🗺️CityToCityDistance

Bogota to Cartagena Distance

609 miles•980 km•18.8 hours

Driving distance and route information from Bogota, Colombiato Cartagena, Colombia. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.

⭐

FASTEST ROUTE

609.2 mi
(980.42 km)
⏱️18h 50m
Direct route
💰 Tolls
🔄

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

671.48 mi
(1080.65 km)
⏱️20h 55m
Direct route
💰 Tolls
📏 Straight-line distance: 411 miles (662 km)
See crow flies distance →
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Complete Driving Guide: Bogota to Cartagena

Essential Route Information

TOTAL DISTANCE
609 mi
980 kilometers
DRIVING TIME
18.8 hours
1128 minutes
FUEL ESTIMATE
82 L
$123 cost

📍 Route Overview

Starting PointBogota, Bogota, Capital District
DestinationCartagena, Bolívar
Route Options2 available routes
Countries Crossed1 country
Time Zone ChangesCheck local times

🚗 Driving Details

Average Speed52 km/h
Straight-line Distance662 km
Route Efficiency68%
Toll RoadsYes - Budget required
Ferry CrossingsNo ferries

Compare All Routes from Bogota to Cartagena

Route TypeDistanceDrive TimeAvg SpeedTolls
⭐ Fastest Route609 mi (980 km)18.8 hours52 km/h✅ Yes
Alternative 1671 mi (1081 km)20.9 hours52 km/h✅ Yes

Complete Journey Overview: Bogota to Cartagena

The road journey from Bogota to Cartagena spans approximately 609 miles (980 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 18.8 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.

This route connects Bogota, Capital District, Colombia with Bolívar, Colombia, traversing through various regions within Colombia. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.

The fastest driving route from Bogota to Cartagena follows the most direct road connection available, maintaining an average speed of approximately 52 km/h. This corridor uses toll roads — budget for tolls along the way.

🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials

✓
Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 24 gallons (82 liters) of fuel for this 609 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.
✓
Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 21.6 hours.
✓
Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.
✓
Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.

💰 Cost Estimation Guide

Fuel Cost (approximate)$85
Toll Costs$30
Vehicle Wear & Tear (total, ~$0.25/mi)$152
Total Trip Cost$268

* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.

Alternative Transportation Options

🚗

By Car

18.8 hours

609 miles

✈️

By Plane

0.8 hours flight

662 km direct

🚌

By Bus

24.4 hours

Multiple stops

More routes from Bogota

View all distances from Bogota →

More routes from Cartagena

View all distances from Cartagena →

Bogota to Cartagena - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the driving distance from Bogota to Cartagena?
The driving distance from Bogota to Cartagena is 609 miles (980 km) by the fastest route. The straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance is 662 km — driving distances are typically 20-40% longer than straight-line because roads must navigate around terrain and built environment.
How long does it take to drive from Bogota to Cartagena?
The drive from Bogota to Cartagena takes approximately 18h 50m of continuous driving at an average speed of 52 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 21.6 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.
What is the fastest route from Bogota to Cartagena?
The fastest driving route from Bogota to Cartagena is 609 miles (980 km) and takes about 18h 50m. The route runs as a relatively direct connection between the two cities.
Are there alternative routes from Bogota to Cartagena?
Yes, 2 routing options exist between Bogota and Cartagena. Alternatives have similar total distance but use different road segments — useful if the primary corridor has heavy traffic or construction.
Does the route from Bogota to Cartagena include tolls?
Yes, the fastest driving route from Bogota to Cartagena includes toll roads. Toll costs vary by vehicle class and exact path; check the route summary cards above for toll-road indicators on each route option.
How much fuel does it take to drive from Bogota to Cartagena?
A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 20 gallons (82 liters) of fuel for the 609-mile (980-km) drive from Bogota to Cartagena. At $3.50 per gallon that is roughly $70 in fuel cost; less efficient vehicles or higher local fuel prices will increase this proportionally.
How do I navigate from Bogota to Cartagena?
Use the "Open this route in your nav app" buttons above the journey guide to launch turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Each link pre-fills Bogota as the origin and Cartagena as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.