Users generally appreciate the comfort and cleanliness of the buses, with features like reclining seats and effective air conditioning enhancing their travel experience. However, a common concern is that buses often run late or take longer than expected to reach destinations. Despite these delays being noted frequently, many still regard the service as reliable overall.
Unitransco Cartagena Santa Marta recent customer reviews
The bus was delayed by 1 hour and 15 minutes. The journey took 1 hour and 30 minutes longer than described.
1 out of 5 stars
Dexter M.
It was my worst experience in Colombia so far. The route, which was supposed to last less than 4 hours, ultimately lasted almost 8. Because of this, I did not make it to the next bus and I was forced to cover the costs of the additional accommodation. Then it turned out that more tickets were sold than free seats, some people had to stand, I was sitted next to the driver, thanks to which I had the opportunity to watch how all the way I wrote text messages and called on the phone. I don't recommend it.
1 out of 5 stars
Michał W.
Worst experience of my life. I am travelling since 2 pm from Cartagena and still I have 2 hours more.. everyone was really rude with me, and they didn't even made me a proper ticket which gave me many problems.
Based on 22 reviews, the company was rated 3.7 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the departure location and the staff but often complained with the power outlets. MarSol ticket prices on this trip start at R 453
MarSol Cartagena Santa Marta recent customer reviews
MarSol is extremely unorganized and sketchy. The front desk made me send my bus ticket to their WhatsApp number. This is weird. I sent a screenshot but they demanded the PDF. Many of the seats didn't have seatbelts, which is illegal. The driver took off while the sliding door was still open and I could have fallen out of the van while it was moving. There were a bunch of random and weird stops. The driver picked up 2 hitchhikers randomly. At another stop, a random MarSol employer came into the van with a notepad and promptly left. The driver stopped at another location to give random things to another MarSol employee. He pulled over on the side of the highway but the van still partly on the highway. Everything was so weird and sketchy.
1 out of 5 stars
Samuel J.
Friedly staff, super clean bus, cozy seat - absoluty great :)
Many users have praised the bus service for its comfortable seats, effective air conditioning, and smooth check-in process. The drivers are often noted as professional and safe. However, some reviews mention issues such as buses arriving late or making unannounced stops that extend travel time. Additionally, there were occasional reports of non-functional amenities like Wi-Fi not working despite being advertised on board. Despite these minor concerns, many passengers expressed satisfaction with their overall experience and would consider using this service again.
Expreso Brasilia Cartagena Santa Marta recent customer reviews
Awful - started the day with a 1hr30 min delay which we were only told about when we arrived at the bus terminal. Then what was supposed to be a 4.5hr journey, turned into an 8 hr one. Very slow and super long day.
1 out of 5 stars
Frances S.
Comfortable seats and aircon wasn’t polar, so journey was good! Would use this company again.
5 out of 5 stars
Cameron P.
Le temps était beaucoup trop long. Nous devions arriver à 19h15 et nous sommes arrivés à 23h c’est inadmissible.
According to 94 reviews, Copetran received a 3-star rating for this journey. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the cleanliness, but some complained about the timeliness. Copetran ticket prices on this trip start at R 268
Copetran Cartagena Santa Marta recent customer reviews
It was very bad. I tried to contact customer support over and over to try to change my ticket because it was purchased for the wrong day
1 out of 5 stars
Joseph H.
The bus was late 1.30 hours and everybody was completely freezing the whole time…
1 out of 5 stars
Ioanna P.
Journey was advertised as 4 hours and took 6.5 hours. Stopped at lots of informal bus stops and was being used by farmers to transport 50kg sacks of vegetables. Couldn't even reach the bathroom at the back of the bus without having to ask farmers to move their vegetables out of the bathroom. Tried to sleep, but the driver was playing their music so loud, we couldn't. Use Marsol or Berlinas instead for the Cartagena to Santa Marta journey.
The bus service generally provides comfortable seating and effective air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. However, several users have noted delays in departure and arrival times, as well as issues with the toilets not functioning properly. Additionally, there were instances of unexpected bus changes during trips.
Almirante Padilla S.A. Cartagena Santa Marta recent customer reviews
Other bus thank booked. Uncomfortable and with many stops. Took us more than 6 hours
1 out of 5 stars
Max O.
bus left 2 hours after the stated time and took 8 hours instead of 5 as was advertised.
1 out of 5 stars
Rebecca B.
The bus was old, dirty, cramped and uncomfortable. We’d booked seats but it was a free for all so we were not sat together.
A good way to travel this route is with Berlitur buses. The company offers 4 daily departures, with ticket prices starting at R 315 and the shortest trip taking about 388. Berlitur gets you where you want to go for a fair price.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cartagena, CO to Santa Marta, CO by bus
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
The cheapest bus tickets from Cartagena to Santa Marta start at R 245. The average price for this route is around R 318. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
The average bus journey time from Cartagena to Santa Marta is 5h, covering a distance of 171 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 3h 30m and is operated by Copetran.
Which bus companies service the Cartagena to Santa Marta route?
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
The earliest bus departs from Cartagena to Santa Marta at 01:30. And the latest bus departs at 23:15.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
A bus trip from Cartagena to Santa Marta produces an estimated 4 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
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 Cartagena to Santa Marta?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Copetran has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 1.3.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Cartagena to Santa Marta?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual 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 Cartagena to Santa Marta?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Copetran, with a cleanliness rating of 4.1 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
05/12
R 252
06/12
R 252
Today
R 235
08/12
R 235
09/12
R 235
10/12
R 235
11/12
R 235
12/12
R 235
The cheapest trip from Cartagena, CO to Santa Marta, CO was searched and found on 07 Dec 2025 with a price of R 235
To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Cartagena, CO to Santa Marta, CO as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 235 to R 434 for a bus ticket from Cartagena, CO to Santa Marta, CO based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 235, which is on 2025-12-08.
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 Cartagena, CO to Santa Marta, CO was searched and found on 07 Dec 2025 with a price of R 235
