El Dorado International Airport
Also known as: Bogotá Airport, El Dorado Airport, BOG Airport.
Private transfer from BOGSee pricesSee pricesAbout El Dorado International Airport
El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is the airport for Bogotá, Colombia's capital, and the country's main international gateway. It sits on the western edge of the city in the Fontibón district, and the drive to the historic center of La Candelaria or the hotel districts of Chapinero and Usaquén usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Avianca has its main hub here, and LATAM, Wingo and JetSMART fly across Colombia and the region. International airlines connect Bogotá with the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe.
Most passenger flights use the main terminal, with separate domestic and international areas on different levels. The airport sits at about 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, so some visitors feel the altitude on their first day.
From the airport, most travelers head to the business districts of Calle 93 and the Zona Rosa, to Usaquén, to La Candelaria and the historic center, or on to the salt cathedral of Zipaquirá and the colonial town of Villa de Leyva.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
OPAIN (concession)
- Main airline
Avianca (main hub)
- Elevation
About 2,600 m (8,500 ft)
- Location
Fontibón, western Bogotá
Arrival tips for El Dorado 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 international arrivals hall. Domestic arrivals exit straight from baggage claim.
In the arrivals hall, use the official taxi area, where you get a printed ticket with your destination before boarding a yellow taxi; decline offers from drivers who approach you inside the terminal. Pre-booked drivers meet passengers in the arrivals hall. TransMilenio and SITP buses connect the airport with the city, but are slow and crowded with luggage.
At 2,600 m, Bogotá is cool all year and the air is thin, so take it easy on your first day. Colombia uses the Colombian peso and is on Colombia Time all year, with no daylight saving.
Ground transportation
A taxi from the official stand or a pre-booked car is the easiest way into the city; buses are the budget option.
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Book a transfer from BOGTaxi from Bogotá airport
Use the official taxi area outside arrivals, where you get a printed ticket with your destination. Avoid unofficial drivers inside the terminal.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in arrivals, useful at night, for families and for trips to Chía, Zipaquirá or Villa de Leyva.
TransMilenio and SITP buses
Feeder and city buses link the airport with the TransMilenio network. Cheapest, but crowded and hard with luggage.
Terminals
Main Terminal
Domestic and international flights, in separate areas on different levels. Check whether your flight arrives in the domestic or international area.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Avianca, JetSMART, LATAM Airlines, Wingo
Airlines and destinations
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bogotá airport from the city center?
El Dorado International Airport is on the western edge of Bogotá, in Fontibón. The drive to La Candelaria, Chapinero or Usaquén usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and longer at rush hour.
How do I get a safe taxi at Bogotá airport?
Use the official taxi area outside arrivals, where a booth prints a ticket with your destination before you board a yellow taxi. Decline offers from drivers who approach you inside the terminal, or book a private transfer before you fly.
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.
Will I feel the altitude in Bogotá?
Possibly. Bogotá and its airport sit at about 2,600 m above sea level. Many visitors feel short of breath or tired on the first day; drink water, avoid heavy exercise and go easy on alcohol.
Which airline has its hub at Bogotá airport?
Avianca has its main hub at El Dorado, with flights across Colombia, the Americas and Europe. LATAM, Wingo and JetSMART also fly from Bogotá, along with many foreign airlines.
Is there public transport from Bogotá airport?
Yes. Feeder buses and SITP city buses link the airport with the TransMilenio bus network. They are the cheapest option, but crowded and difficult with luggage.
How many terminals does Bogotá El Dorado airport have?
Most passenger flights use El Dorado's main terminal, which has separate domestic and international areas on different levels. Check whether your flight is domestic or international, and tell anyone meeting you which arrivals hall to wait in.
What happens when I arrive at Bogotá airport?
After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs into the international arrivals hall. Domestic passengers exit straight from baggage claim. In both halls, use the official taxi area or meet your pre-booked driver, and ignore drivers who approach you inside.
Who operates Bogotá El Dorado airport?
El Dorado is run under a concession by OPAIN. The airport is Colombia's main international gateway and the main hub of Avianca, with flights to the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe.
Can I go from Bogotá airport to Zipaquirá or Villa de Leyva?
Yes. The salt cathedral of Zipaquirá is north of Bogotá, and the colonial town of Villa de Leyva is further north in Boyacá. Both are reached by road; a pre-booked car from the airport avoids crossing the city by bus with luggage.
What time zone and currency apply at Bogotá airport?
Colombia is on Colombia Time (UTC−5) all year, with no daylight saving, and uses the Colombian peso. At 2,600 m, Bogotá is cool all year, so bring a light jacket even if you are heading on to the coast.