Getting Around Bogota Colombia by Taxi

Bogotá has about 48,000 taxis

Bogota’s transportation system can seem a bit overwhelming at times, especially if it’s your first visit, but once you acquire a feeling for the layout of the city and the different modes of transportation you’ll feel more confident about getting around whether you are a tourist or on business.

These are the three main ways to move around Bogota:

• Taxi
• Bus
• Transmilenio

Taxis are today’s focus. They are abundant all around the city and are the most convenient form of transportation. The rates are very reasonable and if you follow certain guidelines your journey will be a breeze.

Here are a few important tips and guidelines to remember when taking a taxi in Bogota:

• Call a reliable taxi company and have them dispatch a vehicle to your location (see list of reputable taxi company’s below). The dispatcher will give you the taxi’s license plate so that you can confirm that you’re getting into the right cab.
• If you called your taxi, the driver will ask you for the last 2 digits of the telephone you called from. If that code or clave doesn’t match he or she may not take you.
• Every taxi should have the driver’s personal information visible and a price chart. Always make sure the meter is running (it starts at 25) and check the price chart to see how much you need to pay the driver.
• Keep in mind that there is a surcharge when you call a taxi, during peak hours, at night, on Sundays/holidays, and for trips to the airport.
• Know the address of your destination and if possible, try to find out the best and fastest route. Some taxi drivers have been known to take passengers for a “ride” just to run up the meter.
• Hailing a taxi on the street during the day is safe but if you are ever in doubt find the closest hotel, shopping center or taxi stand to make sure you are getting a legitimate taxi.
• Plan ahead for rush hour. Trying to hail or call a taxi after 5 p.m. can be very frustrating and it feels like every taxi in the city is taken. Make sure you have plenty of time to get to your destination and never underestimate rush-hour traffic.
• Carry small bills. Many taxi drivers in Bogotá don’t carry a lot of change so breaking a large bill might be a problem. However, if you only have large bills it is the driver’s responsibility to stop somewhere and find change.
• Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Colombia but is accepted for exceptional service.
• Hotel taxi’s are white and offer very good service. The drivers generally speak some English but the rates may be slightly higher than a yellow taxi. These white taxis do not work with the same price chart as yellow taxis.

Getting around by taxi in Bogotá is simple, safe and convenient if you stick to these guidelines. Here are the top 3 taxi services in the city:

• Tax Express (411 1111)
• Taxis Libres (311 1111)
• Taxis Verdes (355 5555)

We invite you to post a comment and share your Bogotá taxi experience with other readers.