4 Best Ways to get from Bogota to Cali, Colombia

You can get from Bogota to Cali by bus, private transfer, flight, or rental car.

The cheapest option to travel from Bogota to Cali is by bus, which costs only USD 26. The journey takes between 10.5 and 11 hours.

The most popular option is also the bus, offering a the most affordable alternative, while taking the longest!

The fastest way to travel to Cali from Bogota is by taking a flight, which takes about 1 hour.

Colombia offers a variety of transport methods, and knowing how to use them can greatly enhance your trip. I’m here to guide you through the process and share my experience, providing easy-to-understand tips for traveling from Bogota to Cali smoothly and safely!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Bogota to Cali.

Transportation Options from Bogota to Cali

The following table outlines all transportation options from Bogota to Cali:

Method	Time	Price
Bus from Bogota to Cali	10.5-11 hrs	$26 to 36
Bogota to Cali Private Transfer	~10 hrs	–
Flight from Bogota to Cali	~1 hr	+$40
Rental Car	~10 hrs	–

How far is Cali from Bogota?

The distance from Bogota to Cali is 313.4 miles or 504.4 kilometers.

It takes about 10 hours to travel from Bogota to Cali by car.

Getting to Cali from Bogota

1. Luxury Bus from Bogota to Cali

Journey Duration: 10.5-11 hours

A luxury bus is a highly viable transportation option for traveling from Bogota to Cali.

Operated by reputable companies such as Bolivariano and Flota Magdalena, these buses prioritize comfort and convenience, boasting amenities like Wi-Fi, restrooms, reclining seats, and in-bus entertainment. 

They typically run several services daily, making it a flexible choice for any itinerary!

The journey by luxury bus lasts approximately 10.5-11 hours, dependent on the operator and departure time. The scenic route meanders through the majestic landscapes of Colombia, making it an enjoyable option despite the length of travel.

For a more comfortable journey, it is advisable to opt for night buses. This way, you can sleep during the trip and arrive in Cali in the morning, ready to explore the city. 

Prices for a one-way ticket range from USD 23 to USD 74. You can check out the schedules here, and we recommend booking your ticket online in advance, as this is a popular option!

Bogota to Cali Luxury Bus Schedule

The table below displays the luxury bus timetable for trips from Bogota to Cali, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
04:00am	03:00pm	11h	$26
08:00am	07:00pm	11h	$26
09:30am	08:30pm	11h	$26
11:00am	10:00pm	11h	$26
02:00pm	01:00am	11h	$26
06:00pm	05:00am	11h	$26
11:00pm	10:00am	11h	$26
07:00pm	06:00am	11h	$28
08:00pm	07:00am	11h	$28
09:00pm	08:00am	11h	$28
10:00pm	09:00am	11h	$28
06:00pm	05:00am	11h	$36
08:00pm	07:00am	11h	$36

2. Private Transfer from Bogota to Cali

Journey Duration: Custom Time

If comfort, flexibility, and privacy are high on your agenda, a private transfer from Bogota to Cali could be the perfect choice for you!

Private transfers offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need for navigating public transport or waiting at terminals. These services are available 24/7, meaning you can set your departure time based on your schedule.

Depending on the service provider, the journey can take around 10-11 hours, though the exact duration is subject to traffic conditions.

Most vehicles are air-conditioned and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable journey across the approximately 504 kilometers that separate the two cities.

Costs for private transfers can vary significantly based on the vehicle type and the number of passengers, so the more passengers, the more it pays off!

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons!

3. Flight from Bogota to Cali

Journey Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes

Without a doubt, the fastest way to travel from Bogota to Cali is by taking a flight.

Major airlines like Avianca and LATAM offer multiple daily non-stop flights between El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota and Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) in Cali. 

Flight duration is typically just over an hour, which is a significant time saver compared to other modes of transport.

Tickets for these flights can range between USD 40 and USD 80, subject to the time of booking and the season. Early booking often fetches the best rates!

Flights are available throughout the day, from early morning until late evening, providing flexibility to fit your schedule. Remember that luggage restrictions apply, so pack accordingly.

Upon arrival at Cali’s airport, numerous taxi services and car rentals are available for convenient city transfer.

It’s important to note that while flying is the quickest option, it does come with the added tasks of airport transfers and passing through security, so plan your schedule with some buffer time!

4. Driving with Rental Car from Bogota to Cali

Journey Duration: ~10 hours

For those seeking ultimate freedom and flexibility, renting a car for the journey from Bogota to Cali is an excellent option.

This allows you to dictate your own schedule, take spontaneous detours, and explore the landscapes of Colombia at your own pace.

Car rental companies in Bogota offer a variety of vehicles to suit your preferences, with prices typically starting from around USD 40 per day. 

The drive itself takes around 10 hours under normal conditions, covering a distance of about 504 kilometers along the Pan-American Highway. Be prepared for mountainous routes, and remember that road conditions can vary.

Before setting off, ensure you have a valid driver’s license, and it’s strongly recommended to check if an International Driving Permit is required.

We also recommend checking out the options and making your reservation in advance!

Best day tours in Cali, Colombia

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cali, Colombia.

Frequently Asked Questions