Users have shared that the buses are generally comfortable and staff members strive to be helpful, even when language barriers exist. However, there were some concerns about delays and a lack of WiFi on board. Additionally, users noted issues with air-conditioning efficiency and insufficient information at stations regarding bus platform details.
Unitransco Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
Not much info at station giving bus platform details. Left half hour late. Air-conditioning not efficient so very warm. Shambles at arrival as many taxi drivers swarming round door.
3 out of 5 stars
Nigel P.
The bus stopped multiple times to let locals and sellers on which delayed our trip.
2 out of 5 stars
Caoimhe O.
The booking was very easy and the bus very comfortable. Unfortunatily the bus had a delay of 1.5hours. Also no wifi available in the bus as said in the discription.
Users have highlighted the efficiency and comfort of a fast, air-conditioned mini bus that arrived early with convenient central pickup and drop-off locations. However, there were consistent mentions about the absence of an onboard toilet despite expectations set by ticket information.
MarSol Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
The Marsol staff are not very friendly or helpful, nor is anything done to the schedule. Our 10am direct bus didn’t leave Santa Marta until 10:40 and made multiple stops to get passengers and at one point for the driver to have a full sit down lunch while we all waited.
3 out of 5 stars
Max O.
Driver was pretty wreckless and the toilet break was 4.5 hours into the 5 hour journey.
3 out of 5 stars
Clodagh G.
Fast, air conditioned mini bus. Arrived early. Central pickup and drop off locations.
Only downside was no toilet onboard, ticket said there should have been.
Many users have praised the bus service for its comfortable seats and professional staff, highlighting a pleasant travel experience. However, there are consistent reports of delays with buses often arriving later than scheduled times. Some reviews also mention issues such as non-functioning WiFi and lack of amenities like toilet paper on board. Despite these challenges, passengers generally find the seating comfort satisfactory during their journeys.
Expreso Brasilia Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
On 5/11 I attempted to board the bus departing from Santa Marta Bus Terminal Expreso Brasilia at 21:44 arriving at Cartagena Bus Terminal at 2:15am (6/11), for which I had purchased a valid ticket the day before. At the bus terminal in Santa Marta I was told that this bus did not exist and that the next one on this route would leave the following morning. As I was needing to catch a flight from Cartagena airport at 8am, this solution was not an option for me. Our Uber driver had informed us of another Expreso Brasilia terminal in Santa Marta so we quickly made our way there to check that we hadn’t gone to the wrong place, once we arrived we were frustratingly given the same response that this bus departing at 21:44 did not exist and the last one has left an hour earlier. After waiting at this 2nd terminal while deciding on a next step, an Expreso Brasilia bus pulled over and out of curiosity and desperation we asked the driver if he was going to Cartagena, to which he responded yes. Understandably we were relieved but this didn’t last long as I was told that I had to purchase a new ticket because the one I purchased through yourselves was apparently invalid. I of course argued my case but as the situation had put our flight in jeopardy I felt backed into a corner with no choice but to purchase a new ticket directly from the bus company.
1 out of 5 stars
Jasmine N.
The guy at the station put me on a different branchs’ bus because this 1oclock one wasn’t on the screen as a scheduled bus which was fine but tectonically this is about I think it was Unitransco, something like that. The bus ended up being almost 6 hours instead of 4.45 hrs. The first driver kept speeding so the loud beeping kept occurring and I was sat right at the front
4 out of 5 stars
Elena C.
- bus was very loud with no one respecting each other's surroundings (playing music and videos loudly)
- there was a 40 minute stop after the planned stop in Baranquilla which delayed us alot
- the seats didn't all recline
- smelled of urine!
According to 244 reviews, Copetran received a 2.1-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the departure location, but some complained about the timeliness. Copetran ticket prices on this trip start at $22
Copetran Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
It was very noisy on the bus, the bus was very late and we had to pay money to get our bags back when we lost our luggage tags
2 out of 5 stars
Anna M.
The bus we booked was not the bus they put us on. At arrival at the terminal, we were told we needed to change our ticket without explanation and then we were put on another bus that was 2 hours late with multiple stops. The bus was dirty and cold.
2 out of 5 stars
Halima K.
Arrived 1 hour late. On the way the driver stopped many times to accommodate street vendors on the bus to sell merchandise and food
According to customer reviews, there are several complaints about the bus service. Customers mention that the seats were in bad condition and the air conditioning was not working properly. Additionally, there were unexpected delays due to a one-hour break without prior notification. Furthermore, some customers reported issues with seat availability and experienced a nearly 2-hour delay as a result.
Almirante Padilla S.A. Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
The journey should take 4 hrs , however we arrived after 6 hrs. The seat was also broken.
2 out of 5 stars
Alan T.
Very bad service! Took 6 hours until we were in Cartagena, very cold in the bus, driver was driving wild
1 out of 5 stars
Michiel S.
The bus was advertised as a 3 hour journey from 2pm to 5pm. We ended up getting thrown on an earlier bus at 1pm as we arrived earlier and didn’t arrive until 7:30pm
Based on 625 reviews, the company was rated 3.4 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the departure location and the cleanliness but often complained with the WiFi. Rapido Ochoa ticket prices on this trip start at $21
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Santa Marta, CO to Cartagena, CO by bus
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The cheapest bus tickets from Santa Marta to Cartagena start from $20. The average price for this route is around $32. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The average bus travel time from Santa Marta to Cartagena is 5h, covering a distance of 167 km. The quickest bus can get you there in 3h 45m and is operated by Unitransco.
Which bus companies service the Santa Marta to Cartagena route?
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The earliest bus departs from Santa Marta to Cartagena at 4:01am. And the latest bus departs at 10:00pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
A bus trip from Santa Marta to Cartagena generates an estimated 4 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and a mode of travel recommended by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is MarSol, with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars based on 21 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
Based on Busbud reviews, the bus company Rapido Ochoa has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 1.4.
Which bus company has the best on-time performance from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Rapido Ochoa, with a punctuality rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Rapido Ochoa, with a cleanliness rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
Best price found
11-27
$32
11-28
$32
Today
$24
11-30
$22
12-01
$24
12-02
$24
12-03
$24
12-04
$27
The cheapest trip from Santa Marta, CO to Cartagena, CO was searched and found on Nov 30, 2025 with a price of $22
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Santa Marta, CO to Cartagena, CO, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $22 to $36 for a bus ticket from Santa Marta, CO to Cartagena, CO based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $22 which is on 2025-11-30.
Usually MarSol will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.