Rafael Nuñez International Airport
CTGCartagena, Colombia
Comprehensive travel guide to Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena, Colombia. Learn about location, amenities, transport, and the vibrant Caribbean region.
4.1/ 5(16k)Major hubScheduled serviceICAO SKCG622 word guide
Departures & Arrivals
TimeToTermStatus
Loading schedule…
Schedule data · AeroDataBox · times in airport local time
Loading performance snapshot…
Airport at a glance
- Google rating
- 4.1/5 · 16,467 reviews
- Phone
- +57 56931351
- Official site
- aeropuertocartagena.com.co
- Time zone
- America/Bogota
- Address
- Crespo Calle 70, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia
Quick Facts
- IATA
- CTG
- ICAO
- SKCG
- Rating
- 4.1 / 5
- Type
- Major hub
- Scheduled
- Yes
- Elevation
- 4 ft
- Coordinates
- 10.446, -75.516
Confirmed amenities
8 features verified at Rafael Nuñez International Airport
Service options
- On-site services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Baggage storage
- Toilet
Children
- Has changing table(s)
Parking
- Paid parking lot
When is Rafael Nuñez International Airport busiest?
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Peak hours overall
6 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm
12am6am12pm6pm11pm
Busiest on Mondays around 6 pm — usually as busy as it gets.
Quiet Normal Busy Very busy
Traveller reviews
4.116,467 reviews on Google
biosecurity·132income·104naval boarding·41facilities·30orderliness·29urban infrastructure·24migration·16face mask·16
- WiWillie BLocal guideMar 2025
MAKE SURE YOU GET AN EARLY FLIGHT!!!! My flight landed at 2pm along with a spirit flight. It took us 4 hours to get through customs. The reason I found was that all Americans were forced into one line and any locals were pushed ahead or, I heard, they paid to move ahead. They had 4 machines up front that they closed and four lines open. There was no excuse for the 4 hour wait. The experience was awful and hot!
- CyCya VsqzLocal guideOct 2025
Landing the experience isn't bad at all quick and easy but once you leave you can't come back in. ATMs are in the departure area so once you come out walk down maybe 30 feet and the doors will be to the left in there there will be tables shops and at the far end ATMs. About 7 different ones. Man sure your cards aren't locked for international and it gives you pesos. Once you come out the taxis are lined up harassing you to go with them. If you asked for uber walk pass the taxis since there's a blocked section. Be careful at night since the cops will try to get you to use the taxis there. Leaving I got there at 4 am for a flight at 6 and tsa was empty as well and the complete airport. Only one shop opened to get Johnny cakes and other foods. Waters are from $4-10 depending on brands and only 2 fans. No opened windows. Everything starts opening up around 5:30-6am. There's bathrooms and plenty of seats for flights at that time. Wouldn't mind returning here. Beware: if you are handicap or need wheelchair, you will have to walk up the stairs to get to the airplane. Upon leaving a k9 dog will be walking by your luggage.
- AdAddictedToRaidsLocal guideJun 2025
My experience with this airport is quick with the immigration process. It is a hit or miss depending if there is large influx of arrivals. I can see why people complain The line path is very unorganized and confusing and people started going to area that they are not supposed too. This airport is in serious need to expansion and remodeling for sure. Waiting for 2 hours or more is horrendous for older people. People attempt to seek comfort with VIP. Airport VIP lounge should charge more from these whiny clowns. It is not VIP when so many people can drop money on it so easily . VIP lounge can make more money for real If you sweat easily or sensitive to humidity, this airport might give you a grand heart attack. Restroom stalls are small in some areas of the airport. Good luck if you are fat and/or not flexible. Yes the seats are dirty but that is pretty much everywhere, so boo hoo. If you are easily sick to mold, be prepared to wear a mask and breathe through this amazing heat and humidity. This airport does have to tailor to your needs. People will still pay to arrive here. Cash talks, your BS walks. Living is not for the weak. Welcome to Colombia !
- ChChagai BaderLocal guideOct 2025
Cartagena Airport feels quite outdated and uncomfortable. There are no jet bridges, so passengers must board and exit the plane by walking on the runway and climbing stairs, often under the hot sun. The terminal itself is small and only partially air-conditioned -- the waiting hall has some A/C, but the walk to the plane is completely open-air, which can be exhausting in Cartagena's extreme heat and humidity. Facilities are very basic, and the airport lacks the comfort and modern design you'd expect from a major tourist destination. Overall, it works, but it's clearly time for a serious upgrade to improve travelers' experience.
Overview
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) serves as the main gateway to Cartagena, one of Colombia’s most historic and popular coastal cities. Named after the former Colombian president Rafael Núñez, the airport handles a mix of domestic and international flights, connecting passengers from across the Americas and Europe with the Caribbean coast. It is a medium-sized airport that caters primarily to tourists visiting the walled city and nearby beaches, as well as business travellers. The airport is known for its efficiency and modern facilities, making arrivals and departures relatively smooth.
Location & Access
Rafael Núñez International Airport is located approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) northeast of Cartagena’s historic centre, in the Crespo neighbourhood. The airport’s proximity to the coast means passengers often catch glimpses of the Caribbean Sea during approach. Getting to and from the airport is straightforward. Taxis are the most common mode of transport, with a flat-rate system to popular destinations such as the Old Town (Centro), Bocagrande, and Getsemaní. Ride-sharing apps like Uber also operate in the city. For budget-conscious travellers, local buses and colectivos run along the main road (Avenida Pedro de Heredia) connecting the airport to downtown. Car rental agencies are available at the terminal for those planning to explore the wider region, including the Rosario Islands or the nearby cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta.
Facilities
The airport offers a range of amenities to ensure passenger comfort. Wheelchair accessibility is well provided for, with wheelchair-accessible car parking spaces, entrances, and toilets throughout the terminal. Baggage storage is available for those wanting to explore Cartagena without their luggage before a flight or after arrival. Clean and well-maintained toilets, including baby changing tables, are located in both departure and arrival areas. The airport has a paid parking lot for short-term and long-term stays, conveniently situated just steps from the terminal entrance. On-site services include information desks, currency exchange, ATMs, and a selection of shops and cafes. While the dining options are limited, there are a few fast-food outlets and coffee shops selling local snacks and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is typically available in common areas, though connection speeds may vary during peak hours.
About the Region
Cartagena, officially Cartagena de Indias, is a UNESCO World Heritage city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and warm tropical climate make it a top destination for travellers from around the world. The city’s historic walled centre features colourful buildings, plazas, and churches dating back to the 16th century. Outside the walls, modern districts like Bocagrande offer high-rise hotels, beaches, and nightlife. The surrounding Bolívar Department is known for its mangroves, marshes, and the Rosario and San Bernardo coral islands, popular for snorkelling and diving. Cartagena’s cuisine blends African, Indigenous, and Spanish influences, with seafood and tropical fruits playing starring roles. The airport serves as a hub for exploring not just Cartagena but also the wider Caribbean region, including Tayrona National Park and the Lost City trek.
Practical Information
Rafael Núñez International Airport is open daily, but it is not open 24 hours; it typically closes overnight. Peak hours tend to be around 5 pm and 6 pm, when many arrivals and departures are scheduled. Passengers are advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. The airport’s official website is https://aeropuertocartagena.com.co/, where current flight schedules, services, and parking information can be found. For direct inquiries, the airport can be reached by phone at +57 56931351. Currency exchange counters are available, but exchanging money beforehand is recommended for better rates. The airport uses Colombian Pesos (COP), and most shops accept credit cards. The terminal is compact, making navigation easy, and staff are generally helpful for any queries.
Airlines at Rafael Nuñez International Airport
6 carriers list direct routes from this airport. 3 Star Alliance members.
.svg?width=240){kind=logo}
Where can you fly from Rafael Nuñez International Airport?
8 direct destinations across 3 countries.
Most-served direct routes
Location
Rafael Nuñez International Airport
Live aircraft map · CTG
Scanning the skies…
Live ADS-B · refreshes every 30s · OpenStreetMap tiles · source adsb.lol
Nearby Airports
Rafael Nuñez International Airport0 km
Complete guide to Cartagena de Indias Airport (CTG): location, access, facilities, and practical tips for travellers flying to Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Ernesto Cortissoz International AirportBAQ95 km
Practical guide to Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Soledad, Colombia. Getting there, terminal facilities, and what to know about Barranquilla's gateway.
Simón Bolívar International AirportSMR159 km
Practical guide to Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta, Colombia. Facilities, transport, terminal layout, and what makes Santa Marta worth visiting.
Los Garzones AirportMTR183 km
Complete guide to Los Garzones-Monteria International Airport (MTR) in Colombia: location, facilities, region info, and practical tips for passengers.
Providencia South237 km
Complete guide to Providencia South — Buenavista Airport, a small airstrip serving the island of Providencia. Learn about location, peak hours, and what to know before you fly.
W
Wikipedia
More about Rafael Nuñez International Airport
Quick Facts
- IATA
- CTG
- ICAO
- SKCG
- Rating
- 4.1 / 5
- Type
- Major hub
- Scheduled
- Yes
- Elevation
- 4 ft
- Coordinates
- 10.446, -75.516
W
Wikipedia
More about Rafael Nuñez International Airport
Nearby Airports
Rafael Nuñez International Airport0 km
Complete guide to Cartagena de Indias Airport (CTG): location, access, facilities, and practical tips for travellers flying to Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Ernesto Cortissoz International AirportBAQ95 km
Practical guide to Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Soledad, Colombia. Getting there, terminal facilities, and what to know about Barranquilla's gateway.
Simón Bolívar International AirportSMR159 km
Practical guide to Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta, Colombia. Facilities, transport, terminal layout, and what makes Santa Marta worth visiting.
Los Garzones AirportMTR183 km
Complete guide to Los Garzones-Monteria International Airport (MTR) in Colombia: location, facilities, region info, and practical tips for passengers.
Providencia South237 km
Complete guide to Providencia South — Buenavista Airport, a small airstrip serving the island of Providencia. Learn about location, peak hours, and what to know before you fly.