Airports near Santa Marta
SMR・BAQ・VUP・RCH・CTG
What airports are closest to Santa Marta?
Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) is the nearest arrival point, situated just 14.1 km from the center and reachable by local bus or taxi in about 30 minutes. For those arriving from the west, Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ) lies 73.8 km away, typically requiring a 2 hour ground transfer. Valledupar Airport (VUP) is a regional option located 137.9 km from the city, involving a journey of around 4 hours. To the east, Riohacha Airport (RCH) is 143.8 km away, usually taking roughly 3 hours to reach by road. Finally, Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) serves as a larger alternative 168.3 km away, with transit to Santa Marta commonly taking at least 4 hours of travel time. Search for flights to Santa Marta and book hotels in Santa Marta, or scroll down for more details.
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Airports near Santa Marta: SMR, BAQ, VUP, RCH and CTG.
Airports Near Santa Marta: Key Information
Number of airports in Santa Marta
1
Closest airport to the city center
Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR)
Distance
14.1 km
Fastest arrival time
30 minutes - 35 minutes
Airport with the cheapest transport
Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR)
Compare domestic and international airports near Santa Marta.
Simón Bolívar International Airport
Distance: 14.1 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Public bus (SETP / STU)
Cheapest
45 minutes - 1 hour
COP 2300
Budget
Standard taxi
Fastest
30 minutes - 35 minutes
COP 30000
Balanced
Private shuttle service
30 minutes - 40 minutes
COP 180000-200000
Comfort
Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport
Distance: 73.8 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Intercity coach
Cheapest
1 hour 50 minutes - 2 hours 10 minutes
COP 30000-40000
Budget
Private taxi transfer
Fastest
2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes
COP 400000-500000
Balanced
Private door-to-door shuttle
2 hours - 2 hours 30 minutes
COP 600000-800000
Comfort
Valledupar Airport
Distance: 137.9 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Intercity bus
Cheapest
4 hours - 4 hours 30 minutes
COP 45000-60000
Budget
Private taxi transfer
Fastest
3 hours 40 minutes - 4 hours 10 minutes
COP 400000-500000
Balanced
Private car service
3 hours 45 minutes - 4 hours 15 minutes
COP 500000-600000
Comfort
Riohacha Airport
Distance: 143.8 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Intercity coach
Cheapest
3 hours - 3 hours 30 minutes
COP 35000-50000
Budget
Private taxi
Fastest
2 hours 40 minutes - 3 hours 10 minutes
COP 300000-400000
Balanced
Private car transfer
2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours 15 minutes
COP 800000-1200000
Comfort
Rafael Núñez International Airport
Distance: 168.3 km
Transport option
Est. duration
Est. fare
Features/best for
Intercity coach
Cheapest
5 hours - 6 hours
COP 130000-150000
Budget
Private taxi transfer
Fastest
4 hours - 4 hours 30 minutes
COP 500000-600000
Balanced
Private transfer shuttle
4 hours - 4 hours 30 minutes
COP 700000-1000000
Comfort
Compare 5 airports near Santa Marta
Airport Guide
Compare 5 airports near Santa Marta
For most travelers, Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) is the only logical choice, as it is the only airport located within Santa Marta. It handles significant domestic traffic and offers the most efficient and cost-effective access to the city center. The other airports are located in neighboring cities and should only be considered if flight availability or pricing strongly dictates otherwise. Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ) serves the city of Barranquilla and requires a multi-hour road journey. Similarly, Valledupar Airport (VUP) and Riohacha Airport (RCH) serve their respective regional capitals, while Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is a major international gateway in Cartagena. Travelers arriving at these alternative hubs must account for significant travel time and the added expense of long-distance ground transfers. Practical tip: always pre-book private transfers if arriving at a non-local airport to ensure a smooth, secure journey to your destination.
Flights to Santa Marta
Medellin to Simón Bolívar International Airport
Medellin to Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport
Medellin to Valledupar Airport
Medellin to Riohacha Airport
Medellin to Rafael Núñez International Airport
See all flights
Hotels near Santa Marta airport
Breakfast
Great108 Reviews
Santa Marta|12.25km from city center
Facilities are brand new and food was incredible!
Staff was very friendly and most of the time was there to help.
However one thing I got really disappointed on was the cocktails. I’m not a beer drinker so I rather went for margaritas or piña colada. None of the cocktails I ordered tasted like alcohol for such a high price.
I’d go back! FromUS$199
Very Good107 Reviews
Centro Historico Santa Marta|1.12km from city center
The stay was a wonderful one, thank you for the super-compliced service care, the perfect cleaning and always ready to satisfy the aesthetic image.
The food was of high quality, at a very fair price for what was received, the menu is varied, but they suddenly missed to extend a little more options, but that's right, all the dishes are a delicious, until it comes with gourmet stomach You will be happy.
A Maestro hotel in the care, ideal for family stays, and very nice facilities, the only thing needed in the hotel is a broader portfolio of social areas, such as Jacuzzi or Turko, from the rest: Deserved to be a 4-star hotel, overcoming all the spectaculars!
We'll be back until next! FromUS$105
Very Good109 Reviews
Santa Marta|1.25km from city center
Nice modern hotel with all the facilities we needed. The gym was quite small with the equipment not working and the pool was tiny!FromUS$87
Very Good72 Reviews
Bello Horizonte Santa Marta|11.42km from city center
I will not commit suicide, but this is a good hotel. Very good on the outside. Very old room.FromUS$247
Very Good102 Reviews
Bello Horizonte Santa Marta|10.5km from city center
The hotel was great, and we had a wonderful time during our stay.
However, we were surprised that upon arrival, the staff wanted to transfer us to another Irotama hotel, which is usually less expensive than the one we had booked. We had to insist on receiving the accommodation we had paid for rather than being moved to a different property. Apart from this issue, our stay was very enjoyable.FromUS$133
Family friendly
Great65 Reviews
Santa Marta|0.51km from city center
Very clean, staff strive, breakfast very good. location dreamyFromUS$54
Very Good76 Reviews
Santa Marta|30.5km from city center
It’s right inside the part with incredible view. Staff is helpful and informative.
They provide shampoo towels and you can purchase water etc.
As they are eco hubs there is no AC and of course you get some critters at night thought to inform people as I had no clue in advance and was caught off guard.
Also on the higher rooms WiFi doesn’t work.
But if you are prepared for it and going for a vacation and nature retreat and escape it’s perfect.
Nice breakfast!FromUS$226
Very Good81 Reviews
El Rodadero Santa Marta|5.04km from city center
Good hotel as in Colombia. Very nice and helpful staff. Everything according to the description. We got even a better room with sea view. Beautiful beach opposite the hotel. Around many restaurants, bars and shops, unfortunately also disco. This is the greatest nightmare of this place because Colombians, although they are very nice, are balding until the white morning. If you are looking for urban attractions this hotel is ideal. If you prefer peace, look for another hotel. The only minus hotel is the lack of drinking water and coffee service in the room.FromUS$68
Great97 Reviews
Santa Marta|15.09km from city center
The hotel is located in a quiet area without noise from partying people. The facilities are well maintained and all the staff is very nice and helpful. We enjoyed our stay very much and would return for sure.FromUS$103
Very Good75 Reviews
Pozo Colorado Santa Marta|8.67km from city center
A very well located hotel with everything you need, perfect for a family tripFromUS$127
5 star
Great131 Reviews
Los Troncos Santa Marta|0.94km from city center
The hotel is very clean and welcoming. The room was spacious and comfortable, with a good level of comfort and a very comfortable bed. I also appreciated the pool and lounge bar service, which were very convenient for relaxing after a busy day. It's just a few minutes' walk from Plaza de los Novios, the lively tourist hub of Santa Marta.FromUS$93
Great55 Reviews
Bello Horizonte Santa Marta|10.45km from city center
Excellent location, especially what is close to the airport about 15 minutes away, close to the beach with a double entrance, one main and the other for people who come from the beach, showers equipped for better cleaning and that there will be no residue of sand when they return from the beach in the same way cold water as hot water at all times, a team of people willing to deliver the best so that the guest's stay is more integrated and feel at home.FromUS$106
Great74 Reviews
Centro Historico Santa Marta|0.92km from city center
Great location and a short walk to the beach , which made our stay very comfortable. The food was greatFromUS$205
Great120 Reviews
Bello Horizonte Santa Marta|10.41km from city center
The Hilton Santa Marta was a great experience. The staff were very helpful and courteous. The location is great! It's close to the airport and Zazue Plaza which is full of restaurants and little shops.
The rooms were spacious, super clean and luxurious. The beds were very comfortable and the shower in the bathroom was wonderful.
We loved the breakfast buffet each morning. Room service was also very tasty.
The pool on the second floor was the perfect temperature and offered an amazing view. I didn't use the rooftop pool but walked up there to see the spectacular views.FromUS$155
Very Good65 Reviews
Centro Historico Santa Marta|1.03km from city center
The hotel environment is clean and tidy, the location is very convenient, the front desk service is warm and thoughtful, and the check-in is very fast. The room is well lit, the bedding is soft and comfortable, the toiletries are complete, and the hygiene is in place. The breakfast is rich in variety and taste, the overall price is very high, the stay experience is very satisfactory, it is recommended!FromUS$53
FAQs
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Which airport is the closest to Santa Marta?
The nearest airport to Santa Marta is Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), about 14.1 km away.Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ) (73.8 km), Valledupar Airport (VUP) (137.9 km), Riohacha Airport (RCH) (143.8 km) and Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) (168.3 km).
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How long does it take to get from Santa Marta to the airport?
Getting from Santa Marta to Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) takes about 30 minutes - 35 minutes.
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How do I get to Santa Marta?
We recommend flying into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), which is approximately 14.1 km away. The fastest mode of transportation is Standard taxi, reaching downtown in about 30 minutes - 35 minutes.
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How many airports does Santa Marta have?
Santa Marta has 5 airports: Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR), Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport (BAQ), Valledupar Airport (VUP), Riohacha Airport (RCH) and Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).