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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Southwest Colombia, Colombia

Air Travel

Airport & Routes

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) serves Cali. It is in Palmira, approximately 20-30 minutes northeast of central Cali. CLO is Colombia's third busiest airport.

Connections

  • Domestic flights to Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla (Avianca, LATAM, Wingo).
  • Direct international flights from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York (Avianca, Spirit, JetBlue).
  • Copa Airlines provides connections via Panama City from North, Central, and South America.

Flight Pricing & Facilities

Flight prices vary seasonally. Higher fares appear during peak season (December-January, especially Feria de Cali) and major holidays. Lower fares often present during the rainy months (April-June, September-November).

Airport Services

  • CLO offers restaurants, duty-free shops, currency exchange, and ATMs.
  • Free Wi-Fi is generally available for passenger use.
  • Car rental agencies operate desks within the airport terminal.

Flight Deals

Discover affordable flight options using services like Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Search

Compare flight prices and find routes using search engines like Skyscanner.

Car Rental Search

Find car rental deals with DiscoverCars.com for independent travel.

Airport Transfers

Transfer Options from CLO

  • Taxi: Official yellow taxis outside arrivals. Agree on fare beforehand. Approx. $15-25 USD to central Cali.
  • Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber, Didi, Cabify are present. Check app for specific pickup points and fare estimates.
  • Private Transfers: Pre-book through hotels or tour agencies for convenience. Driver meets you inside the terminal.
  • Public Bus: Least convenient for tourists; involves transfers to the MIO system.

Departure Planning

  • Airport Arrival: 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
  • Exit Fees: Often included in international flight tickets. Confirm with airline. If not, pay at airport.
  • Confirm Transfer: Reconfirm your airport transfer details (time, location) before departure.
  • Factor in potential traffic, especially during rush hour.

Land Transportation Overview

Long-Distance Buses

Buses are the main intercity travel method. Cali's Terminal de Transporte serves routes across Colombia. Major companies: Expreso Palmira, Bolivariano. Book in advance for popular routes.

Self-Driving

Car rental is possible (Hertz, Avis, Localiza). Valid driver's license and International Driving Permit are useful. Self-driving in cities is not often recommended due to challenging traffic. Drive during daylight outside major cities.

Road Conditions

Major highways are generally fair to good. Expect potholes, unmarked speed bumps, and aggressive driving. Rural roads vary. Drive with caution, especially at night.

Bus Travel Routes

Northbound Routes

Connect to major cities and coffee regions.

Destinations & Times

  • To Bogotá: Approximately 9-12 hours.
  • To Medellín: Approximately 8-10 hours.
  • To Armenia/Salento (Coffee Axis): Approximately 3-4 hours.

Southbound Routes

Connect to southern Colombia and the Ecuadorian border.

Destinations & Times

  • To Pasto: Approximately 8-10 hours (gateway to Ipiales).
  • To Popayán: Approximately 2-3 hours (popular day trip).
  • Border Crossing (Ecuador): Near Ipiales. Requires standard immigration procedures.

Bus Travel Comfort

Bus types range from basic economy to more luxurious "Plus" or "Premium" options.

Premium Features

  • Larger, reclining seats for enhanced comfort.
  • More legroom for longer journeys.
  • Air conditioning.

Bus Terminal Access

Cali's main bus terminal, Terminal de Transporte Cali, is large and well-organized for intercity travel.

Booking & Facilities

  • Purchase tickets directly at the terminal or online.
  • Book in advance for popular routes, peak seasons, or holidays.
  • Terminal offers waiting areas, food stalls, shops, and ticket counters.

Driving Safety Alerts

  • Self-driving within Cali is not often recommended for tourists due to complex traffic.
  • Be prepared for aggressive driving and a high volume of motorcycles weaving through traffic.
  • Avoid driving long distances at night, especially outside major cities.
  • Roads can have potholes and unmarked speed bumps (resaltos).
  • Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic for security.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals are less common for tourists in Cali; major safety concerns.

Arrival and Departure Insights

Airport Arrival Guidance

Upon arrival at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO), proceed to immigration control. Present your passport and any required documentation.

Checklist

  • Ensure your passport stamp is clear and accurate with your permitted stay duration.
  • Keep your boarding pass until you clear immigration.
  • ATMs are available for Colombian Pesos.

Airport Departure Process

For international flights, arrive at CLO at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually enough. Add extra time during peak travel seasons or early mornings.

Departure Steps

  • Allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and immigration processing.
  • Confirm if your international flight ticket includes the exit tax; otherwise, pay at the airport.
  • Confirm your airport transfer details (time, location) before departure.

Smooth Check-in

Arrive with sufficient time for all pre-flight procedures.

Exit Tax Awareness

Confirm if the exit tax is included in your ticket to avoid last-minute payments.

Transfer Confirmation

Always reconfirm your airport transfer details well in advance.

Navigating the Terminal

Airport Facilities

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) offers a variety of services for departing travelers.

At Your Service

  • Check-in counters for various airlines and baggage drop-off points.
  • Restaurants and cafes for dining before your flight.
  • Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.

Bus Terminal Facilities

Cali's Terminal de Transporte provides comprehensive services for bus passengers.

Terminal Amenities

  • Waiting areas and numerous food stalls.
  • Convenience shops for travel necessities.
  • Ticket counters for various bus companies.

Departure Preparation

International Departures

Expect immigration control after security for international flights.

Gate Information

Departure gates are clearly marked within the airport.

Bus Boarding

Arrive at the bus terminal 30-60 minutes before departure to find your platform.

Departure Checklist

Verify flight/bus times, confirm transfers, and allow sufficient time at the airport or terminal.

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