Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) Flights & Information

International passengers flying to Cartagena, the fifth largest city in Colombia, will arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). The third busiest airport in Colombia with more than 3 million annual passengers, CTG is named after the former president of Colombia who served his country and composed the national anthem lyrics.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to flying through Rafael Núñez International Airport.

Airport overview

Rafael Núñez International Airport has flight routes to about 30 destinations and accommodates nearly 20 airlines, including major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue. The airport has an excellent location within the Crespo neighborhood, about a 10-minute drive to the city center and 15 minutes from the hotel district, providing travelers convenient access to the city’s main attractions.

I find this Cartagena airport relatively straightforward to navigate with a single terminal and convenient ground-floor amenities. You'll find the check-in desks centrally positioned for easy access as you enter. National arrivals are located to the right while international arrivals are on the left.

The airport also has designated zones for national and international departures – boarding gates 1 to 8 are allocated for national flights and 9 to 15 serve international flights. Each departure area includes its own security checkpoints and lounges.

Getting to and from Rafael Núñez International Airport

The most straightforward way to reach the city from the airport is by taxi, with vehicles readily available just outside the domestic and international arrivals area. However, it's important to be aware that some taxi drivers have a reputation for overcharging, so tourists and locals should take precautions.

Fortunately, there are kiosks at the airport that issue tickets with the official taxi fare, ensuring you pay the correct amount. These kiosks are especially useful for international travelers, located just to the right of the exit after passing through immigration. By entering your destination street address or neighborhood name on the kiosk, you can obtain a receipt displaying the correct fare to present to your taxi driver.

It's worth noting that airport taxi fares are higher than those for rides within the city due to surcharges associated with airport pickups. Those traveling with manageable luggage, such as a backpack or duffle, can consider walking a short distance to hail a regular taxi on the street to help save on airport surcharges. This minor inconvenience may be worthwhile for budget-conscious travelers.

For those preferring a rideshare app, InDrive is widely used in Cartagena and allows users to set their own prices, while Uber is also available. Given the convenience of knowing the cost beforehand and paying through the app, I usually use Uber for airport transfers in Cartagena.

Taking a bus from the airport is not advisable unless you possess a transit card from a previous trip. The buses tend to be crowded, making them a less convenient option unless you are traveling very light. An affordable alternative is a shared taxi, or "colectivo." These vehicles travel to the Walled City and can be found a block from the airport on a street parallel to the main entrance.

Rafael Núñez International Airport provides car rental services from major companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo and Budget. Despite these options, renting a car may not be practical due to the city's challenging driving conditions, which include lax traffic laws, poor road maintenance and a shortage of parking spaces. The airport itself does offer several parking areas conveniently located in front of the terminal.

Security lines at Rafael Núñez International Airport

For an efficient travel experience, arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to international flights and 2 hours prior to domestic ones is typically recommended. When flying into Colombia from abroad, you are required to complete the Check Mig digital immigration and customs form and present a return ticket.

Based on my experience, the airport in Cartagena is generally efficient in processing passengers. For domestic flights, security checks usually take no more than 15 minutes. However, international flights can be more time-consuming due to immigration procedures and the need to complete the Check Mig Form upon departure.

Still, the security process can be rigorous, especially if traveling from Cartagena to the US. On one occasion, my 2-year-old daughter was chosen for a random secondary security check with an agent using a wand, even though she hadn't triggered the body-scanning machine.

Rafael Núñez International Airport dining

While the dining options at Rafael Núñez International Airport might not be extensive, they provide an adequate range of choices for quick snacks and light meals before and after security checkpoints. Located in the main hall, one of the notable spots is Café Juan Valdez, a Colombian staple that offers freshly brewed coffee and light snacks.

For a light meal or a quick bite, various dining options are available. These include Subway, Black Coffee, Presto (which offers burgers and chicken), Dogger (known for hot dogs), Kokoriko (focusing on chicken dishes) and Bukash by Prada, which serves empanadas, small snacks and a selection of Middle Eastern plates along with liquor.

For those looking to unwind with a drink and delicious tapas, Cupertino is an excellent choice. Cravings is the perfect spot for those with a sweet tooth, offering a variety of brownies and other treats.

Airport lounges

CTG, though less expansive than some of the major international hubs, offers 2 noteworthy lounges. In the international terminal, the Sala VIP Lounge is available to Avianca business class flyers, members of affiliated airline loyalty programs and holders of Priority Pass and Diners Club memberships. This lounge is also accessible to anyone who pays the entry fee. It offers comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi and a good mix of snacks and beverages.

In the national terminal, the Heroica VIP Lounge provides similar services. Guests are limited to a stay of no more than 6 hours and children under the age of 7 are admitted free of charge. It's worth noting that this lounge limits complimentary alcoholic beverages to 2 per person. While this lounge is basic, it offers a more comfortable experience than sitting in the terminal areas.

Wi-Fi and other services at Rafael Núñez International Airport

The airport offers free Wi-Fi under the network name Airport_Rafael_Nuñez, accessible after passing the security checkpoints. This complimentary service is limited to a brief 30-minute window, after which a fee applies for continued access. The inconvenience of the Wi-Fi restrictions can make airport lounges a more appealing option, even if the lounges require an additional payment.

Once you clear security, there are 2 Duty Free DFA Americas stores in the CTG national and international departure areas. Here, you can purchase a variety of well-known and local brands, including alcoholic beverages like aguardiente – Colombia’s signature anise-flavored liquor – though it’s worth noting that prices may be higher than in town.

For last-minute gifts or souvenirs, El Market is a convenient choice and is one of my favorite vendors in CTG. In the domestic area, several stores are available, including Vélez, which specializes in leather goods like shoes, bags and luggage, and Inkanta, known for its high-end travel bags and bottles. You can also find one-of-a-kind jewelry at Maz Joyería and AZ Accessories. Additionally, there is a pharmacy.

Things to do during a layover

Given the airport’s proximity to the city, it’s entirely possible to store your luggage and explore the city. Operating from 6 am to 10 pm, Qeepl is a global luggage storage service with a facility just outside the airport.

After depositing your bags, head to Cartagena’s historic walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The walled city features cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. Just outside the city walls lies an impressive fortress, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, which was substantially completed in 1657 to ward off invasions.

For a more leisurely experience, head to Bocagrande, known for its beaches, modern shops and lively atmosphere. Relax on the sandy shores or try local seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants, such as Morena Cartagena or Sol Caribe Beach. If you're interested in art and culture, the Museo del Oro Zenú houses a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.