A private transportation service from Cartagena to your hotel near Tayrona Park offers a straightforward, comfortable way to start your adventure in Colombia’s Caribbean coast. For $319 per group (up to three people), you get a dedicated vehicle—either a spacious SUV or a minivan—that takes you directly from your hotel in Cartagena to your accommodation, often near Santa Marta or the park itself. The journey lasts about five hours, with flexible departure times available from morning until early evening, making it easy to fit into any travel schedule.
What we love most about this service is its personalized nature—you won’t be crammed into a shared shuttle and can enjoy stops whenever you want, whether to stretch, buy coffee, or grab a quick snack. Plus, the air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water provided make the long drive much more pleasant. The drivers are lauded for their professionalism and friendliness, turning what can be a tedious ride into a relaxed experience. The only caveat might be the language barrier, as drivers do not speak English, so some basic Spanish prep or a translation app might come in handy. This service suits travelers who value comfort and flexibility, especially those arriving in Cartagena or needing a reliable, stress-free transfer to their Tayrona accommodations.
Key Points

- Comfort & Privacy: Private SUV or minivan ensures a relaxed, personalized ride.
- Flexible Scheduling: Departure times are available throughout the day, fitting busy itineraries.
- Stops & Flexibility: Optional stops for coffee, snacks, or restroom breaks are accommodated.
- Professional Drivers: Friendly, punctual drivers contribute to a stress-free journey.
- No Guide or Language Barrier: Drivers don’t speak English, but assistance can be arranged.
- Value for Money: For around $107 per person (assuming 3 travelers), you get a private, door-to-door service that minimizes stress and maximizes comfort.
Getting from Cartagena to your hotel near Tayrona Park can be a headache if you’re relying on shared shuttles or uncertain public transport. That’s where this private transfer shines. We found that the booking process is straightforward—booking in advance guarantees your spot and spares you the last-minute scramble. Most travelers book around 43 days in advance, which shows how popular and reliable this service is.
The Pickup Experience
As you arrive at your Cartagena hotel, a professional driver will wait at the front desk at your specified pickup time. The reviews praise drivers like Ernesto and Hader for their punctuality and friendly demeanor. Once you meet them, they’ll help with your bags, offer bottled water, and guide you to your private vehicle—either a spacious SUV or minivan. These vehicles are generally clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned, which is a blessing after a busy day of sightseeing or traveling.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Cartagena
The Drive: Scenery & Stops
The drive itself takes roughly five hours, covering a route that includes passing through Barranquilla—a city known for its vibrant culture. One of the highlights is the optional stop after passing Barranquilla. Travelers are encouraged to take a 10- to 15-minute break, perfect for stretching legs, buying coffee, or just taking a breather from the road. Several reviews mention how this stop adds a nice touch, making the journey less monotonous.
If you want to stop for lunch, that can be arranged on request—there’s no extra charge for breaks, but meals are not included in the fare. This flexibility allows you to tailor your travel experience, whether you want to keep moving or pause for a meal.
The Vehicle & Comfort
Many travelers comment on the space and comfort of the vehicles. The vans have plenty of legroom, and the air conditioning keeps everyone cool during the long drive. Bottled water is provided for each passenger, which many reviews highlight as a thoughtful gesture—especially appreciated in warm Colombian weather.
The End of the Journey
Once you arrive near your hotel or Tayrona Park, the driver will help you unload. The absence of guides or English-speaking drivers might be a consideration, but as most reviews note, the drivers are friendly and accommodating. If you need extra assistance, such as a booster seat or an ATM stop, it’s best to request that in advance.
Authentic Customer Experiences
The reviews attest to the consistency of quality. One traveler wrote, “Ernesto gave us a smooth and comfortable ride and stopped at a market so we could buy snacks and drinks,” emphasizing the personalized service. Another said, “Bukap experiences deliver outstanding transportation services,” praising both the punctuality and friendly attitude of the drivers.
- Cartagena and Murcia – full day shore excursion for cruise guests
- Luxury Rewaco Trike “The Fun In The Sun Tour” – (3 hours, Min of 2 Passengers)
- BIG GUNS “Bateria de Castillitos” JEEP WRANGLER (4 Hrs Max 4 PPL)
- Horseback Riding in Cartagena (Spain)
- Luxury Rewaco Trike “The Photo Blaster Tour” – (2 hours, Min of 2 passengers)
- Roman exploration in Cartagena (Spain)
Price & Value
At $319 per group, this service is a bit pricier than shared shuttles, but it’s an investment in peace of mind, comfort, and convenience. For families, groups of friends, or travelers with lots of baggage, the extra comfort and flexibility are well worth the expense. When divided among three people, it’s roughly $107 per person—comparable to what you’d pay for a shared transfer but with significantly more comfort and privacy.
Who is This Best For?
This service caters best to travelers who prioritize stress-free travel, especially those arriving after a long flight or with tight schedules. It’s also ideal for families or groups who want private, reliable transportation without the unpredictability of shared shuttles. If you appreciate being able to stop for breaks, buy snacks, or adjust your schedule, this private transfer will serve you well.
The Sum Up

Choosing a private transfer from Cartagena to Tayrona Park offers a host of benefits that go beyond just getting from point A to B. It guarantees a comfortable, flexible, and safe journey—particularly valuable after a long flight or bus ride. The drivers’ professionalism and the vehicle’s cleanliness are consistently praised, making it a dependable choice for travelers wanting peace of mind.
If you’re traveling in a group, want to avoid the hassles of shared shuttles, or simply value personalized service, this option is hard to beat. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer to start their Colombian adventure smoothly, with no surprises or delays.
While the price might seem high compared to public transport, remember that you’re paying for comfort, convenience, and peace of mind—making this a solid investment in the overall quality of your trip.
FAQ
Is the transportation private?
Yes, this service is exclusive to your group, meaning no sharing with strangers, which enhances comfort and flexibility.
What vehicle type will I get?
You’ll travel in a private SUV or minivan, both of which are air-conditioned and spacious.
Can I choose my departure time?
Absolutely. The service offers multiple timeslots from morning to early evening, allowing you to pick what fits your schedule best.
Are stops or breaks included?
Stops are optional and can be arranged on request—perfect for stretching, buying coffee, or restroom breaks.
Is there an English-speaking driver?
Drivers do not speak English, so some basic Spanish or a translation app may help. However, reviews emphasize their friendliness and helpfulness.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
This private transfer offers a reliable, comfortable, and flexible way to start your Colombian adventure, especially valuable for travelers seeking peace of mind and personal service.
More Private Tours in Cartagena
- Cartagena to Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) – Departure Private Transfer
- Private Mangrove Tour + Lunch + Horse riding + fishing classes
- Private 8-Hour Boat Tour to the Rosario and Barú Islands
- Private Boat Tour of the Rosario Islands
- Private boat + Private island + Cholon + Snorkeling + Hotel pick up
- Cartagena Unforgettable: Half Day Private City Tour (Also for Cruisers)
More Tour Reviews in Cartagena
- Cartagena to Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) – Departure Private Transfer
- Cartagena City Tour with Popa Hill (PM)
- Private Mangrove Tour + Lunch + Horse riding + fishing classes
- Cartagena Efoil FliteBoard Experience in Baru 1H
- Private 8-Hour Boat Tour to the Rosario and Barú Islands
- “Full day at Playa Blanca Flamingo Beach”
More Cartagena experiences we've covered
- Cartagena to Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) – Departure Private Transfer
- Cartagena City Tour with Popa Hill (PM)
- Private Mangrove Tour + Lunch + Horse riding + fishing classes
- Cartagena Efoil FliteBoard Experience in Baru 1H
- Private 8-Hour Boat Tour to the Rosario and Barú Islands
- “Full day at Playa Blanca Flamingo Beach”
- Shore Excursion: Cartagena City Tour and local lunch.
- Private Boat Tour of the Rosario Islands
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia
- Rum and Chocolate Tasting in Cartagena
- Tour of the Rosario Islands, Cartagena
- Full Day Experience Islas del Rosario Beach Club
