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Airport Transportation

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport

Also known as: Barranquilla Airport, BAQ Airport, Barranquilla International Airport, Cortissoz Airport, Aeropuerto de Barranquilla. Formerly Soledad International Airport.

BAQ · SKBQ · Barranquilla

Airport facts

Name
Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport
IATA code
BAQ
ICAO code
SKBQ
City
Barranquilla
Country
Colombia
Coordinates
10.8896, -74.7808
Time zone
America/Bogota
Terminals
One passenger terminal with a domestic pier and an international pier

About Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) is the main airport for Barranquilla, on Colombia's Caribbean coast. It handled more than 3 million passengers in 2025, and since September 2024 it has been operated by Colombia's civil aviation authority, Aerocivil.

Most flights are domestic. Avianca, LATAM Airlines, JetSMART and Wingo link the city with Bogotá and Medellín, while Clic and SATENA fly to smaller regional airports such as Valledupar, Montería, Riohacha and Cúcuta. International routes include Miami on American Airlines and Avianca, Fort Lauderdale on Avianca and JetBlue, Panama City on Copa Airlines and Wingo, and Caribbean islands such as Aruba and Curaçao.

Everything runs from a single passenger terminal with a domestic pier and an international pier, and one runway of 3,000 meters. The airport sits in the municipality of Soledad, about 12 km south of central Barranquilla, so the trip into the city is a short drive along the metro area's main roads.

From the airport, travelers head into Barranquilla itself, especially El Prado, the Malecón on the Magdalena River and the northern hotel districts, or continue by road along the coast to Cartagena, Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Aerocivil, Colombia's civil aviation authority, since September 2024

Passengers per year

More than 3 million in 2025

Runways

One runway, 05/23, 3,000 m long

Location

Soledad, Atlántico, about 12 km from central Barranquilla

Opened

Current airport opened in 1981

Arrival tips for Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport

If you arrive on an international flight, you clear Colombian immigration first. Migración Colombia's Check-MIG form is no longer mandatory for air travel, but it is still recommended and can be completed online between 72 hours and one hour before your flight.

After passport control, collect your bags in the baggage hall and pass through customs before exiting into the public arrivals area. Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim. The terminal is compact, so the walk from the gate to the exit is short.

Outside the terminal exit you will find car rental offices and the taxi waiting area. Use the official taxi line rather than accepting offers from people approaching you inside the hall, and confirm the fare before you set off. Pre-booked drivers usually wait in the public arrivals area with a name sign.

Barranquilla is hot and humid all year, so dress light. The city runs on Colombia time (UTC-5, no daylight saving time), and the currency is the Colombian peso (COP).

Ground transportation

An official taxi or a pre-arranged car is the simplest way for most travelers to reach Barranquilla or the coast.

  • Taxi from Barranquilla airport

    Taxis wait in the official taxi area just outside the terminal exit. They are the most direct option into Barranquilla, but surcharges apply at night, on Sundays and on holidays, so confirm the fare first.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked driver meets you in the arrivals area and takes you straight to your hotel. This suits late arrivals, groups and longer trips to Cartagena or Santa Marta, though it needs to be arranged ahead.

  • Rideshare

    Apps such as Uber, Cabify, DiDi and inDrive operate in Barranquilla. Uber works in a legal gray area in Colombia, so pickups at the curb can be less predictable than an official taxi.

  • Rental car

    Rental car offices are located in the public area outside the terminal. Driving gives you freedom for coastal trips to Cartagena or Santa Marta, but city traffic in Barranquilla can be heavy.

  • Intercity bus to Santa Marta or Cartagena

    Companies such as Berlinas, Marsol and Brasilia run buses between Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Cartagena. They leave from the city rather than the airport, so you first need a taxi to the departure point.

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Terminals

Main Terminal

Handles all scheduled passenger flights, with domestic flights at one pier and international flights at the other. A separate older building is used for cargo.

Airlines and destinations

The main airlines at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport.

American Airlines Main Terminal

Miami

Airline guide

Avianca Main Terminal

Bogotá, Cali, Medellín, Miami, Fort Lauderdale

Airline guide

Clic Main Terminal

Medellín (Olaya Herrera), Montería, Valledupar

Copa Airlines Main Terminal

Panama City (Tocumen)

Airline guide

JetBlue Main Terminal

Fort Lauderdale

Airline guide

JetSMART Main Terminal

Bogotá, Medellín

Airline guide

LATAM Airlines Main Terminal

Bogotá, Medellín, San Andrés

Airline guide

SATENA Main Terminal

Aguachica, Cúcuta, Medellín (Olaya Herrera), Riohacha

Wingo Main Terminal

Aruba, Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Medellín, Panama City (Balboa), San Andrés

Airline guide

Z Air Main Terminal

Curaçao

Frequently asked questions

How far is Barranquilla airport from the city center?

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport is about 12 km from central Barranquilla. It sits in the neighboring municipality of Soledad, south of the city, so reaching downtown, El Prado or the northern hotel districts is a short drive by taxi, rideshare or private car. Traffic in the metro area can add time at rush hour.

Is Barranquilla airport in Barranquilla?

Not technically. The airport is in Soledad, a separate municipality in the department of Atlántico that borders Barranquilla to the south. Soledad is part of the Barranquilla metropolitan area, which is why the airport is known as Barranquilla Airport and is the main air gateway for the city.

How many terminals does Barranquilla airport have?

Barranquilla airport has one passenger terminal. Inside it, domestic flights use one pier and international flights use another, so both kinds of passengers share the same building, entrances and arrivals exit. An older separate building is used as the cargo terminal and is not open to passengers.

Which airlines fly to Barranquilla airport?

Avianca, LATAM Airlines, JetSMART and Wingo connect Barranquilla with Bogotá, Medellín and other Colombian cities, while Clic and SATENA serve smaller regional airports. International flights include American Airlines and Avianca to Miami, JetBlue and Avianca to Fort Lauderdale, Copa Airlines and Wingo to Panama City, and Z Air to Curaçao. All flights use the single terminal.

Are there taxis at Barranquilla airport?

Yes. Taxis wait in the official taxi area just outside the terminal exit. Use this line rather than accepting offers from people inside the arrivals hall, and agree on the fare before you leave. Expect a surcharge at night, on Sundays and on public holidays, which is standard for taxis in Barranquilla.

Is there public transport from Barranquilla airport?

There is no dedicated airport train or express bus. Barranquilla's Transmetro bus system and city buses run in the metro area, but they are hard to use with luggage and do not give a simple link from the terminal. Most travelers take a taxi, a rideshare or a pre-arranged car into the city.

Can I use Uber at Barranquilla airport?

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify, DiDi and inDrive operate in Barranquilla, and many travelers use them from the airport. Uber operates in a legal gray area in Colombia, so drivers may ask you to sit in the front seat or meet slightly away from the taxi line. An official taxi is the more predictable option.

Do I need to fill in Check-MIG to fly into Barranquilla?

Check-MIG is no longer mandatory for entering or leaving Colombia by air, according to 2026 reporting on Migración Colombia's rules. It is still recommended because it can speed up immigration checks. The free form can be completed online between 72 hours and one hour before your flight. Visa rules depend on your nationality.

How far is Barranquilla airport from Cartagena?

Cartagena is roughly two hours or more by road from Barranquilla, heading southwest along the Caribbean coast. From the airport you can go by taxi, rental car or pre-arranged transfer, or take a taxi into Barranquilla and catch an intercity bus there. Travel time depends on traffic leaving the Barranquilla metro area.

How do I get from Barranquilla airport to Santa Marta?

Santa Marta is roughly two hours by road east of Barranquilla, and Tayrona National Park lies beyond it. You can drive or use a pre-arranged transfer straight from the airport, or take a taxi to an intercity bus departure in Barranquilla, where companies such as Berlinas, Marsol and Brasilia run regular services.

What is the time zone and currency in Barranquilla?

Barranquilla uses Colombia time, UTC-5, all year, with no daylight saving time. The currency is the Colombian peso (COP), and cash is still common for taxis and small purchases. The climate is hot and humid throughout the year, so light clothing is the norm when you land.

Who operates Barranquilla airport and how busy is it?

Since September 1, 2024, Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport has been operated by Aerocivil, Colombia's civil aviation authority, after the end of the private concession. The airport handled more than 3 million passengers in 2025, and Aerocivil and the national infrastructure agency are planning further upgrades to the terminal.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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