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Cartagena · Colombia

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)

Rafael Núñez International Airport serves Cartagena and the surrounding Caribbean coast of Colombia, situated within the northern residential neighbourhood of Crespo. The airport operates out of a single passenger terminal building divided into distinct domestic and international wings. It is located roughly 5 kilometres north of Cartagena's historic walled city.

Terminals

Main Terminal (International Wing)
Handles all international arrival processing, immigration, international baggage claim, and customs.
Main Terminal (Domestic Wing)
Handles domestic flights across Colombia, featuring separate arrival and departure concourses.

Arriving

International arriving passengers disembark via passenger boarding bridges or apron walk routes directly into the international arrival concourse for border processing.

  • Complete the official Check-Mig online entry form prior to departure or upon arrival before approaching border gates.
  • Proceed through Migración Colombia passport control booths for document verification and entry stamping.
  • Collect checked luggage from the carousel in the international baggage re-claim area.
  • Pass through DIAN customs control, presenting your luggage for scanning or manual inspection if requested.
  • Exit into the public arrivals hall where currency exchange desks, official taxi ticket kiosks, and transport services are located.

Getting to the city

  • Taxi

    Official Airport Taxi

    Authorised taxis operate from official queues outside the arrivals terminal, operating on regulated fare vouchers printed at indoor ticket kiosks.

    Time:
    Typically 15-25 minutes to the historic centre or Bocagrande
    Typical cost:
    Roughly 15,000 to 25,000 COP depending on destination zone
  • Ride-hailing

    Rideshare Services

    Mobile app rideshare services operate around Cartagena, though pick-up locations may require walking outside the main terminal drive.

    Time:
    Typically 15-25 minutes to the historic centre
    Typical cost:
    Roughly 15,000 to 25,000 COP
  • Bus

    Local Public Bus

    City buses (such as Metrocar routes) pass along Avenida Santander and Calle 70 just outside the airport grounds.

    Time:
    Typically 25-40 minutes depending on traffic
    Typical cost:
    Roughly 3,000 COP

Connections & transfers

Connecting between international and domestic flights requires exiting the arrival secure area and re-clearing security.

  • Passengers arriving on international flights must clear immigration, collect checked baggage, and pass customs before connecting to domestic departures.
  • Walk through the central public terminal corridor to reach the domestic departure check-in counters.
  • Allow at least 2 to 3 hours between connecting flights to accommodate border processing and baggage re-check.

Wi-Fi & staying connected

Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the passenger terminal building.

  • Select the official airport public Wi-Fi network on your device.
  • A captive portal screen will prompt agreement to basic terms of use before connection is granted.
  • Connection speed is adequate for messaging and browsing, though heavy media streaming may be restricted.

Money, cards & tipping

Automated teller machines and official currency exchange bureaux are located in the public arrivals concourse.

  • ATMs accepting major international bank cards are situated near the terminal exits.
  • Currency exchange counters convert major foreign currencies into Colombian Pesos (COP).
  • It is advisable to carry small denominations of cash in local currency for transport and minor expenses.

Food & drink

A range of food outlets, cafés, and grab-and-go options operate in both public areas and secure departure gates.

  • Public arrivals areas feature small coffee stands, bakeries, and convenience stores.
  • Airside departure concourses offer quick-service meals, local snacks, and beverages.
  • Operating hours generally align with scheduled daily flight movements.

Lounges & rest

VIP lounge facilities are available airside for eligible premium passengers and lounge membership cardholders.

  • Lounges offer seated relaxation areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Access can be obtained via airline status, specific lounge access programmes, or pay-per-use day passes subject to capacity.
  • Facilities are located after security screening in departure areas.

Airport hotels

Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and apartments are situated within short walking or driving distance in the Crespo neighbourhood.

  • Several budget and mid-range accommodations are located within 500 metres of the terminal gates.
  • Major international business and resort hotels are located 15 to 20 minutes away in Bocagrande and the historic centre.
  • Airport transfer shuttles can be arranged directly through individual hotels prior to travel.

Baggage & customs

Baggage re-claim carousels are located in the designated arrival halls for domestic and international flights.

  • Check overhead display screens to locate the correct baggage belt assigned to your incoming flight.
  • Luggage trolleys are available in the re-claim area for passenger convenience.
  • Report any delayed or damaged baggage to your airline's ground handling desk prior to leaving the customs area.

Family & accessibility

Basic family amenities are available throughout the terminal complex.

  • Baby-changing facilities are integrated into select public and airside restroom blocks.
  • Strollers can generally be used up to the aircraft door or gate area depending on airline policy.
  • Rest areas and food stalls offer seating suitable for travelling families.

Facilities

  • ATMs
  • Currency exchange
  • Information desk
  • Medical station
  • Official taxi kiosk
  • Free public Wi-Fi
  • VIP Lounges
  • Retail and food outlets

Emergency & safety

Local emergency number: 123 (National Emergency).

  • Dial 123 from any local phone for general national emergency services including police, ambulance, and fire response.
  • A first-aid medical station operates within the airport terminal complex for immediate health support.
  • Contact the local airport police post or Migración Colombia officers if you lose your passport or travel documents upon arrival.

Before you leave home

  • Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
  • Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
  • Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
  • Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
  • Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
  • Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
  • Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
  • Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Official sources

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

Guide last reviewed October 22, 2026

Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.

Land connected

Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.

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Travel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.