Terminal

Terminal Bogotá: Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá is the central hub for land travel in Colombia’s capital, seamlessly linking the city to over 600 destinations across Colombia and neighboring countries. This guide explores the terminal’s historical evolution, operational structure, visitor information, amenities, ticketing options, and proximity to major Bogotá attractions. Whether you are a first-time visitor, an international tourist, or a daily commuter, understanding the features and services of Bogotá’s terminals—Terminal Salitre, Terminal del Sur, and Terminal del Norte—will help you make the most of your journey.

For real-time updates, schedules, and ticketing, refer to official resources such as the Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá website and the Audiala mobile app (info.horariodebuses.com.co, bogota.gov.co).

Origins and Development of Bogotá’s Bus Terminals
Expansion: Satellite Terminals and Modernization
Terminal Salitre: Structure, Hours, and Key Services
Ticketing: How and Where to Buy
Passenger Amenities and Accessibility
Safety, Security, and Emergency Services
Transportation Connections
Practical Visitor Tips
Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary & Recommendations
References

Origins and Development of Bogotá’s Bus Terminals

Historically, bus departures in Bogotá were dispersed across informal city points, leading to congestion and security concerns. The creation of the centralized Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá marked a turning point in urban mobility by consolidating intercity and international bus services. Terminal Salitre, opened in 1984 in the Ciudad Salitre district, became the city’s main gateway for land travel, addressing the city’s rapid growth and need for organized transportation (info.horariodebuses.com.co).

Expansion: Satellite Terminals and Modernization

To accommodate Bogotá’s expanding population and growing travel demands, two satellite terminals were established:

Terminal del Sur (2008): Located in Bosa, serving southern and southwestern routes.
Terminal del Norte (2017): Serving northern and northeastern routes, directly linked to TransMilenio for efficient transfers.

Each terminal features modern facilities, accessibility features, and security measures, reflecting Bogotá’s commitment to safe and efficient travel (buscobus.com.co).

Terminal Salitre: Structure, Hours, and Key Services

Terminal Layout

Terminal Salitre is divided into five modules, each color-coded for easy navigation:

Yellow: Southbound routes (e.g., Neiva, Cali)
Blue: East and westbound (e.g., Villavicencio, Armenia)
Red: Northbound (e.g., Bucaramanga, Medellín)
Green: Intermunicipal taxis
Purple: Arrivals and urban connections (colombuses.com)

Clear signage, digital boards, and information desks assist passengers in finding their way.

Visiting Hours

Terminal Salitre: Open 24 hours, year-round.
Ticket Counters & Most Services: Operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Luggage Storage and Sleep Capsules: Available 24/7.

Key Services

Sleep Capsules: Rentable by the hour (approx. 10,000 COP), ideal for layovers (bogota.gov.co).
Showers: 24/7 access for a fee, includes hygiene kits.
Luggage Storage: Secure facilities in Modules 1 and 3.
Food Courts, Shops, ATMs: Wide range of dining and banking options.
Tourist Information: Multilingual staff and guides to Bogotá attractions.
Wi-Fi: Free or paid zones available.

Ticketing: How and Where to Buy

At the Terminal: Ticket counters in Modules 1 and 3 serve all major destinations.
Online: Most bus companies and the official terminal website support online bookings (redBus).
Via Phone: Some companies offer phone reservations.

Tip: Buy in advance, especially during holidays and weekends when demand surges. Always use official channels and avoid street vendors or unauthorized agents (buscobus.com.co).

Passenger Amenities and Accessibility

Restrooms and Showers: Clean, accessible, and maintained regularly.
Sleep Capsules: For comfort during long waits or layovers.
Luggage Storage: 24-hour secure options.
Accessibility: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout the terminal.
Information Desks: Staff assist in both Spanish and English.
Medical Assistance: On-site emergency services in collaboration with the Red Cross.

Safety, Security, and Emergency Services

CCTV Surveillance: Monitored 24/7.
Police and Private Security: Uniformed presence throughout the terminals.
Taxi Stands: Use only authorized taxis or reputable ride-sharing apps (nomadicmatt.com).
Lost and Found: Module 5 in Terminal Salitre.
Emergency Contacts: Dial 123 for police or medical emergencies. Customer service helpline: (+57) 601 423 3600 (bogota.gov.co).

Transportation Connections

TransMilenio: Direct connections via feeder routes and nearby stations (bogota.gov.co).
SITP Buses: Multiple city routes accessible from the terminal (worldnomads.com).
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Official stands and app-based pickups.
Airport Transfers: Fixed-rate taxis (35,000–65,000 COP) and TransMilenio routes K16 and K86 connect El Dorado International Airport to Terminal Salitre (colombiauncharted.com).

Practical Visitor Tips

Arrive Early: Especially during peak periods—allow 60–90 minutes.
Keep Valuables Secure: Use luggage storage if necessary.
Dress Appropriately: Bogotá’s weather is cool and unpredictable; dress in layers and carry rain gear (travelsafe-abroad.com).
Stay Hydrated: Bogotá’s high altitude may affect newcomers (metropolitan-touring.com).
Blend In: Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention (adventureinyou.com).
Plan Connections: Confirm times and routes for onward travel.

Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites

La Candelaria: Explore Bogotá’s colonial center, museums, and cultural spots.
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): Houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts.
Monserrate Hill: Offers panoramic city views.
Salitre Mágico Amusement Park and Gran Estación Mall: Near Terminal Salitre for family-friendly activities.

All are easily accessible via public transport or authorized taxis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Terminal Salitre and other terminals?
A: Terminal Salitre is open 24/7; Terminal del Sur and Terminal del Norte generally operate from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: At terminal counters, online via company websites, or through the official terminal portal.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Small pets in carriers with up-to-date vaccinations are allowed, but always confirm with your bus company.

Q: Is the terminal accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi at the terminals?
A: Wi-Fi is available in most terminals, though availability may vary.

Q: How do I get to Terminal Salitre from the airport?
A: Use official taxis or TransMilenio routes K16 and K86.

Summary & Recommendations

Bogotá’s transport terminals—Salitre, Sur, and Norte—are modern, secure, and traveler-focused, offering comprehensive services and seamless connections to urban and regional destinations. With robust safety measures, accessibility features, and proximity to key attractions, the terminals are more than just transit points—they are gateways to discovering Colombia.

Key Recommendations:

Always use official channels for tickets.
Arrive early, especially during peak travel times.
Take advantage of amenities like sleep capsules and luggage storage.
Explore nearby cultural and historical sites.
Stay informed using official resources and travel apps.

For further information, travel updates, and exclusive offers, visit the official website or download the Audiala app.

References

Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide to Bogotá’s Transport Hub, 2025 (info.horariodebuses.com.co)
Complete Guide to Terminal Salitre and Bogotá Bus Terminals: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Tips, 2025 (buscobus.com.co)
Bogotá Terminal de Transporte: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide to Colombia’s Largest Bus Hub, 2025 (www.terminaldetransporte.gov.co)
Terminal Salitre Visitor Guide: Hours, Tickets, and Safety Tips in Bogotá, 2025 (colombuses.com)
Bogotá Government Official Site, 2025 (bogota.gov.co)