Santa Marta’s Bus Terminal is the city’s main intermunicipal bus station, located at Calle 41 N° 31-17, Gaira/Mamatoco neighborhood, on the Troncal del Caribe highway. It has operated since 1993 with over 25 boarding and departure platforms, parking for 250 taxis and three vehicle access points. It is the main land transport hub of the Colombian Caribbean, with routes to Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Valledupar, Riohacha and dozens of national destinations.
Whether you’re arriving in Santa Marta by bus, leaving to another city, or looking for how to get to your hotel from here, this guide has everything: schedules, updated ticket and taxi prices, routes, companies, terminal services and the private transport option for those who prefer comfort without the hassle.
Where is Santa Marta Bus Terminal and how far is it from the main points?
The Santa Marta Transportation Terminal is located at Calle 41 # 31-17, along the Gaira - Mamatoco bypass (Troncal del Caribe), in the southwestern part of the city..
4 km from the Historic Center (15-20 min by taxi).
5 km from El Rodadero (12-15 min by taxi).
10 km from Simón Bolívar Airport (20-25 min by taxi).
What are the Santa Marta Transportation Terminal opening hours?
The terminal operates 7 days a week, including public holidays:
Monday to Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (ticket offices and services).
Sundays and public holidays: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Buses run extended hours: some routes (especially Barranquilla) depart from 4:00-4:30 a.m. and last departures can be as late as 10:00-11:00 p.m. depending on the company.
Bus Routes and Prices from Santa Marta Terminal 2026
Indicative prices subject to change by company, bus class and season. Verify on redBus.co or Pinbus.com before traveling.
Santa Marta to Barranquilla
Price from: 30.000 COP. Duration: approx. 2 hours (fastest: 1h 45 min). Distance: 90 km. First bus: 4:16 a.m. Last bus: 10:00-11:00 p.m. Over 65 daily options, practically every hour.
Companies: Expreso Brasilia, Copetran, Rápido Ochoa, Berlinas del Fonce, Marsol.
Prefer your own schedule? Magic Tour Colombia offers private transport Santa Marta–Barranquilla with hotel pickup. Contact Magic Tour Colombia directly on WhatsApp for more information
Santa Marta to Bogotá
Price from: 135,000 165,000 COP. Duration: 15-16 hours (970 km via Ruta del Sol). First bus: 6:30 a.m. Last bus: 11:00 p.m.
Classes: regular and executive (meals, reclining seats, minimal stops). The overnight bus is the most practical: departs between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., arrives in Bogotá next morning.
Companies: Copetran, Expreso Brasilia, Berlinas del Fonce, Rápido Ochoa.
Santa Marta to Cartagena
Price from: 54,000 60,000 COP. Duration: approx. 4 hours (260 km). First bus: 4:30 a.m. Last bus: 9:47 p.m. Over 40 daily options.
Companies: Expreso Brasilia, Copetran, Rápido Ochoa.
Santa Marta to Medellín
Price from: 170,000 COP. Duration: 18-20 hours. First bus: 8:00 a.m. Last bus: 10:00 p.m. Approx. 15 buses daily.
Companies: Copetran, Expreso Brasilia, Berlinas del Fonce.
Santa Marta to Valledupar
Price from: 55,000 COP. Duration: approx. 3 hours (180 km). First bus: 4:00 a.m. Last bus: 6:30 p.m. Approx. 26 daily options.
Companies: Copetran, Expreso Brasilia.
Santa Marta to Riohacha
Price from: 45,000–55,000 COP. Duration: approx. 2h 30 min (160 km).
Note: Palomino beach is on this route (approx. 1 hour from Santa Marta, from 25,000 COP).
Companies: Expreso Brasilia, Berlinas del Fonce.
Santa Marta to Bucaramanga
Price from: 80,000–95,000 COP. Duration: 9-10 hours. First bus: 3:00 a.m. Last bus: 11:59 p.m. 14 daily options.
Companies: Copetran, Expreso Brasilia, Berlinas del Fonce.
Other Routes
Sincelejo: from 87,000 COP, approx. 6 hours.
Cúcuta: from 120,000 COP, approx. 12 hours.
Monteria: from 90,000 COP.
Maicao: connection to the Venezuela border.
Regional Magdalena routes: Pivijay, Plato, Algarrobo, Bosconia, Aguachica.
Bus Companies at the Terminal
Expreso Brasilia: widest coverage — Barranquilla, Cartagena, Bogotá, Medellín.
Copetran: Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga and northern routes.
Rápido Ochoa: interior routes and Medellín.
Berlinas del Fonce: Bogotá, Bucaramanga, long distance.
Marsol, Unitransco, Exalpa, Cootracar, Superstar: regional routes.
How to get to the Terminal from the main points of Santa Marta?
From the Historic Center: taxi approx. 15,000 COP, 15-20 min. Public bus.
From El Rodadero: taxi approx. 20,000-25,000 COP, 12-15 min.
From Taganga: taxi approx. 35,000-40,000 COP, 30-35 min.
From Simón Bolívar Airport: taxi approx. 35,000-40,000 COP, 20-25 min.
Private Transport from Santa Marta Terminal
For groups, families or travelers with heavy luggage, Magic Tour Colombia offers private transfers to and from the terminal, airport and the region’s main destinations: terminal–hotel–terminal, private Santa Marta–Barranquilla and Santa Marta–Cartagena routes, and transfers to tours like Tayrona Park, Minca or Playa Cristal.
Fixed price, hotel pickup, no fare negotiation at the bus door. Contact us at magictourcolombia.com or WhatsApp.
Terminal services and what to do when you arrive by bus
The terminal has restaurants, ATMs, restrooms, shops, a VIP waiting area and an authorized taxi zone with over 250 vehicles. There is also a hotel adjacent to the terminal, useful for travelers with very early connections or those arriving late at night.
When arriving by bus for the first time:
Collect your luggage at your company’s platform before heading to the main hall.
Use the terminal’s ATM if you need cash before leaving.
Take a taxi from the authorized zone and agree on the price before getting in.
If you booked a transfer with Magic Tour Colombia, your driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name.
Tayrona Park is not next door: you need an additional bus or taxi from the terminal (about 40 more minutes).
Contact Information
Address: Calle 41 N° 31-17, Gaira/Mamatoco, Troncal del Caribe, Santa Marta.
Phone: +57 (5) 430 2040.
Email: informacionpqr@terminaldesantamarta.com / centraltsm@terminaldesantamarta.com.
Website: terminaldesantamarta.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there luggage storage at Santa Marta’s bus terminal?
The terminal has equipajeros (luggage handlers) who can hold bags, but confirmed long-term luggage storage is limited and not as organized as in larger Colombian terminals. The most reliable option is to leave extra bags at your hotel, which routinely stores luggage for guests who are out for the day or heading to Tayrona or Minca.
Does Uber work in Santa Marta?
No. Santa Marta is one of the few Colombian cities where Uber is not available. Your options from the terminal are authorized taxis (negotiate the fare before getting in, or look for metered cabs), private transfers booked in advance, or public buses. Avoid accepting rides from people who approach you inside the terminal.
Is it safe to arrive at Santa Marta’s bus terminal at night?
The terminal has security staff and an authorized taxi zone operating around the clock. General advice: exit through the official taxi area, do not accept offers from people who approach you inside the building, keep your luggage close and your phone in your pocket. Booking a private transfer with Magic Tour Colombia before you arrive eliminates this uncertainty entirely — your driver is already waiting with your name