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
Despite having reserved and bought seats on the direct 3 hour Unitransco bus, and getting to the terminal one hour before departure, at the ticket office in Santa Marta they put us on a much slower and later bus so we lost the entire afternoon. Not happy about it, especially since it was not explained
2.0 out of 5 stars
Antoine R.
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.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Nigel P.
The bus stopped multiple times to let locals and sellers on which delayed our trip.
Many users appreciated the comfortable seats and professional staff, noting that the bus service was generally pleasant. However, several reviews mentioned delays in arrival times compared to schedules, with trips often taking longer than expected due to unscheduled stops. Some passengers also noted issues such as lack of cleanliness and non-functioning amenities like WiFi or bathroom facilities. Despite these challenges, many found value in the overall experience provided by this bus service.
Expreso Brasilia Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
How can a no stop bus service between Santa Marta and Cartagena scheduled to arrive at 1pm stop a number of times (once for 20+ minutes) and arrive at 3pm, and no one seemed to be upset about it!? I couldn’t / wouldn’t do that again despite the bus being comfortable, clean and the cost being good value
3.0 out of 5 stars
Michael W.
Seats are fairly comfortable. There is a bathroom.
Too many stops including about 30' in Barranquilla where we we couldn't get out.
Said it would be 3:45 hours. More like 5.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reese M.
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.
Passengers have noted the convenience and smoothness of their travel experience, appreciating features like air conditioning and spacious seating. However, some users mentioned concerns about schedule adherence with delays in departure times and multiple stops during trips. Additionally, there were comments on the lack of onboard toilets despite expectations set by ticket information.
MarSol Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
Als makkelijke reis ervaren, busreis verliep erg soepel. Airco en voldoende ruimte. Ook hadden we 1 stop om even wat te eten etc.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Roos V.
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.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Max O.
Driver was pretty wreckless and the toilet break was 4.5 hours into the 5 hour journey.
According to 250 reviews, Copetran received a 2.1-star rating for this journey. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the departure location, but some complained about the timeliness. Copetran ticket prices on this trip start at $16
Copetran Santa Marta Cartagena recent customer reviews
Der Bus war super ausgestattet und man hatte viel Beinfreiheit. Wir würden aber keine Reise mit Copetran empfehlen. Die angegebene Fahrzeit war 4h. Angekommen sind wir nach ca. 6h. Der Bus fuhr schon mal 30 Minuten zu spät ab und hat noch an vielen Orten angehalten um Personen aus-oder zusteigen zu lassen. Es war somit komplett unmöglich innerhalb dieser 4h anzukommen. Wir finden es nicht in Ordnung, das Fahrzeiten angegeben werden, die so oder so nicht eingehalten werden können. Wir verstehen, dass der Verkehr eine Rolle spielt aber diese 4h sind unmöglich einzuhalten, wenn man überall noch anhält und Personen einsammelt.
2.0 out of 5 stars
Lea B.
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
2.0 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.
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.
2.0 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
1.0 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
Frequently asked questions about traveling 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 $15. The average price for this route is around $19. 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 trip duration from Santa Marta to Cartagena is 5h 15m, covering a distance of 104 miles (168 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 1h 10m and is operated by Unitransco.
Which bus companies service the Santa Marta to Cartagena route?
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
The earliest bus departs from Santa Marta to Cartagena at 4:15am. 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 4.185875 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel 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 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 61 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Copetran has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 1.3.
Which bus company has the most timely service from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
According to Busbud traveler reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is MarSol, with a punctuality rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Santa Marta to Cartagena?
According to Busbud traveler reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Copetran, with a cleanliness rating of 4.2 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
06/14
$18
06/15
$19
Today
$19
06/17
$19
06/18
$19
06/19
$19
06/20
$19
06/21
$19
The cheapest trip from Santa Marta, CO to Cartagena, CO was searched and found on Jun 14, 2026 with a price of $18
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 $18 to $30 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 $19 which is on 2026-06-19.
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.
The cheapest trip from Santa Marta, CO to Cartagena, CO was searched and found on Jun 14, 2026 with a price of $18
