Taxis in Colombia

Last updated on July 3, 2025.

Taking taxis in Colombia can be stressful for first time visitors, but I’ve generally had positive experiences.

Taxi Meters in Colombia

In large Colombian cities, taxis operate on a meter. If the driver isn’t using the meter, ask them to turn it on. Expect a surcharge at night, on Sundays or holidays, if you had to call for the taxi, and for airport runs. In smaller towns, the taxis have a minimum charge and fares rarely ever surpass that minimum. In my experience, drivers have been honest and courteous for the most part. Every time I’ve asked a driver to estimate the fare before the ride, it’s pretty close to what the meter says at the end of the ride.

In most cities, the meters are straightforward with the price, but in Bogotá, the system can be confusing. The meters in Bogotá start at a number and tick upwards. In each taxi, there should be a fare sheet that tells you the fare corresponding to the number on the meter at the end of the taxi ride. If the driver tells you a price that doesn’t seem right, verify it with the fare sheet before paying.

In Cartagena, there are no taxi meters. Some drivers unfortunately take advantage of tourists by charging well over the acceptable rate. Ask the fare before you agree to a ride.

Receipt System

In some airport and bus station taxi queues, you’re required to get a printed receipt before getting into a taxi. Tell the attendant where you’re going and they’ll print a receipt with the fare you have to pay. Tell the driver the address and give the receipt to the driver after the ride. The Cartagena airport and Armenia bus station operate like this.

Hiring Taxis for Day Use in Colombia

If you need to hire a taxi for the day, shop around. When my dad came to visit, we asked five different drivers for the cost of using their services for the entire day until we found an agreeable price.

Should You Call or Hail a Taxi in Colombia?

In most big cities, you’ll be fine hailing a taxi on the street. There are two cities, however, I recommend using an app or having your hotel or restaurant call for you. That’s in Bogotá and Cartagena.

In Bogotá, we’ve always been warned about rogue taxis working in organized gangs to rob riders. While we’ve had no issues so far hailing taxis at any time of day, play it safe and have someone call for you.

As I mentioned above, in Cartagena there are no taxi meters. You’re better off calling or asking the price before you agree to a ride.

Taxi Etiquette – Closing the Door

When exiting a taxi in Colombia, make sure to close the door softly. Drivers get extremely annoyed if they think you’re slamming the door. My first few weeks in Colombia, I was closing the doors exactly like I would in the US or Europe and the drivers would always yell at me for closing it too hard. I didn’t think I was doing anything out of the ordinary, but I was told by a Colombian friend it’s a cultural thing and I need to be more gentle with car doors in Colombia.

My Bad Experiences with Taxis in Colombia

In my time in Colombia, I’ve only had a few issues with taxi drivers overcharging or taking me for a ride. As you’d expect, they happened in Medellín and Bogotá leaving from bus terminals or airports. The drivers assume you don’t know where you’re going. I also noticed if the driver is overly friendly and talkative, you’re probably about to get ripped off.

Medellín

In Medellín, the driver took the very scenic route from the bus terminal to my hotel. I knew it was a straight shot and should’ve only taken five minutes, but he went unnecessarily out of the way and it ended up costing almost triple what it should have been. When I noticed he was going the wrong way and called him out, he blamed traffic.

Bogotá

In Bogotá, I jumped into a taxi at the airport. When I arrived at my hotel, the driver quoted me COP$50,000 when I knew it shouldn’t have cost any more than COP$25,000. I asked for the fare sheet and he pretended not to know what I was talking about. He said that COP$50,000 is the correct price from the airport and it always has been. I showed him my Colombian ID and said “I’m not a tourist” and I would report him. He then claimed he was a “special taxi” and got on the radio for the “dispatcher” to tell me the price. They were obviously working together because he quoted the same price.

The driver refused to get my bags out of the trunk until I paid him in full. It was after midnight and I gave up after about 15 minutes. I took down the plate number and asked the hotel reception to report him but I doubt anything came of it.

On a couple more trips from the airport, we had the warning sign of overly friendly drivers. Both times, I put the route on Google Maps and asked the driver to follow it. One time, the driver kept talking and talking, and when he missed the turn, I called him out and he apologized for “not paying attention”. That missed turn added about 15 minutes and to the ride and pretty much doubled the fare.

My Final Thoughts on Taxis in Colombia

A few incidences out of countless taxi rides isn’t bad at all. Any visitor to Colombia should feel perfectly fine using taxis anywhere in the country.