trip) and covers key routes between the centre, El Prado, and Soledad. For visitors, it’s mostly useful for longer journeys on the main corridors. Requires a rechargeable card (available at stations). Air-conditioned buses.
From the Airport
Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) is in Soledad, about 10–15km from El Prado. Uber or InDriver from the airport to El Prado costs around $8–12 and takes 20–30 minutes (longer in traffic). There are also official airport taxis — negotiate the price before getting in or ask the driver to use the meter.
Don’t accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal — use the official taxi queue or open your Uber/InDriver app once you’re outside the building.
Driving in Barranquilla
Renting a car is practical if you’re planning trips outside the city (Puerto Colombia, Cartagena, Santa Marta). Within the city, it’s generally not worth it — traffic is chaotic, parking is difficult, and Uber is cheaper and easier.
If you do drive: Barranquilla has a Pico y Placa restriction — certain licence plate numbers are banned from driving in peak hours on weekdays. Check the current schedule before renting.
Intercity Travel
Cartagena (2 hours): Frequent buses from Terminal de Transporte, around $10–15. Or fly — 45 minutes, often very cheap on local carriers (Avianca, LATAM, JetSmart).
Santa Marta (2.5 hours): Buses run regularly. Good road, comfortable journey.
Bogotá / Medellín: Fly. Buses exist but are very long (12–16 hours). Domestic flights are often $40–80 and frequent.
Barranquilla’s Terminal de Transporte is on the southern edge of the city. Take Uber/InDriver to get there.