How to get from Bogota El Dorado Airport to La Candelaria
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Colombia · Urban & Cultural · Bogotá · El Dorado International Airport · La Candelaria
Getting from Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG) to La Candelaria is straightforward once you choose between licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps, the budget-friendly TransMilenio bus system, or prebooked private transfers, and this guide walks you through the options step-by-step so you can reach the historic center safely and stress-free.
At A Glance (Bogota El Dorado Airport to La Candelaria)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi or Ride-hailing (Airport → La Candelaria) | ~20–40 minutes door-to-door | First-time visitors, late arrivals, lots of luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~COP 30,000–45,000 depending on traffic and surcharges » prebook private taxi | more airport transfers | ||
| 🚌 TransMilenio + Feeder Bus (16-14 + K86/1) | ~60–75 minutes including transfers | Budget travelers, daytime arrivals, light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~COP 3,200 one-way (single integrated fare with TuLlave card) | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer (Prebooked Car/Van) | ~25–40 minutes door-to-door | Groups, families, comfort-focused travelers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~COP 100,000–220,000 per vehicle depending on size » compare private transfers | Welcome Pickups Bogota | ||
| 🚍 Hotel / Tour Shuttle & Shared Transfers | ~40–60 minutes (fixed departure times) | Those with hotel packages, tour combos |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~COP 35,000–70,000 per person in shared vans or as part of a tour » airport-hotel shuttles | Bogota City Pass (incl. transfers) | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Taxi or ride-hailing straight from the official airport taxi rank to your hotel in La Candelaria, especially if you arrive late at night or have heavy bags.
- Cheapest: TransMilenio + feeder bus using the free 16-14 airport shuttle to Portal Eldorado and trunk route K86 or 1 toward the center.
- Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Private transfer with meet-and-greet, fixed price and larger vehicles for families or groups.
- Bundled with Tours / Passes: Hotel or tour shuttles and products like the Bogota City Pass, which can combine airport transfers with city tours and attraction entries.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Prebook if arriving late: Night arrivals are common at El Dorado. For peace of mind, reserve a car in advance on GetYourGuide airport transfers or via Welcome Pickups Bogota and you will have a driver waiting in the arrivals hall.
- Compare private transfers: Check different vehicle sizes and prices on GetYourGuide transfers and on GetTransfer if you want quotes from multiple companies.
- Using public transport: To ride TransMilenio/SITP you need a rechargeable TuLlave card, sold at airport kiosks and major stations. Have small bills in Colombian pesos ready and keep your card handy for transfers.
- Ride-hailing apps: Apps like Uber, Cabify, Didi and inDrive operate in Bogotá; pick-ups usually happen at designated spots outside the terminal, so check the app instructions once you land.
- Storing luggage: If your room is not ready yet or you are on a long layover, use left-luggage in the center so you can wander La Candelaria hands‑free; services like Radical Storage in Bogotá have multiple locations near the historic core.
- Where to stay: For easy walking access around the old town, look for hotels and hostels in La Candelaria and nearby downtown on Booking.com Bogotá stays; filter for “Centro Internacional” or “Candelaria” areas.
- Exploring by bike: Once in the center, consider joining bike tours or renting a bicycle to enjoy Bogotá’s famous Ciclovía and bike lanes; compare rental options on BikesBooking Bogotá.
🚕 Option #1 — Taxi or Ride-hailing (Most Convenient, 24/7)
Door-to-door 24/7 Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Licensed taxis line up outside El Dorado’s terminals and can take you directly to your accommodation in La Candelaria in about 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Cabify are a popular alternative and often provide price estimates before you book.
- How to book (with price): Standard airport taxis typically cost around COP 30,000–45,000 including the airport surcharge and depending on time of day and traffic. You can just join the official taxi queue or prebook a fixed-rate car on Welcome Pickups’ airport–city service or through GetYourGuide private airport transfers if you prefer to pay in advance.
- Pros: Fast, simple, available day and night, no need to change vehicles, good for heavy luggage. Cons: More expensive than the bus, travel time can increase significantly during rush hour, and unlicensed taxis should be avoided.
Step-by-step: Taxi or Ride-hailing
- After clearing immigration and customs in Terminal 1, follow signs to the official taxi stands outside the arrivals level. Ignore unofficial touts offering rides inside the terminal.
- At the taxi kiosk or line, tell the dispatcher your destination (for example, “La Candelaria, cerca de la Plaza de Bolívar”). They will either give you a ticket with an estimated fare or assign a car.
- Confirm that the taxi is using a meter and that the driver starts it correctly. The final fare will include distance, time, and the airport supplement.
- If you prefer an app ride, connect to airport Wi‑Fi, open Uber/Cabify/Didi and set your pickup point where the app indicates (often a specified door or parking zone) and destination as your hotel in La Candelaria.
- Share your trip details with a friend or family member and keep valuables out of sight. Have small bills in Colombian pesos ready or, if using an app or prebooked service, ensure your card is linked in the app.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Ranks / Pickup Zones)
- From Terminal 1 (main terminal): Taxi ranks are directly outside the arrivals level; follow yellow taxi icons. Ride-hailing pickups may require a short walk to a designated parking area.
- From Terminal 2 (Puente Aéreo / Satena): Use the free internal shuttle or walk to Terminal 1, then follow signs for taxis and ride-hailing pickup zones.
- Late-night arrivals: Official taxis operate 24/7. For extra reassurance, prebook via Welcome Pickups Bogota so your driver is waiting with a name sign.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — TransMilenio + Feeder Bus (Cheapest Public Transport)
Cheapest Reasonably quick Crowded at peak times
- Overview: Bogotá’s integrated bus system combines a free airport feeder bus and the red TransMilenio trunks. The typical route is airport feeder 16-14 to Portal Eldorado, then trunk service K86 or route 1 toward the center, getting off near La Candelaria (stations like Universidades or Las Aguas), then walking 10–15 minutes to most accommodations.
- How to book (with price): There is no advance booking; you use a reloadable TuLlave card at the gates. As of 2025, a single integrated ride on TransMilenio/SITP costs about COP 3,200, making this by far the cheapest way into town.
- Pros: Very inexpensive, fairly quick outside rush hours, frequent departures, and environmentally friendly. Cons: Can be crowded, especially in peak periods; less convenient with large luggage; signage may feel confusing if you are new to the system.
Step-by-step: TransMilenio + Feeder Bus
- Inside Terminal 1, purchase or top up a TuLlave card at the official kiosk (look for “TuLlave” or TransMilenio signage). Load enough for several trips if you will be using public transport often.
- Exit the terminal at the signed door for public buses (often Door 6 or similar) and look for the free green 16-14 Aeropuerto feeder bus that connects to Portal Eldorado.
- Ride the 16-14 to Portal Eldorado. Follow signs into the main TransMilenio station, tap your TuLlave card at the turnstiles, and check platform signs for trunk service K86 or another bus heading toward the city center.
- Travel toward central Bogotá and alight at Universidades or Las Aguas station, which are the closest to La Candelaria. Follow exits toward the historic center and keep an eye on your belongings as you walk.
- Walk 10–15 minutes to your hotel or hostel via well‑trafficked streets. In the evening, stick to busier roads and consider a short taxi or app ride from the station if you have heavy luggage or arrive after dark.
Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stops / Portal Eldorado)
- Airport bus stop: From arrivals in Terminal 1, follow signs for public transport until you reach the bus bays where airport feeder 16-14 stops. Ask staff if you are unsure—people are generally helpful.
- Portal Eldorado: This is a major TransMilenio hub a few kilometers from the airport. Once there, you will find platforms for different trunk lines heading across the city; look for maps and route diagrams inside the station.
- Stations near La Candelaria: Universidades and Las Aguas are the usual choices; from either station you can walk downhill into La Candelaria’s colonial streets or take a short taxi ride for door‑to‑door access.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Private Transfer (Prebooked Car/Van)
Meet-and-greet Fixed price Most comfortable
- Overview: A private transfer service sends a driver to meet you in the arrivals hall, helps with bags, and drives you directly to your accommodation in La Candelaria. Vehicles range from sedans to large vans, ideal for families, groups or travelers with lots of luggage or mobility needs.
- How to book (with price): Expect to pay around COP 100,000–220,000 for a private transfer depending on vehicle size and time of day. You can prebook services like the Bogota private transfer from/to El Dorado Airport on GetYourGuide or reserve a car with Welcome Pickups or compare offers via GetTransfer.
- Pros: Stress‑free, especially after long flights; fixed price; English‑speaking drivers often available; good for young kids or older travelers. Cons: More expensive than regular taxis or buses; needs to be arranged in advance.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Before traveling, choose your transfer provider and book online. Compare different options and reviews on GetYourGuide airport transfers, Welcome Pickups, or GetTransfer.
- Enter your flight details, hotel address in La Candelaria, passenger count and luggage information so the company can assign an appropriate vehicle.
- On arrival at El Dorado, pass through immigration and customs and then look for your driver, who will typically be waiting with a sign showing your name in the arrivals hall at the agreed meeting point.
- Confirm your name and destination with the driver, then relax as you are driven directly to your accommodation. Travel time is usually 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- For your departure from Bogotá, you can book your return transfer at the same time, setting your pickup from La Candelaria 3–3.5 hours before an international flight or 2–2.5 hours for domestic flights.
Getting to the main embarking points (Meeting Your Driver)
- Meeting point inside the terminal: Most providers specify a standard meeting point near the arrivals exit or a particular door; check your booking voucher for exact details.
- If you cannot find your driver: Use airport Wi‑Fi to call or message via the provider’s app (for example, the Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer app) and stay in the public arrivals area until you reconnect.
- Accessibility needs: If you require extra space or assistance, request a larger vehicle or note mobility requirements in the booking comments so the provider can plan accordingly.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚍 Option #4 — Hotel / Tour Shuttle & Shared Transfers
Good value Door-to-door Fixed departure times
- Overview: Some Bogotá hotels and hostels can arrange paid airport shuttles for their guests, either shared or private. In addition, various tour companies bundle airport pickup with city tours or flexible passes that include experiences in La Candelaria.
- How to book (with price): Ask your hotel in La Candelaria if they offer an airport shuttle and the cost per person. As a guide, shared vans and tour shuttles may cost around COP 35,000–70,000 per person depending on group size. You can also check products such as the Bogota City Flexible Pass on Klook or dedicated transfers like airport-to-hotel transfers on GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Convenient if you already plan to book tours or city passes; costs are known upfront; can include guiding and local tips. Cons: Less flexible due to fixed departure times; may involve waiting for other passengers; not always the cheapest choice.
Step-by-step: Hotel / Tour Shuttles
- When booking your accommodation in La Candelaria on Booking.com, check hotel descriptions for airport transfer services or contact the property directly to ask about shuttle options and pricing.
- If you prefer a combined package, browse airport transfer products and city tours on GetYourGuide or consider bundles that include transport plus activities in La Candelaria.
- Confirm your flight details, arrival time and the exact meeting point (inside the terminal or outside at a designated pickup area). Keep your confirmation email or voucher handy.
- On arrival, find your guide or driver at the agreed point. For shared shuttles, you may wait a short time for other passengers before departing towards the historic center.
- Once dropped at your hotel or central point in La Candelaria, ask the driver or guide for local safety tips, restaurant suggestions and directions to key landmarks like Plaza de Bolívar or the Gold Museum.
Getting to the main embarking points (Designated Shuttle Meeting Points)
- Inside the arrivals hall: Many shuttle and tour companies meet guests just outside customs with a sign; scan the crowd for your name or the company logo.
- External pickup bays: Some shared shuttles park in dedicated bays outside the terminal—details are usually specified on your booking voucher, so double‑check before you fly.
- Return shuttles: Confirm your pickup time and location in La Candelaria (hotel lobby or agreed street corner) at least 24 hours before departure and be ready 10–15 minutes early.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Bogota El Dorado Airport to La Candelaria)
How long does it take to get from El Dorado Airport to La Candelaria?
Most taxi or car journeys take about 20–40 minutes depending on traffic; in rush hour it can be longer. Using TransMilenio and the feeder bus, plan for around 60–75 minutes door‑to‑door.
What is the safest option at night?
At night it is generally recommended to use an official taxi from the authorized airport rank or a prebooked private transfer/ride‑hailing service. Public buses still run, but for safety and convenience many travelers avoid them late at night, especially with luggage.
What is the cheapest way to reach La Candelaria from the airport?
The cheapest option is the combination of the free 16-14 airport feeder plus TransMilenio or SITP buses, which costs about COP 3,200 for a single integrated trip using a TuLlave card.
Can I pay for transport with a credit card?
Airport taxis and most local taxis expect cash in Colombian pesos, though some ride‑hailing apps and private transfer providers allow card payment in‑app or online. The TuLlave card for TransMilenio is topped up with cash at booths and machines.
Is La Candelaria safe to stay in?
La Candelaria is one of Bogotá’s main tourist areas and is busy during the day, but like many historic centers it can feel quiet at night. Take usual big‑city precautions, avoid deserted streets after dark, use taxis or apps at night, and keep valuables out of sight.