3 Best Ways to get from Bogota to Salento, Colombia

You can get from Bogota to Salento by bus + shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.

The cheapest option to travel from Bogota to Salento is by bus + shared shuttle, which costs USD 59. The journey takes 9 hours.

The most popular option is also the bus + shared shuttle, offering a convenient transport alternative along that includes one vehicle transfer in Armenia for one price!

The fastest way to travel to Salento from Bogota is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 7.5 hrs.

Exploring Colombia, I’ve come to understand the dos and don’ts of its transit system. This article cuts straight to the chase, offering clear guidance on the best travel options from Bogota to Salento, saving you time and hassle!

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

Transportation Options from Bogota to Salento

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

Method	Time	Price
Bus + Shuttle from Bogota to Salento	9 hrs	$59
Bogota to Salento Private Transfer	~7.5 hrs	–
Rental Car	~7.5 hrs	–

How far is Salento from Bogota?

The distance from Bogota to Salento is 189 miles or 304.4 kilometers.

Traveling from Bogota to Salento takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes by car.

Getting to Salento from Bogota

1. Coach Bus + Shared Shuttle from Bogota to Salento

Journey Duration: 9 hours

The first and one of the most cost-effective options for traveling from Bogota to Salento is a coach bus.

The tickets for these coach buses cost only USD 27, but be aware these buses will only take you to Armenia, a nearby city, and not all the way to Salento.

Bogota to Armenia Coach Bus Schedule

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

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
05:30am	11:30am	6h	$25
01:15pm	08:15pm	7h	$25
11:00pm	07:05am	8h 5m	$25
08:30am	04:30pm	8h	$27
09:30pm	05:30am	8h	$27
11:30pm	07:30am	8h	$27

The coach bus takes 8 hours to get from Bogota to Armenia, and once you’re there, you will either have to find another mode of transportation, like a taxi, that will take you to Salento, or you can book this combined coach bus + shared shuttle ticket, that will have your whole trip taken care of!

By booking this ticket for one price of USD 59, you get a coach bus ride to Armenia and then a shared shuttle to Salento.

Flota Magdalena operates the bus service and offers three daily departures from Bogota’s main terminal, Terminal de Transporte. The ride to Armenia typically lasts about 8 hours.

Once in Armenia, the journey is continued with a shared shuttle, or ‘colectivo,’ to Salento, which takes an additional hour. 

These shuttles run from the Armenia bus terminal and can be easily identified, as they are already organized to pick you up!

While the bus seats are generally comfortable, bringing snacks, a water bottle, and perhaps a book or downloading some podcasts for the journey is wise.

Remember to keep an eye on your luggage and carry valuable items, as with any public transportation.

Check out the schedules and book your Bus + Shared Shuttle ticket here!

Bogota to Salento Coach Bus + Shared Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the coach bus + shared shuttle timetable for trips from Bogota to Salento, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
08:30am	05:30pm	9h	$59
09:30pm	06:30am	9h	$59
11:30pm	08:30am	9h	$59

2. Private Transfer from Bogota to Salento

Journey Duration: Custom Time

For those seeking convenience and comfort, a private transfer from Bogota to Salento is an excellent choice.

This mode of transport provides the most direct, hassle-free route, eliminating the need to navigate public transit or transfer at Armenia. 

Depending on your chosen service, private transfer prices can vary greatly.

This cost may seem higher compared to other modes of transport, but it becomes relatively affordable if you’re traveling in a group since you can split the fare.

Various companies offer private transfer services, and most allow you to book online in advance.

The journey’s duration will vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but it typically takes around 7-8 hours. This option allows you to set your departure time and pause the journey for breaks.

Remember to confirm the total price, including any tolls, when booking to avoid unexpected costs. Ensure the company you choose is reputable, with good reviews for safety and reliability!

3. Driving with Rental Car from Bogota to Salento

Journey Duration: ~7 hours 30 minutes

Renting a car offers another feasible option for the journey from Bogota to Salento, providing the ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. 

Several international and local car rental companies are available in Bogota, offering vehicles at affordable prices! 

The drive from Bogota to Salento is approximately 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The route is relatively straightforward, following the Autopista del Café through Armenia before turning off to Salento.

Note that Colombian roads can be mountainous and winding, so ensure you’re comfortable with these conditions before setting off.

If you’re up for the adventure and confident in your driving skills, a rental car provides an excellent way to soak up Colombia’s scenic landscapes en route to Salento!

Best day tours in Salento, 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.

Here, you can find some of the best tours in Salento, Colombia.

Frequently Asked Questions