Colombia: Getting there & around

Colombia has good and relatively cheap air links with Europe and North America. Most visitors use Colombia's major international airport in Bogotá - others include Cartagena, Barranquilla, Medellín, Cali and San Andrés. Departure tax is usually included in the cost of the flight.

There are road connections with Venezuela and Ecuador only, which are popular and easy. It's now also possible to cross the border to Panama on a small ferry that skirts the shore. You can't continue by land into Panama, though; the only option is to take a plane from there to Panama City. Travelers planning to cross at Arauca-El Amparo de Apure or Puerto Carreño-Puerto Páez should consult their embassy for security information.

Ports on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts make it possible to arrive or leave by boat. Sea traffic is busier on the Caribbean side: ports there include Baranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Turbo; its major Pacific port is Buenaventura.

Avianca is Colombia's flagship airline. Others include AeroRebública, Aires and Satena. Fares can be high but newer airlines offer cheap promotions. Reconfirm your booking 72 hours in advance. There's an airport tax on domestic flights.

Although buses are slow and crowded, they provide the main form of transport and are cheap, efficient and extensive.

Taxis are good value and can be chartered for long trips.

Car and motorcycle travel can be expensive and dangerous, with theft the main problem.

Water transport is irregular and primitive.

When visiting Bogotá, use TransMilenio - a fast urban bus service.

In Medellín, use the city's high-speed metro.

Cycling isn't easy in Colombia. Road rules favor drivers and you'll fight traffic on main roads. However, most roads are paved and security is improving. Bike rentals are uncommon but you can buy one almost anywhere.

For something different, try a chiva (an old-style, wooden bus) or collectivo (a cross between a bus and taxi).