Colombia is a favorite for students returning home and for church and service teams, with frequent flights from Florida and other US hubs. Its geography is varied, so planning your airport and ground travel matters.
Colombia at a glance
- Main international gateways: El Dorado International (BOG), Bogotá; José María Córdova International (MDE), near Medellín; Rafael Núñez (CTG), Cartagena; Cali (CLO).
- Busiest fare periods: December to mid-January, and June and July, plus Holy Week.
- Often better-value periods: February to April outside Holy Week, and September to November.
- Rainier months: typically April to May and October to November, varying by region.
When to fly
Expect higher fares from December to mid-January and in June and July, as well as around Holy Week (Semana Santa). February to April outside Holy Week, and September to November, are often easier on the budget.
Colombia has microclimates rather than four seasons: Bogotá is cool, Medellín temperate and Cartagena tropical. The wetter months, typically April to May and October to November, can cause landslides and slow travel in mountain areas. Students flying home should book early for December, and mission teams heading to rural areas should leave extra time in the rainy months.
Routings and baggage
Avianca, American and United are among the airlines with direct flights from US cities such as Miami, Orlando, New York and Houston to Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena. Schedules change, so confirm what is operating for your dates.
Domestic flights in Colombia, including on low-cost airlines, often have lower baggage allowances than international tickets, and gate fees for excess weight can be high. If your team is carrying equipment, buy extra baggage allowances in advance rather than paying at the airport.
Airports and getting around
Bogotá’s El Dorado (BOG) is the main hub. Medellín’s airport, José María Córdova (MDE), is in Rionegro rather than the city, and the drive to Medellín can take roughly 45 minutes to an hour or more depending on traffic, so plan transfers accordingly.
For airport rides, travelers use official airport taxis, ride-hailing apps or a driver arranged by their host. Avoid unregistered street cabs. Check your government’s travel advisory for each region you will visit, since advice differs across the country, and follow your host’s guidance for road travel.
How to pay less on flights to Colombia
- Step around the surges. Fares rise from December to mid-January, in June and July, and around Holy Week. February to April outside Holy Week, and September to November, are often better value.
- Count the rains. The wetter months, typically April to May and October to November, can bring landslides and slower travel in mountain areas, so a cheap fare only helps if your project can handle them.
- Pre-buy domestic baggage. Domestic fares, including on low-cost airlines, often have lower allowances than international tickets, and extra weight at the airport can be costly.
- Mind the airport for Medellín. Its airport is in Rionegro rather than the city, and the drive can take an hour or more, so include the transfer when comparing fares.
For the general method, see how we find cheap flights. Send us your dates and a specialist compares the options for this route.
Before you go
Check passport validity and Colombia’s current entry rules for every traveler. Colombia has required an online migration registration form (Check-Mig) before arrival, so confirm the current process on the official government portal and complete it within the window it specifies.
Yellow fever: Colombia has required proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, and the CDC recommends the vaccine for most of the country outside the high Andes and major cities. Carry the original certificate, and vaccinate at least ten days before you arrive.
Malaria: the CDC lists malaria risk in some rural, lower-altitude areas, including parts of the Pacific coast and the Amazon region. Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena are generally lower risk, but your itinerary decides what you need.
Other advice: hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are commonly recommended. See the CDC page for Colombia for current notices. Book a travel clinic visit four to six weeks before departure, because some vaccine courses take time.
Health notes below reflect the CDC’s Travelers’ Health pages as we last checked them (October 2026). Notices and outbreak levels change quickly, so read the current page before you book vaccines.
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026. Airline routes, schedules, baggage rules and entry requirements change, so your specialist confirms the current options when they quote your trip.
Planning a trip? See our Colombia flights page, our mission travel and student travel page, or send us your dates for a quote.
Questions, answered.
When should I book flights to Colombia?
Fares surge from December to mid-January and in June and July. February to April, excluding Holy Week, and September to November are often better value.
Where is Medellín’s airport?
José María Córdova International (MDE) is in Rionegro, in the hills outside Medellín. Allow roughly 45 minutes to an hour or more by road, depending on traffic.
Do domestic flights in Colombia have strict baggage rules?
Yes. Domestic fares often have lower allowances than international tickets, and extra weight can be costly at the airport. Groups with equipment should pre-buy bag allowances.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Colombia?
Colombia has required proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, and the CDC recommends the vaccine for most of the country. Carry the original certificate and vaccinate at least ten days before you travel.
