You have several options for getting around in Colombia. You can take buses, trains, taxis, and rental cars. These options will vary in price and convenience. If you are looking for a more affordable way to travel, moto-taxis are a good option. These are often fun to ride in and can cost only 5,000 COP for a short trip.
Buses
There are several ways to travel in Colombia. You can use the bus system to get from city to city. It is easy to find bus schedules and buy tickets online. Colombia’s buses are frequent and can take you just about anywhere. To make your journey easier, you can download an app called RedBus.
Buses in Colombia are much more affordable than private transportation. They’re also safer. Driving in Colombia can be risky, and tourists aren’t allowed to drive into major cities. Instead, you can take a bus and ride in comfort without worrying about road accidents or fatalities. Buses are also much faster than big coach buses, so you won’t have to worry about slow uphill climbs on mountain roads. Most minibusses also have air conditioning, which makes them comfortable for travelers.
Private buses are very easy to find. If you’re visiting Colombia from a different country, ask around for bus schedules and prices. You can often find several different bus companies in the same town. Getting a bus ticket will typically cost between $40-50 USD. Remember to pack warm clothes and a blanket, as it can get very cold on a bus.
Trains
While traveling in Colombia, don’t forget to check out the trains. There are several steam trains and diesel trains. One company, Turistren, has restored nine steam locomotives and 24 carriages. Turistren steam trains carry up to 560 passengers, while the diesel trains can handle up to 160 passengers. They are operated on weekends and feature onboard musicians and a restaurant car.
The Colombian railway system has over 3,300 kilometres of track. One line, 150 kilometres (93 mi), stretches from the Cerrejon coal mines to the seaport of Puerto Bolivar. The remaining lines are mainly freight transport. This is a major milestone for Colombia, and one that should not be underestimated.
The government is committed to investing in its railway network. It has committed 1.8 percent of its total public transport budget in the last decade. A public-private partnership (PPP) model is being applied to new investments and infrastructure. The Colombian Railways Company (CoR) managed the country’s 2,600-kilometer railway until 1991. Since then, it has been managed by the National Infrastructure Agency, which manages the tendering process. This agency will be responsible for developing the railway network.
Car Rentals
When planning a trip to Colombia, it’s important to know the car rental costs in the country before you leave. Depending on your destination, the costs may vary from city to city. If you are traveling by plane, you may be able to save money by renting a car at the airport. Otherwise, you can opt for a rental car at a local office. The cost of renting a car in the country’s larger metropolitan areas may be higher than in small, rural areas.
Generally, Colombian cities are easy to navigate by public transport, but if you’re looking for a different kind of experience, renting a car is an excellent option. You can choose from several local car hire companies or major car rental companies that operate in the main cities. Car rentals in Colombia start at about USD60 a day. You can also choose to rent a car with automatic transmission at an additional cost.
It’s important to know that a car rental company in Colombia may require you to pay an excess on your debit or credit card, which can be expensive. Luckily, most rental companies offer an insurance policy with excess amounts included. This means you can save money by comparing different rental companies.
Taxis
Taxis in Colombia are a convenient and economical way to travel throughout the country. A licensed taxi in Colombia will be bright yellow and easy to hail from the street. Be aware that it is not customary to tip the driver. However, if you feel that your driver is rude, don’t be afraid to leave a tip.
The most common form of public transport in Colombia is the local bus. It is very affordable and provides a more authentic experience. Local buses don’t follow any set routes but will drop you off at your desired location. However, you should be aware that buses aren’t always comfortable or air-conditioned.
Colombia has an extremely high crime rate, making taxis a convenient and safe way to travel throughout the country. However, you should always be cautious of scams and exploitation. If you’re traveling alone, you may want to consider calling an official taxi service, which will have yellow taxi cabs with checkers on the doors. These taxis also use meters, so you can bargain the price. You can also check the license plates of the cabs, which should state the city of origin.
