El Dorado International Airport (BOG) Traveler Essentials
- Terminals
- Terminal 1 (El Dorado) for most international and domestic flights. Terminal 2 (Puente Aéreo) for Avianca flights. Connected by a free transit bus. Recent renovations have greatly improved Terminal 1.
- Distance to city
- 15 km / 30–45 min by taxi (use authorized airport taxis)
Overview
El Dorado is South America's third busiest airport by passenger count, a modern and efficient hub at 2,548m altitude. Handling 35+ million passengers, it's well-organized with two main terminals — the modern El Dorado T1 and the older Puente Aéreo (T2) primarily for Avianca.
Transport to city center
TransMilenio Airport buses to Portal El Dorado (20 min, COP$3,000) then BRT to city centre (further 30–45 min). InDriver/Bolt apps: COP$30,000–50,000 to Zona Rosa or Usaquén (30–60 min). NEVER accept taxi offers from inside the terminal — use apps exclusively.
Wi-Fi
Free WiFi at El Dorado — connect to the airport network and register; sessions are time-limited but renewable.
Lounges
Avianca VIP Lounge (Priority Pass eligible), Copa Club, American Admirals Club, and Plaza Premium lounge. The Avianca lounge in the international pier is well-regarded.
Security & customs
Use only official authorized taxis from the regulated booths — never accept rides from touts. Immigration uses automated kiosks (Migración Automática) for eligible travelers; otherwise queues can be slow. Standard 100ml liquid rules apply, and you may face additional security screening and bag checks given strict anti-narcotics controls.
Travel tips
Altitude (2,548m) means expect mild shortness of breath on arrival — drink water and move slowly initially. Bogotá is at a higher altitude than Cusco — allow an afternoon to acclimatise. Only use app-based taxis from the airport. The international duty-free zone has good Colombian coffee and emeralds.