Getting to and away from Cúcuta

Transportation

By Lorraine Caputo

Taxis are unmetered; negotiate a price before boarding. Minimum fare is $1.60; to the airport costs $3.70. NOTE: In Cúcuta, Carreras are called Avenidas.

Cúcuta has an extensive public bus system. To go to the Venzuelan consulate or DIAN, catch the "Consulado" buseta from Calle 10 and Avenida 1 ($0.60).

Cúcuta's bus terminal is a madhouse located on Avenida 7 between Calles 2 and 0. Its reputation is notorious (see Safety). Plans are underway to build a new facility. If you are heading to the border, Pamplona or other near-by destination, it is better to head straight out to the bus lot and talk directly with the driver.

To Border: Frequent buses, $0.80. See Border Crossings for more information.

To Pamplona: Several companies leave every 30 minutes; $4.20 bus, $6.35 shared taxi; 2 hours.

To Bucaramanga: Various companies leave every half hour, $18.10, 6 hours.

To Capitanejo, by way of Málaga: Cotrans—6 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 8 p.m., 20.20, 8 hours. Also many of the Bogotá-bound buses go by way of Málaga and Capitanejo.

To Bogotá: Concorde—5 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m., $40, 15 hours. Copetrán—4 departures 3:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $49, 15 hours. Also Omega.

To Barranquilla / Cartagena: Concorde—5 p.m., $53/$58, 16/18 hours. Brasilia—1 p.m., 5:30 p.m., $64/$69, 16/18 hours. Copetrán—9 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

To Mompós: Cootransmagdalena—1 p.m., 8 p.m., $37, 13 hours.

To Cali: Bolivariano—every 2 hours 9 a.m.-6 p.m., $64.50, 20 hours. Copetrán—11:30 a.m., 6 p.m., $70, 22 hours.

To Medellín: Bolivariano—2:30 p.m., $48.50, 13 hours. Brasilia—1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., $47.50, 15 hours. Copetrán—11:30 .m., 6 p.m., $52.25, 14-15 hours.

Avianca and Aires fly out of Cúcuta's Aeropuerto Camilo Daza, with departures direct to Bogotá ($140-185, plus taxes).