By Plane
Planes arrive at El Dorado International Airport (airport code BOG; tel. 1/413-9053), located about 13km (8 miles) from the city center. El Dorado handles most international arrivals and you'll likely fly into Bogotá. Upon exiting the country, there is a departure tax of $59 (payable in U.S. dollars or the peso equivalent), though all or at least part of this is usually included in your ticket. Other major international airports in Colombia include Rio Negro International Airport in Medellín and Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena.
From the U.S. -- There are direct flights from New York, Atlanta, Miami, and Washington D.C. Avianca (tel. 800/284-2622; www.avianca.com) has several daily flights to Bogotá, as well as one direct daily flight to Medellín and Cartagena. American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300; www.aa.com) has three daily flights from Miami to Bogotá and two daily flights to Medellín. From JFK in New York, Delta (tel. 800/221-1212; www.delta.com) and Avianca each have one daily direct flight to Bogotá. From Atlanta, Delta and Avianca each offer one daily flight to Bogotá. Continental (tel. 800/944-0219; www.continental.com), Copa (tel. 800/550-7700; www.copaair.com), and Taca (tel. 800/535-8780; www.taca.com) also offer service to Bogotá, though you'll have to connect. JetBlue (tel. 800/538-2583; www.jetblue.com) flies direct from Orlando to Bogotá daily.
From Canada -- Air Canada (tel. 888/247-2262; www.aircanada.ca) offers a direct flight between Toronto and Bogotá several times a week. Otherwise, you'll have to connect in the U.S. using one of the carriers listed above, which might actually turn out to be a cheaper option.
From Europe & the U.K. -- From Paris, Air France (tel. 0870/142-4343; www.airfrance.co.uk) offers one daily direct flight to Bogotá. Iberia (tel. 0845/601-2854; www.iberia.com) flies direct to Bogotá from Madrid. Avianca, American, Continental, and Air France have flights from Madrid to Bogotá, connecting through Paris or in the U.S.; London, Rome, and Frankfurt offer similar options with one connection.
From Australia & New Zealand -- You'll be connecting in the U.S, and possibly Central or South America as well. Your best bet from Australia is on American Airlines, connecting in Los Angeles en route to Bogotá. From New Zealand, some of your better options are LAN (tel. 800/221-572; www.lan.com/index-en-un.html) and Air New Zealand (tel. 0800/737-000; www.airnz.co.nz), though be prepared for at least two stops.
By Bus
Although you can technically enter Colombia via Venezuela to the east and Ecuador to the south, this is not your safest option. It's much safer than it was a few years ago, but flying is not only much more secure, it's quicker and definitely more comfortable. If you insist on traveling by bus, be sure to make your journey during the daytime, and keep an eye on worsening Colombia-Venezuela relations if you're crossing in from Venezuela. You'll probably have to transfer buses at the border.
By Boat
Unless you're going directly to Cartagena, you probably won't be arriving by boat. That said, Cartagena is now becoming a popular stop for Caribbean Cruise liners and private yacht owners. Private yacht and sailing companies also offer trips from the San Blas Islands in Panama to Cartagena, starting at $250 each way.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
