Busses are colorfully painted and decorated, both inside and out. Outside colors represent the routes traveled. Also, destinations are printed on the front windshields. And in case you can't see the printing because of the sun or its night time, the bus attendant yells out the destinations as he hangs from the door. And of course others waiting for the busses will tell you what to look for, and help you catch the right bus. As a newcomer to Cartagena, you will have no trouble using the busses. Generally you will have to wait no more than 5 minutes for "your" bus.

The busses are privately owned and there are many private bus lines serving all of Cartagena. They begin their runs at 5 a.m. and stop running at 11 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stop running at midnight.

Prices are competitive and cheap, between 45-55 cents (u.s.). Pay as you enter, or sometimes the attendant/fair collector will collect after you have sat down. If possible, have your coins ready and when presenting bills try not to use a bill larger than 10 mil Pesos.

When going to the airport, take the busses marked: Crespo. Tell the driver that you are going to the airport- (are re oh por tow, with the emphasis on the "re")

Executive (air conditioned) busses serving the bus terminal for inter city travel, are called: Metro. They are large and green. The cost for these busses was actually reduced in the past half year and now stands at about 50 cents. They run on a cycle of approximately 25 minutes.

Often, you will see the attendant exiting the bus in front of female riders. He will offer his hand as they step down. In Cartagena de Indias, chivalry is alive and well-thank you!