Simón Bolívar International Airport, known by its IATA code SMR, is Santa Marta’s airport and the main air gateway to the Colombian Caribbean. It is located in the Aeromar neighborhood, approximately 16 km south of Santa Marta’s historic center and about 10 km from El Rodadero. Opened in 1961 and operated by Aeropuertos de Oriente (Aerooriente), it has a single terminal open from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. In 2024 it handled nearly 3.7 million passengers, ranking as Colombia’s fifth busiest airport.
Santa Marta’s Simón Bolívar International Airport is famous for its location just a few meters from the Caribbean Sea, offering a unique view during landing. It is situated right next to the beach, approximately 15 to 20 meters from the coastline. The runway is practically at the edge of the sea, creating a spectacular and memorable approach by air. Once you leave the terminal, you can reach the coastal area within just a few minutes on foot.
What airlines operate at Santa Marta Airport?
As of August 2026, the airlines with regular flights at Simón Bolívar Airport are:
Avianca: the highest-frequency airline. Year-round flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Pereira.
LATAM: year-round flights from Bogotá.
JetSmart: year-round flights from Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. Low-cost carrier with competitive fares.
Wingo: seasonal flights from Bogotá, Medellín and Bucaramanga.
Copa Airlines: the only direct international connection, with year-round flights from Panama City (PTY).
The most frequent domestic routes are Santa Marta – Bogotá (with up to 68 weekly flights between Avianca and LATAM), Santa Marta – Medellín and Santa Marta – Cali. For international flights beyond Panama, travelers must connect through Bogotá or use Barranquilla’s Ernesto Cortíssoz Airport (BAQ), 90 km away, which has more international destinations.
How to get from Santa Marta Airport to the city center, Rodadero or other destinations?
When leaving the Simón Bolívar terminal you have three transport options:
Taxi: the fastest and most comfortable option for most travelers. Authorized taxis wait at the terminal exit. The journey to the historic center costs approximately 40.000 COP and takes about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. To Rodadero it costs approximately 32.000 COP and takes about 20 minutes. The airport departure surcharge is approximately 4,550 COP on top of the fare.
Public bus: the most affordable option at around 2,900 COP, but the journey to the center can take 45-60 minutes and is not practical with large luggage. Recommended only for light-luggage travelers who already know the city.
Private Airport transfer with Magic Tour Colombia
Magic Tour Colombia offers private airport–hotel–airport transfer service in Santa Marta. On arrival, your driver waits in the arrivals hall with your name on a sign, loads the luggage and takes you directly to your accommodation in a comfortable, safe vehicle. It’s the first step to making sure your Caribbean trip starts without a hitch.
Compared to a street taxi, the private transfer offers: a fixed price agreed before you arrive, with no surprise surcharges; an identified driver and a known vehicle before you land; punctual pickup even if your flight arrives late; and the option to combine the transfer with tour bookings from day one.
Book your transfer at magictourcolombia.com or message us on WhatsApp before your trip.
Taxi rares from Santa Marta Airport 2026
Reference fares per the Alcaldía de Santa Marta Decree 362 (indicative values, subject to updates):
Airport → Historic Center: 40.000 - 50.000 COP (25-30 min)
Airport → Rodadero: 32.000 - 40.000 COP (20 min)
Airport → Taganga: 46,000-50,000 COP (35-40 min)
Airport → Bonda: 57.000 - 60.000 (30 min)
Airport → Pozos Colorados: 30.000 -35.000 COP (15 min)
Airport → Bello Horizonte: 30.000 -35.000 COP (18 min)
Airport → Minca: 110.000 - 120.000 (50 min)
Airport → Tayrona Park (El Zaino): 180.000 COP (35-40 min)
Airport departure surcharge: +4,550 COP on the fare.
Airport Contact Information
Official name: Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar.
IATA code: SMR. ICAO code: SKSM.
Address: Barrio Aeromar, Comuna 8, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.
Phone: +57 (605) 436 9070.
Email: contacto@aerooriente.com.co.
Website: smr.aerooriente.com.co.
Terminal hours: 6:00 a.m. – midnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Marta airport safe?
Yes. Simón Bolívar Airport is a public, regulated airport with security personnel, authorized taxi zones and official service counters. As a general precaution, use only taxis from the authorized zone at the exit or book a private transfer in advance to avoid accepting unsolicited offers from people inside the terminal.
Does Santa Marta airport have WiFi, ATMs and restaurants?
Yes. The terminal has free WiFi, ATM machines, a restaurant and food outlets, and a duty-free shop. It’s a small terminal by international standards, so services are limited but sufficient for the wait.
Are there direct flights from the US or Europe to Santa Marta?
No. As of 2026, there are no direct flights from the United States, Europe or other non-Latin American regions to Santa Marta (SMR). The only direct international service is Copa Airlines from Panama City. Most international travelers connect through Bogotá (BOG) and take a 1-hour 45-minute domestic flight to Santa Marta.