Taxi from Cartagena airport to El Centro - Costs?

island girl says on May 5, 2008, 14:12:

sorry I posted twice!

Ctg Bound says on May 5, 2008, 14:30:

If you haven't a lot of bags, I would just walk to the road outside the airport 150 yards away, they will charge 5-6K.

In the airport they will probably want double that.

travelingirl says on May 5, 2008, 14:30:

If memory serves me correctly, it cost me about 6,000 pesos (2 people, one bag each). Make sure you ask the taxi driver how much before getting in. I'm guessing 10,000 pesos at very the most.

"I'm just a backwoods Barbie."

tomtom33 says on May 5, 2008, 14:59:

They use a zone plan plus airport tax. I think it is around 4K from Crespo to Centro. Add another 4K or so for the airport tax. As CB said walk a couple of blocks, and there is no airport tax. They can charge another 500 pesos or so after 8:00 pm and 10% for air-conditioning.

jusjoseph says on May 6, 2008, 06:52:

So when you step out of the airport, which direction do you go to the outside road to catch a taxi or is it pretty obvious from the terminal?

Saltador says on May 6, 2008, 07:44:

As you leave the baggage area, walk towards the right, following the road out of the airport.
There are usually two or three taxis waiting just outside the exit to pick up customers.
Keep in mind you're only saving 4-5000 pesos by employing this strategy. Some people don't think the three dollars is worth the extra work.

pedro says on May 6, 2008, 07:46:

Start from the entrance doors that lead into the airport's main check in hall. Walk outside, and with your back to these doors, look for a small road that goes straight ahead the same way you're facing. Say "no, gracias" a few times to the taxi guys that approach you. Walk 100m up this straight ahead road (one block) and you'll hit the main road.

You'll know when you hit the main road, as you'll see plenty of traffic, including buses and taxis.

¡save pow wow!

Saltador says on May 6, 2008, 07:54:

Pedro,
Are you saying the road is not on your right hand side, but straight ahead as you walk out the doors? Man, my memory must really be foggy.

pedro says on May 6, 2008, 08:12:

Yep.

Now if you walk out from arrivals and stand with your back to the airport building, the road would be located a little on your right.

But if you're standing at the entrance to the big check in hall, it should be straight in front.

I think that's correct, it's been a while since I've been there myself.

¡save pow wow!

Saltador says on May 6, 2008, 08:14:

Well, I was assuming they would be coming from arrivals, not from the check in entry. That makes more sense to me. And I've been there about 20 times in the past 4 years or so.

Gator says on May 6, 2008, 09:21:

Just take the airport road and it dead ends in the road they are talking about. Av Santandar I think

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

island girl says on May 6, 2008, 12:04:

And getting a random taxi off this main road is safe and all that? We are both females and it will be at like 8PM .... maybe I should forget about saving a few dollars?

tomtom33 says on May 6, 2008, 12:50:

It is probably safe enough. But Crespo is not as safe as the tourist zone. Two women plus luggage, spend the few extra dollars.

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 6, 2008, 12:55:

agree with tomtom

Gator says on May 6, 2008, 16:53:

I 100% agree with Tomtom andKat1-that area is a little dicey. Forget about the extra $$$ won't be that much anyway. Besides-too damn hot to lug baggage.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

Bluesdude says on May 6, 2008, 20:16:

Yup! agree with tomtom. better to spend a few bucks and not have to hassle your bags all the way to the street in Crespo. Besides, you'll get hassled all the way by the street people who want to help you with your bags.

Bluesdude No Mas Gringas Por La Vida

el flaco says on May 9, 2008, 01:26:

Unlike every other airport in the world, the airport is in the middle of a residential area. I used to go to the airport on foot just to use the ATM.

Locals say that it is a bad area at night but I never had any trouble. I did have constant problems with the Crespo taxi drivers trying to cheat me, you must agree a fare beforehand.

Saltador says on May 9, 2008, 07:42:

Now there you hit the nail on the head. The most common scam will be that they charge you the rate from the airport. Almost all of them will try it if you don't agree on the fare before hand.