Last Updated on June 8, 2018 by Bryony Clapperton
Let’s talk about flying in Colombia. When a 20+ hour bus ride costs the same as a two hour flight you’d be more than foolish to take the bus. Yes, you can fly in Colombia. This may come as a shock to you as almost everyone you meet will tell you that flying in South America is impossible due to how expensive it is. This is everything you need to know about hacking Colombia’s European airline inspired budget airlines.
Flying in Colombia as part of the Travellers Insight series
FLYING IN COLOMBIA
You can fly in Colombia for cheap I know this because I’ve done it and this is some of my travellers insight and knowledge. We chose to fly from Barranquilla, Colombia to Medellin, Colombia – Escobar’s stomping ground. The words Zona Rosa and El Poblado were fresh in our minds from recommendations of the people we’d met in Cartagena. We booked a bargain flight in Colombia and you should consider doing the same!
Travellers insight: Colombia has its own range of budget airlines
The one thing to keep in mind when you’re travelling in Colombia is that air travel is possible, unlike in the rest of South America. You can fly in Colombia in true budget airline style. South American air travel is usually very expensive which puts off most travellers flying in this area, but Colombia is different.
There are few airlines that operate in South America and quite obviously these airlines monopolies the market, controlling prices and charging whatever they want to us little tourists. This is essentially why air travel is so impossible in this part of the world for backpackers and budget travellers. I hear this trend has slowly found its way to Bolivia and neighbouring countries could soon also offer flying alternatives in South America. Let’s hope so.
Travellers insight: This is not Ryanair and baggage is usually included
AIRLINES AND BOOKING TIPS FOR FLYING INTERNALLY IN COLOMBIA
VivaColombia and CopaAirlines both offer bargain internal Colombia flights. This is worth knowing and something we had no idea of when we arrived in Colombia. These airlines operate like the budget airlines in Europe that we all know and love. But baggage is usually included, which is a bonus in my eyes.
We’d dreaded the big bus rides in Colombia knowing our biggest would be from Santa Marta in the North of the country to Bogota or Medellin in the centre. Like most people we were dreading the winding roads and lack of real food associated with South American bus travel. After some debate we opted out of Bogota and chose to go to Medellin. Everyone had told us Medellin was the place to be in Colombia. From slightly distasteful Pablo Escobar tours to very tasty restaurants in the El Poblado zone. We were sold, we’d fly to Medellin.
Travellers insight: Book online last minute and still find a bargain
We booked our flight at the very last minute for January 1st – New Year’s Day. An impossible day to fly within Europe. We were pleasantly surprised at the value and efficiency of this flight. Despite nearly missing it we arrived in Medellin in one piece.
If you’re heading to Colombia and don’t fancy 15+ hour bus drives across treacherous terrain then definitely plan ahead and check Colombia flight schedules. Utilize this because you can’t fly cheaply anywhere else in South America.
A 20-something travel blogger based in Liverpool. Covering all things from Latin America to Liverpool local guides and everything in between.
have many friends that travel to south america for the winter or mission field it is something that they enjoy doing glad that it seems to be getting easier
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You sold me at 15+ hour treacherous bus ride. Will definitely fly if I visit Colombia.
It really amazes me how today flight are either the same price as bus/train rides, or even cheaper! You just have to put some time and effort to find the right offer.
Hope you had a great time there!
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These are some great tips for a place I am looking forward to visiting soon.
I guess we are a little bit less worldly traveled as you guys. The furthest south we get currently is just to around Cancun or Riviera Maya. Maybe we will adventure a little further south next time!
I had no idea this was an issue. Sure would like to know more about why it's thought you can't fly there.
Great tip. Definitely want to visit Colombia one day. Will keep this in mind. Thank you for sharing your experience
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It's definitely a better choice to fly if there's an option and if it's just the same price as taking the bus. I think this would make a great guide for people traveling to Colombia! Good to know!
I haven't traveled out of the country so I wasn't aware that flying in South America was not easy. It is great that you were able to fly in Columbia for a good price and avoid the bus ride.
Traveling is never easy. Thanks for the tips!
My husband and I love to travel. Great tip. Thanks.
Traveling is so much fun, I love seeing new places and things! Colombia sounds amazing!
Thanks! Really appreciate your comment.
It's mainly due to the aviation market being highly monopolised. A couple of companies who control the market and therefore prices! Flights will cost you a fortune!
Columbia looks like a nice place! I will put it on my travel bucket list for next year.
I can't wait to fly in that place! How I wish I have more money to travel around the world!
the hubs travels a lot to South America and he has been on a few of those long bus rides. He hasn't been there in a while, I am making sure he takes the flight next time
Thank you for the great travel tips! I always love reading about travel because I do not get to travel very much.
Thanks for the tips. People don't realize that they can usually go just about anywhere for up just a little cheaper!
Thanks for the tips. People don't realize that they can usually go just about anywhere for up just a little cheaper!
I think were just so used to budget airlines. Thanks for your comment 🙂
Amazing, thanks for your comment! Check out the rest of my content, its all travel related 🙂
Then you definitely need to share this little trick with him!
Thanks for your comment.
No worries!
Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, definitely getting much easier to get around in that part of the world.
Exactly, its incredible really.
We love traveling a lot & I would like to visit Colombia some time soon with my husband. These are some Some great tips that could come handy that time to find the best travel deals!
I hope you get to visit Colombia soon. Cartagena is especially amazing. It's a wonderful country.