Rafael Núñez International Airport
Also known as: Cartagena Airport, CTG Airport.
Private transfer from CTGSee pricesSee pricesAbout Rafael Núñez International Airport
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is the airport for Cartagena on Colombia's Caribbean coast. It sits in the Crespo district, north-east of the walled Old City, and the drive to the Old City, Getsemaní or Bocagrande is short, usually 10 to 20 minutes.
Avianca, LATAM, Wingo and JetSMART connect Cartagena with Bogotá, Medellín and other Colombian cities, and international airlines including American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit and Copa fly to the United States and Panama.
The airport has one terminal with domestic and international areas, so arrivals, baggage claim and the exit are close together.
From the airport, most travelers head to the hotels of the Old City and Getsemaní, the beach towers of Bocagrande and Castillogrande, the resorts north of the city towards La Boquilla and Manzanillo del Mar, the cruise terminal in Manga, or the boat docks for the Rosario Islands and Barú.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
SACSA (concession)
- Location
Crespo, north-east of the walled Old City
- Terminal
One terminal
- Main airlines
Avianca, LATAM, Wingo, JetSMART
Arrival tips for Rafael Núñez International Airport
Foreign visitors fill in the Check-MIG form from Migración Colombia online before the flight, then clear immigration on arrival; some passports need a visa. After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs into the arrivals hall. Domestic arrivals exit straight from baggage claim.
Outside, taxis wait in an organised queue with posted fares by zone; agree the fare before you get in. Pre-booked drivers meet passengers at the arrivals exit. Decline offers from drivers and touts who approach you inside.
Cartagena is hot and humid all year, so expect the heat as soon as you leave the terminal. Colombia uses the Colombian peso and is on Colombia Time all year.
Ground transportation
The airport is close to the Old City, so a taxi or pre-booked car is quick and simple.
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Book a transfer from CTGTaxi from Cartagena airport
Taxis wait in the organised queue outside arrivals, with posted fares by zone. Usually 10 to 20 minutes to the Old City or Bocagrande.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you at the arrivals exit, useful for families, groups and the resorts north of the city or the cruise terminal.
Rideshare
Ride-hailing apps are used in Cartagena, but pickups at the airport are less organised than the taxi queue.
Terminals
Main Terminal
All flights, with separate domestic and international areas.
Airlines commonly assigned here: American Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines, JetBlue, JetSMART, LATAM Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Wingo
Airlines and destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cartagena airport from the Old City?
Rafael Núñez International Airport is in Crespo, just north-east of the walled Old City. The drive to the Old City, Getsemaní or Bocagrande usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
How do I get a taxi at Cartagena airport?
Taxis wait in an organised queue outside arrivals, with posted fares by zone. Check the fare for your area before you get in, and decline offers from drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
Which airlines fly to Cartagena?
Avianca, LATAM, Wingo and JetSMART fly within Colombia, and international airlines including American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit and Copa fly to the United States and Panama.
Can I get from Cartagena airport to the cruise terminal?
Yes. Cartagena's cruise terminal is on Manga island, south of the Old City, a short drive from the airport by taxi or pre-booked car.
Do I need to fill in a form before flying to Colombia?
Yes. Foreign visitors complete the Check-MIG form from Migración Colombia online before the flight. Depending on your passport, you may also need a visa; check the requirements before you travel.
How do I get from Cartagena airport to the Rosario Islands?
Boats to the Rosario Islands and Barú leave from docks near the Old City. Take a taxi or pre-booked car from the airport to the dock, and check your boat's departure time.
How many terminals does Cartagena airport have?
One. All flights use a single terminal with separate domestic and international areas, so arrivals, baggage claim and the exit are close together. International passengers clear immigration and customs before reaching the arrivals exit.
How far is Cartagena airport from Bocagrande?
Bocagrande and Castillogrande are on the peninsula south of the Old City. From the airport the drive usually takes 10 to 20 minutes by taxi or pre-booked car, passing along the coast road beside the Old City walls.
Can I get from Cartagena airport to the hotels in La Boquilla?
Yes. The resort area runs north of the airport towards La Boquilla and Manzanillo del Mar, away from the Old City traffic. A taxi or pre-booked car goes straight there from arrivals.
Can I use Uber at Cartagena airport?
Ride-hailing apps are used in Cartagena, but pickups at the airport are less organised than the official taxi queue, which has posted fares by zone. Many travelers use the taxi queue or a pre-booked car instead.
What time zone and weather should I expect at Cartagena airport?
Colombia is on Colombia Time (UTC−5) all year, with no daylight saving, and uses the Colombian peso. Cartagena is hot and humid all year, so expect the heat as soon as you leave the terminal.