What to do and where to find everything, in order, from the moment you land — Terminal 1, Floor 1 (International Arrivals).

1. Immigration & Baggage Claim

   After disembarking, follow signs to Immigration with your passport and travel documents ready. Proceed through passport control, then collect your luggage at the baggage carousels and continue toward the customs X-ray checkpoint.

2. Money & ATMs (Optional)

   Inside the baggage-claim hall, a Globo Cambio exchange office sits on the right-side wall as you walk toward customs (open 24/7). After passing customs and exiting through the white sliding doors, ATMs are immediately on your right — we recommend Davivienda (no foreign-card fees) — plus more exchange booths along this corridor. See the Money & ATMs section for details.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

   Connect to the free airport Wi-Fi network “Aeropuerto_El_Dorado” to open your ride-hailing apps and maps or contact your driver. Open your browser and enter your basic details to get connected.

4. Choose Your Ride

   Continue straight ahead to the exit. Authorized Taxi Imperial stands are at Lane 1, between Doors 8 and 10 (ground floor). For a budget option, TransMilenio route K86 departs from Door 2 (feeder 16-14 from Door 4). For Uber / Cabify / DiDi, follow the in-app pickup-point directions. See the Transportation section for all options, pricing and tips.

5. Arrive at Universidad de los Andes

   Enjoy the ride! The trip typically takes 20–35 minutes depending on traffic. Your destination is Cra. 1 #18A-12 in La Candelaria, Bogotá's historic center — home to Los Andes, one of Latin America's top-ranked universities.

Choose the option that works best for you. All are safe and reliable for getting to Universidad de los Andes.

Recommended · Cash & Card

Authorized Airport Taxi

Taxi Imperial is the only authorized taxi company at El Dorado Airport. You'll find them at the taxi stands on the 1st floor, between Doors 8 and 10. Look for uniformed staff who will assign you a vehicle.

Estimated Fare

$25,000–$35,000

Colombian Pesos (COP)

App. in USD

$8–$11

Depending on traffic

Taxis use a meter. An airport surcharge of COP $8,000 (~$2.40 USD) is added. A night surcharge of COP $3,800 (~$1.15 USD) applies between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM, on Sundays and holidays.

Tip: You can pre-pay at the taxi booths before exiting the arrivals area, so you'll know the exact fare beforehand — pay with cash or card.

Convenient · Card Payment

Ride-Hailing Apps

All major ride-hailing apps operate in Bogotá. We recommend downloading at least one before you arrive. These apps accept international credit and debit cards.

Uber Cabify DiDi inDrive

Estimated Fare

$20,000–$40,000

COP (varies by demand)

App. in USD

$6–$12

Surge pricing may apply

Tip: We strongly recommend Uber — you can keep your home-country credit card linked and pay seamlessly without needing local currency. Cabify and DiDi also accept international cards. Follow the app's pickup-point instructions at the airport.

Pre-booked · Private Transfer

Pick-Up Service

For a worry-free arrival, pre-book a private pick-up service directly with an authorized provider. A professional driver will wait for you at the arrivals exit with a sign showing your name. Ideal for groups or travelers who prefer a seamless door-to-door experience.

Starting From

~$15–$25

USD per vehicle (sedan)

Group Vehicles

Vans available

For 4–10+ passengers

The authorized airport transfer provider is Taxi Imperial, which also offers van and special-vehicle services. Book in advance through the El Dorado Airport website. Other trusted private-transfer companies also operate at the airport — look for verified providers on platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide.

Tip: Make sure you have a working WhatsApp number — private drivers usually communicate via WhatsApp to coordinate the exact meeting point. Book at least 24 hours in advance for the best availability.

Most economical · Tullave Card

TransMilenio (Public Transit)

TransMilenio is Bogotá's mass bus-rapid-transit system and the cheapest way into the city. From the airport it connects directly to Universidades station, the eastern end of the Calle 26 line, about a 10–15 minute walk from the Los Andes campus.

Fare (2026)

$3,550

COP per trip (~$1 USD)

Payment

TuLlave card

No cash on board

• Buy and load a TuLlave card at the kiosk on Floor 1, in front of Door 1, Terminal 1.
• Board route K86 at Terminal 1, Floor 1, Door 2 (Mon–Fri 05:30–23:00, Sat 06:00–23:00, Sun/holidays 07:00–22:00), heading east along Calle 26 toward the city center.
• Alternatively, take feeder route 16-14 from Door 4 to Portal El Dorado, then the trunk service (Portal El Dorado ↔ Universidades) to the end of the line.
• Get off at Universidades and walk (~10–15 min) to the campus in La Candelaria.

Tip: One TuLlave card can be shared by several people, and transfers are free within 125 minutes. Plan your route with the free TransMiApp.

Everything you need to know about getting Colombian Pesos (COP) at the airport.

Approximate Exchange Rate

1 USD ≈ 3,300 COP

The Colombian peso is unusually strong in mid-2026 and fluctuates daily. Check XE.com for live rates before exchanging.

ATMs at the Airport

ATMs are located right after exiting customs, on your right side. Major banks include Bancolombia, Davivienda and BBVA. ATMs dispense Colombian Pesos only.

Best ATM: Use Davivienda ATMs — they typically don't charge local fees for foreign cards. Always decline the ATM's currency-conversion offer and let your own bank handle the exchange for a better rate.

Currency Exchange Offices

Globo Cambio operates several 24/7 exchange offices at the airport — in the baggage-claim area and near the international arrivals exit (Door 5). They also accept Visa and Mastercard for exchange.

Note: Airport exchange rates are typically 5–10% less favorable than city rates. We recommend exchanging only a small amount at the airport ($50–$100 USD) for immediate needs.

Credit & Debit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Bogotá at restaurants, shops and hotels. However, some smaller establishments and taxis only accept cash. Always carry some Colombian Pesos on hand.

Important Reminders

• Bring clean, undamaged bills if exchanging cash.
• For amounts over $300 USD, you'll need your passport.
• Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks.
• Colombian tipping is usually 10% at restaurants.

Free Airport Wi-Fi

Connect to the network Aeropuerto_El_Dorado → open your browser → enter your basic details → start browsing. The Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the terminal. Use it to open your ride-hailing app or contact your pick-up driver.

Great options within walking distance of the university in the La Candelaria and Las Aguas area. View all restaurants near Los Andes on Google Maps ↗

La Plaza de Andrés

Colombian · Grill · Empanadas

The food-court concept by Andrés Carne de Res — Colombia's most iconic restaurant. Stations with grilled meats, arepas, ceviches, juices and the famous Andrés atmosphere. At C.C. Gran Estación, a 10-min taxi ride.

~$25K–$60K COP / $8–$18 USD

Cards accepted

Box Plaza

Food Court · Multiple Cuisines

A trendy food court near the university with multiple vendors: burgers, tacos, ramen, sushi, arepas and craft drinks. Young, vibrant atmosphere popular with students and locals. Right in the area.

~$15K–$40K COP / $5–$12 USD

Cash & cards

La Candelaria Restaurants

Traditional Colombian · Ajiaco · Set Lunch

The historic neighborhood around the university is packed with traditional restaurants serving affordable "almuerzos corrientes" (set lunches), ajiaco, tamales, empanadas and more.

~$12K–$25K COP / $4–$8 USD

Mostly cash

Café Culture

Specialty Coffee · Juan Valdez · Azahar

Colombia produces some of the world's best coffee, and the area near Los Andes is full of great cafés. Try Juan Valdez (on campus), Azahar Coffee, or the many artisan coffee shops in La Candelaria.

~$6K–$18K COP / $2–$5 USD

Cards accepted

Bogotá is a vibrant and welcoming city. Following these simple tips will help ensure a smooth experience.

Use Authorized Transport

Only use official Taxi Imperial cabs at the airport or verified rides through apps like Uber, Cabify and DiDi. Never accept rides from unofficial drivers inside the terminal.

Stay Discreet

Avoid displaying expensive electronics, jewelry or large amounts of cash in public. Keep your phone secure and use it discreetly when navigating.

Tourist Police

Bogotá has a dedicated Tourist Police force that provides guidance and assistance. They're a great resource if you need help or feel unsafe at any point during your visit.

Altitude Awareness

Bogotá sits at 2,640 m (8,660 ft) above sea level. Take it easy on your first day — stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and rest if you feel lightheaded.

Water & Hydration

Tap water is safe to drink in Bogotá. The dry air at altitude means you'll need more water than usual. Keep a water bottle handy!

Weather & Clothing

Pack layers! Bogotá weather changes quickly — sunny mornings can turn rainy by afternoon. Temperatures range from 8°C to 19°C (46°F to 66°F). Bring a rain jacket.

Save These Emergency Numbers

General Emergency: 123

Tourist Police: +57 1 337 4413

Ambulance: 125

Fire Department: 119