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Cartagena de Indias Rafael Núñez Layover Guide (CTG)

What are you looking for in CTG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Cartagena Airport (CTG) is an international airport located in Cartagena, Bolívar. It’s situated about 10 km (6.2 miles) from Cartagena’s historic city center. The airport first opened officially in 1946. Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its rich colonial history and vibrant culture. The city offers beautiful Caribbean beaches, charming architecture, and a wide variety of leisure activities for both locals and visitors.

Can you leave Cartagena Airport (CTG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can freely leave CTG during a layover if your connecting international flight departs within 24 hours on the same ticket and you clear immigration. Most travelers from visa-exempt countries may stay up to 90 days under the Visitor (V) waiver. All others must get a Visitor visa before arriving. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Stroll the Walled City Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Town’s colorful streets, admire colonial balconies draped in bougainvillea, discover hidden plazas and learn local history through fascinating anecdotes while sampling traditional snacks. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, 15–20 minutes.)
• Castillo San Felipe de Barajas Ascend to the formidable Spanish fortress atop San Lázaro Hill, explore its vast tunnel network, hear stories of colonial battles, marvel at engineering feats while enjoying sweeping city sea vistas. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, 20 minutes.)
• Convento de la Popa Climb to the hilltop convent offering breathtaking views of Cartagena’s skyline, explore the centuries-old chapel dedicated to La Virgen de la Candelaria, and wander its serene cloisters and colorful gardens. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, 25–30 minutes.)
• Rosario Islands Day Trip Board a speedboat to the Rosario Islands archipelago, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, and sample fresh seafood at waterfront palafitos in a tropical azure paradise. (Time required: 6 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi to Bocagrande marina (30 minutes) then boat.)
• Plaza Santo Domingo Discover this bustling plaza filled with outdoor cafes, historic church facade, and Botero’s reclining Nude sculpture, savor a refreshing cocktail under shade while enjoying live music performances by local artists. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, 20 minutes.)
• Café del Mar Sunset Head to the iconic Café del Mar perched on the ancient walls, sip a rum cocktail while watching the sun dip below the Caribbean horizon and enjoying live DJ beats. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, 20 minutes.)
• Museo del Oro Zenú Explore the Gold Museum’s collection of pre-Columbian Zenú artifacts, learn about indigenous metallurgy techniques through interactive displays led by expert guides, and admire intricate gold pieces that shaped regional history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi, 15 minutes.)
• Explore Getsemaní Street Art Discover the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood’s colorful street art murals, meet local artists, explore quirky cafes and lively boutiques, and soak up the bohemian atmosphere pulsating with live music and culture. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi, 20 minutes.)

Things to Do in Cartagena Airport (CTG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Cartagena Rafael Núñez offers two main lounges: the Avianca Sala VIP in the international terminal and the Heroica VIP Lounge on the domestic side. Both accept Priority Pass and Star Alliance Gold, providing comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, power outlets and pay-per-use access for up to six hours » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near CTG are within a mile: ibis Cartagena Marbella offers modern rooms and breakfast; House Marfito is a cozy airport-side guesthouse; Casa Hotel Marbella Beach provides beachfront vibes and free Wi-Fi. Most include airport shuttles, free parking and 24-hour front-desk service for early or late flights view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Rafael Núñez operates 24 hours but has no dedicated rest zones, cots or quiet sleeping areas. Seating is limited to gate lounges, so travellers often find the quietest corners near departure gates or recline on floor mats. Bring earplugs and an eye mask for overnight stays

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout CTG. Connect to the “Airport_Rafael_Nuñez” or “Sacsa Gratis” network for a complimentary 30 minutes; additional time may require ticket purchase via the SACSA portal. Coverage is strongest beyond security in both terminals

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards (Claro, Movistar, Tigo) are sold at departure-area kiosks and convenience stores, operating during terminal hours. eSIMs (e.g., Airalo) can be purchased online pre-departure for instant activation, avoiding airport queues and higher kiosk prices » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official yellow taxis queue outside baggage claim; pay at the airport taxi booth before boarding. Fares are zone-based (≈COP 14 000 to downtown), operate 24/7 and accept pesos. Always confirm the rate at the booth, avoid dollar payments for better value.

Train: Cartagena Rafael Núñez has no direct train service; all connections rely on road transport. For all ground-transport options, see the official transport page (more info)

Bus: Metrocar runs white-and-green buses from Calle 70 (one block from CTG) every 5 minutes, 6:50 AM–11:45 PM. The 2-minute ride to downtown costs ≈COP 2 000; exact change in pesos is required (more info)

Shuttle: Hotel shuttles operate by arrangement: Hotel Las Américas offers a free courtesy transfer with 24 hours’ notice. Private shuttle companies and Uber provide on-demand rides from terminal forecourts; book in advance for best rates.

Car rentals: Major agencies (Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, National, Localiza, Green Motion) have desks in the arrivals hall. Counters are ground-floor domestic arrivals; reservations recommended to compare rates and avoid airport premiums view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: On-site parking includes short-term and long-term lots adjacent to the terminal. Rates: first hour COP 5 000; each additional hour COP 8 000; 24 hours COP 64 000; monthly pass COP 450 000. Pay machines accept cash and cards

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official baggage storage or locker facilities at Cartagena Airport. Luggage wrapping is available in the main hall, but travellers must arrange long-term luggage storage off-site » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Cartagena Airport (CTG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks