How to Navigate Bogotá: Transportation Tips and Insights

The traffic may be anarchic and there’s no citywide subway system, but Bogotá is still a relatively easy place to traverse.

Two 21st-century innovations have notably eased the gridlock: a comprehensive web of designated bike lanes (over 500km/310 miles of them), and a slick integrated bus system known as the TransMilenio. Taxis can help fill gaps when time is of the essence, while many of the main attractions in the historic quarter of Candelaria can be navigated on foot.

For a different perspective, consider taking a cable car or cable railway to the top of Cerro de Monserrate, the city’s sentinel mountain.

Join the Locals on the TransMilenio

Bogotá’s BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system is modeled after a pioneering network first piloted in Curitiba, Brazil, in the 1970s. The TransMilenio employs large articulated buses operating in specially dedicated lanes, mimicking an above-ground metro system. For ease of boarding and alighting, the buses utilize specially designed stations with raised platforms to increase the speed of boarding. When full, these buses can carry up to 270 passengers. As of 2023, nearly half of the city’s fleet of 3,300 buses is electric.

Launched in 2000, the TransMilenio network comprises 12 lines and 152 stations spread over 114km (70 miles). A fleet of smaller “feeder” buses that share the roads with cars connects to areas where the TransMilenio doesn’t reach.

To ride the TransMilenio, purchase a smartcard called Tullave for COP$7000. This contactless card can be loaded and recharged at any bus station. Fares are relatively affordable at COP$2950 per ride. However, services can become notoriously crowded, especially during rush hour.

Take a Special Heritage Train to the Catedral de Sal

A private company operates a weekend-only heritage train from Bogotá’s neoclassical Sabana station to the town of Zipaquira, 42km (26 miles) north of the capital, home to the famous subterranean salt cathedral. The train stops at Usaquén en route, making it a delightful journey.

Sabana station is conveniently located in the Los Mártires neighborhood, a 20-minute walk from Candelaria’s main square.

Three Ways to Climb a Mountain

The Cerro Monserrate rises steeply above the rooftops and skyscrapers of downtown Bogotá, crowned by a handsome basilica and a pilgrimage site. Scaling this mountain has become a rite of passage for residents and visitors alike.

There are several ways to ascend. The most energetic route is a paved path with sporadic steps that climbs 500 vertical meters over 2.5km (1.5 miles). However, Bogotá’s altitude means the air is thin; thus, acclimatization is crucial before attempting the climb.

If you’d like to conserve your energy, consider taking a funicular (cable railway) or a teleférico (cable car). They operate at different times: the funicular carries morning passengers (until noon), while the teleférico handles the afternoon shift. Both leave from a short uphill walk from Parque de los Periodistas.

The footpath up the mountain closes at 1pm, and most locals start hiking early, as it opens at 5am.

Fill in the Gaps with a Taxi

Bogotá’s fleet of Korean-made yellow taxis is generally safe, reliable, and inexpensive for getting around the city.

It isn’t recommended to wave down a taxi in the street unless you are with a local — and certainly not after dark. When you do so, you’re not registered and forfeit all security measures. The best approach is to ask someone at your accommodation or restaurant to book one for you. Catching a taxi from the airport arrivals area is generally safe.

Uber and other taxi apps currently operate in Bogotá. However, be aware that there have been temporary service suspensions due to past protests and legal issues, so it’s advisable to check before setting out.

Rent Two Wheels in One of South America’s Great Cycling Cities

Famous for its revolutionary Ciclovia, when the city closes 127km (79 miles) of its roads to motorized vehicles every Sunday, Bogotá stands out as one of the world’s great cycling metropolises. With 550km (342 miles) of interconnected ciclorutas (cycling lanes), many separated from traffic, cyclists can navigate with minimal disruption.

Renting bikes is readily available, making it easy to join the locals on their cycling excursions. Participating in Sunday’s Ciclovia (7am-2pm) transforms the city from a stressed-out traffic hub to a carefree street festival for seven blissful hours. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Driving a Car? Think Again

Renting a car solely to get around Bogotá isn’t recommended. If you’re from outside South America, you’ll quickly discover that driving here can be daunting. Bogotá ranks as one of the most congested cities in the world, according to the 2022 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard. The average resident spends 94 hours a year in traffic; therefore, it’s best to avoid the stress of driving.

Accessible Transportation in Bogotá

The TransMilenio system boasts relatively good wheelchair accessibility, albeit with a few caveats. Most stations have ramps, and all buses have at least one designated wheelchair space. Entry to platforms is similar to that of subway trains, but some stations might present a small gap between the bus and the platform.

The funicular and cable car on Monserrate are both wheelchair accessible, and the trails on the mountaintop are equipped with step-bypassing ramps, although some of them are steep.