Getting around Bogota

Any trip to Bogota will involve taxis, buses and the Transmilenio bendy bus system. It is relatively easy to find your way about once you have mastered the Carrera and Calle grid system. Put simply, Carreras are big avenues that run north/south and Calles are streets that run east/west.

Yellow official taxis are more than abundant in Bogota and trips are inexpensive. All taxis must have a price card inside the driver will refer to. After 20:00 and on holidays, festivals and trips to the airport the price increases slightly.
Yellow Cabs can be called on 211 11 11 or 311 11 11.

Buses require a little more work and can be terrifying as they hurtle round corners at breakneck speeds, screeching to a halt whenever someone hails them. There are official bus stops but the drivers have yet to take this novelty on board! Each bus has a semi legible board propped in its windscreen giving its route. If in doubt ask the driver or a friendly passer by. Day prices range from COP1,000 to 1,200 and increase slightly after 20:00.

The Transmilenio system is fast, clean and efficient but limited in its range. Built to function more as a metro system, it runs both express and local services. Avoid this form of transport at rush hours as it is not dissimilar to London's tube at like hours - overcrowded and tense. A single journey currently costs COP1,300.
For more information see www.transmilenio.gov.co/transmilenio/home_english.htm

In order to travel in-country, unless you fly you will undoubtedly head to the Terminal de Transporte, a massive bus station where you will be able to find a bus going to any location you could possibly desire. For more information www.terminaldetransporte.gov.co

Richard McColl