Bogota - Getting Around Colombia's Capital City
A Brief Guide to Public Transport in Bogota
Dec 7, 2008
Bogota sprawls, it tumbles, its high rise apartments constructed of brick and glass flatter to deceive and the "invasiones" in the South - where many of Colombia's internally displaced people make their homes - bring one back to reality. From the colonial Candelaria in the centro to the chic bars in the North and the El Dorado Airport to the Central Bus Terminal, tourists can easily lose their way and become irrevocably confused in what seems like a chaotic city.
Getting Around Bogota
There are in reality three forms of getting about the city, with a little patience and tutoring they all become viable options.
Bogota Yellow Taxis
Yellow cabs are prevalent and cheap. They run on a meter - so be sure to check that the driver has turned his on - which then corresponds to a price chart that the driver should had visibly displayed within the cab. At night-time be sure to have the guesthouse or hotel order a taxi from a reputable company or if leaving a club of restaurant be sure to pick one up from a licensed taxi rank. Unfortunately there have been incidents of rogue taxi drivers giving the "paseo millionario" where they work in conjunction with a gang and through nefarious means clean out your bank account. The minimum fare for a cab ride is 3200 pesos, roughly $1.70 and there is an added surcharge for journeys to the Airport or Puente Aereo, Sundays and Public Holidays and any evening after 8.30pm.
Bogotas Chaotic Buses
Bogota's buses come in all shapes and sizes. From the sparkling new blue buses that run the length of the Carrera Septima to some jalopies that really do not appear roadworthy. We recommend that, even if in a hurry, wait for a decent looking bus rather than the first wreck that comes along. Each bus has its destination clearly marked on the front window and if still in doubt do not hesitate to ask the driver. A bus fare costs 1200 pesos, roughly 0.60 cents and this prices increases on Public Holidays and Sundays. The only draw back about riding the bus is that given the traffic situation in Bogota your journey could be a long one. Be certain to keep an eye on all personal items and belongings.
Bogota's Transmilenio Bendy Bus System
Bogota's bendy bus system has so many flaws it is hard to know where to start but all of its faults aside it can be the fastest way to make it around Bogota. The red buses have their own lane and their stations are enclosed and safe, so ending up in the wrong part of town by mistake does not present a risk, just stay within the station and ask one of the policemen in attendance. Running mainly from North to South, there are fast buses that do not stop in every station and therefore cut the journey time by two thirds and then there are those that stop everywhere. The maps and bus numbers are inexplicably difficult to understand but with some time one gets the hang of it. If planning some day trips from Bogota, or on going to Villa de Leyva we recommend taking the Transmilenio to the Portal del Norte and then catching an easily signposted bus from there. This cuts out unnecessary travel and delays in going to the Bus Terminal. A single fare costs 1500 pesos.
Other Points to Remember
If staying either in the Zona Rosa in the North of Bogota or in the historic Candelaria then most points of interest can be explored on foot.
It is worth noting that on Friday evenings the Carrera 7 near to the Candelaria is blocked off and made available as a pedestrian thoroughfare.
Also on Sundays until 2pm many of the city's major arteries are converted in bicycle lanes.
Do not forget that on weekdays at 5pm the contraflujo comes into play until 8pm and effectively turns Bogota's traffic inside out in an attempt to speed up the commuter traffic leaving the city. The Carrera Septima becomes a one way four lane higway heading North.
