For most arrivals, use an authorized airport taxi. TransCaribe T102 is the low-cost option toward Centro; Bocagrande requires a transfer.

For most arrivals at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), the simplest choice is an authorized airport taxi. TransCaribe route T102 is the low-cost alternative toward Centro, but it is not door to door and requires a transit card. Reaching Bocagrande by TransCaribe also requires a transfer.

The quick choice

Destination or situation	Best fit	Main tradeoff
Walled City hotel, especially with luggage	Authorized airport taxi	Direct, but confirm which published fare zone covers the address
Getsemaní	Authorized airport taxi	Direct; Getsemaní has its own entry in the airport fare table
Bocagrande, El Laguito or Castillogrande	Authorized taxi or pre-booked transfer	Avoids a bus transfer and final walk
Centro with light luggage during service hours	T102 TransCaribe	Low fare, but you need a transit card and must walk from a stop
Large group, child-seat request or mobility requirement	Pre-booked transfer	Confirm the vehicle, equipment, meeting point and total price in advance

Authorized airport taxi: the straightforward option

The airport has two authorized taxi stations, at the domestic and international exits, and recommends that passengers use them for trips into Cartagena (Rafael Núñez airport transport information). Go to the designated station rather than accepting an unsolicited offer around the terminal.

Show the accommodation’s map pin and establish the applicable fare before leaving. The airport’s table uses neighborhood or landmark categories rather than hotel names. Its published 2026 amounts include:

• Centro, San Diego, La Matuna and Getsemaní: COP 20,200
• Centro–Zona Hotelera Centro Histórico, and Muelle de la Bodeguita: COP 24,300
• Bocagrande, Castillogrande or El Laguito: COP 34,400

These figures come from the fare table linked by the airport as “Taxi rates 2026” (airport taxi-fare table). The file retains “2022” in its web address, but the table cites Decreto 0051, and its COP 1,100 night surcharge matches Cartagena’s 2026 decree announcement. The table distinguishes the general Centro/San Diego category from “Centro–Zona Hotelera Centro Histórico.” For a Walled City hotel, show the exact address and ask the authorized station which of those categories applies before leaving.

For context, Cartagena set the general taxi minimum at COP 12,250 for 2026, with a COP 1,100 surcharge from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers must display an updated control card with the authorized tariffs (Cartagena mayor’s office). The general minimum is not a quote for an airport trip; use the airport’s destination table.

The same city notice says suspected overcharging or other taxi irregularities can be reported through the municipal Catalina WhatsApp channel at 323 319 0810.

TransCaribe T102 to Centro: low fare, extra steps

TransCaribe’s T102 Portal–Crespo route serves the airport and stops around the historic center, including India Catalina, El Boquetillo, Teatro Heredia and Centro. The operator’s route guide publishes these hours:

• Monday to Friday: 5 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Saturday: 5:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
• Sunday and holidays: 6 a.m.–8 p.m.

T102 runs partly in mixed traffic, so congestion can affect the trip (TransCaribe route guide). The operator’s online route directory was last updated in May 2025; check it and TransCaribe notices for later changes before relying on a specific stop (TransCaribe route directory).

The regular fare is COP 3,900 in 2026 (TransCaribe fare confirmation). Payment is only by contactless transit card, not cash aboard the bus. TransCaribe says cards are available at trunk stations and designated external sales points (payment FAQ); it separately says cards can be reloaded at SuperGiros locations around Cartagena (reload network announcement).

That purchase step is the main complication for a new arrival. Do not wait at the airport stop assuming the driver will take cash: first confirm where you can buy and load a card.

T102 makes sense if you are traveling light, have sorted out the card and can walk from the appropriate Centro stop. Take a taxi if you have large bags, limited mobility or an address that would leave an awkward final walk through the Walled City.

Bocagrande by bus requires a transfer

T102 does not continue from the airport into Bocagrande. TransCaribe’s network uses T102 for Crespo and the airport and T103 for Bocagrande; its connection information identifies Centro as the transfer point between those routes (TransCaribe connection notice). The current route guide still lists both T102 and T103, but verify the day’s operation before setting out.

This can suit a light-packing traveler who already has a card and is comfortable navigating the system. With suitcases, the transfer and final walk in Bocagrande make a direct taxi the more practical arrival choice.

When to pre-book a transfer

Most solo travelers and couples do not need to pre-book because authorized taxis operate at the terminal. Advance booking becomes useful when you need:

• a vehicle for several passengers and suitcases;
• a confirmed child seat;
• mobility assistance;
• a named greeter after a late flight;
• written confirmation of the total price and vehicle type.

Ask the hotel or transfer operator whether the quote includes waiting time, night charges and delivery to the precise address. Get the terminal exit, sign and contact procedure in writing; “airport pickup” alone is not a complete meeting plan.

Before landing

1. Save the accommodation’s full address and map pin offline.
2. If taking a taxi, use the authorized station at the arrivals exit and confirm the destination category and fare.
3. If taking T102, verify current service and solve the card-purchase and loading step before waiting for the bus.
4. Choose the correct Centro stop for the Walled City or Getsemaní rather than assuming every central stop is equally convenient.
5. For Bocagrande, plan on a T102–T103 transfer or choose a direct road transfer instead.

Use an authorized airport taxi for a simple arrival in the Walled City, Getsemaní or Bocagrande. Choose T102 only when the lower fare justifies arranging a transit card, handling your luggage and walking at the end.