Flights to Cartagena: Budget Guide
Cartagena is Colombia's Caribbean jewel — a walled city dripping with colonial color, Bocagrande beaches, and street food that'll ruin you for any other Caribbean destination. Surprisingly affordable at $40–55/day.
30-day Cartagena budget
At $40–55/day, Cartagena is a steal for the Caribbean. Dorms in Getsemaní run $12–18, a set lunch (almuerzo) is $3–4, and a cerveza is $1.50. Getsemaní is the budget base — avoid Old Town hotels unless you enjoy paying triple. More in our budget beaches Colombia guide.
Flights to Cartagena from your city
Cartagena (CTG) has direct flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and NYC on Spirit and JetBlue — often sub-$300 round-trip. From within Colombia, Avianca runs Bogotá–Cartagena for $40–80 one-way. Book 3–4 weeks out for the best fares.
When to fly to Cartagena
Average round-trip prices by month from all tracked origins
Seasonality data is not yet available for this destination.
December through March is dry season and peak — hotel prices spike and the walled city is wall-to-wall tourists. September through November is cheapest: rain comes in short afternoon bursts, flights are 15–20% cheaper, and Getsemaní feels like a neighborhood again.
Best airports to fly into
Cartagena (CTG) to Getsemaní is 15 minutes by taxi or Grab ($4–6). The airport is close to the city — no need for a bus. Order the Grab inside arrivals; the taxi line outside charges gringo prices.