Find the cheapest flights from New York to Cartagena in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: New York (JFK) → Cartagena (CTG)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 6 h 30 m – 9 h 45 m
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | high |
| February | €450 | medium |
| March | €420 | medium |
| April | €380 | medium |
| May | €340 | low |
| June | €360 | medium |
| July | €420 | high |
| August | €450 | high |
| September | €300 | low |
| October | €310 | low |
| November | €350 | medium |
| December | €580 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Avianca (direct): from €380 — Avianca offers the most consistent direct service; book 3+ months ahead for best prices on this route
- American Airlines (direct): from €420 — American flies seasonal direct routes; check their route calendar for winter months availability
- JetBlue (direct): from €360 — JetBlue often undercuts competitors on this route; their Mint class offers premium lie-flat seats at lower prices than rivals
- LATAM Airlines (connecting): from €340 — LATAM routes via Bogotá; excellent in-flight service and reliable connections with short layovers
- Copa Airlines (connecting): from €320 — Copa has the longest layover (2-3 hours) but often the lowest prices; book via Copa’s website for best fares
- Spirit Airlines (connecting): from €280 — Spirit is the budget option but nickel-and-dime policies add up; factor in baggage fees when comparing prices
Booking Strategy
For New York to Cartagena, the sweet spot for booking is 8-12 weeks before departure, with prices dropping significantly if you can travel in September or October. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently 15-25% cheaper than weekend flights. Use Google Flights with the ‘JFK to CTG’ filter and enable price alerts—this route sees frequent sales from Avianca and JetBlue. The cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesday through Thursday, while Friday and Sunday command premium prices due to business and weekend traveler demand. If booking connecting flights, Copa Airlines via Panama City often undercuts LATAM by €30-50, though layovers are longer. Avoid December 15-31 when prices peak at €550+. For direct flights, book directly with the airline to secure better customer service if issues arise. Consider flying into Cartagena but departing from Medellín for a multi-city Colombian adventure—often works out similar in price.
Route Tips
- JFK Terminal 4 (JetBlue, Avianca) and Terminal 1 (United, Lufthansa connections) handle most departures—arrive 2.5 hours early for international flights
- Colombian immigration requires proof of onward travel (return ticket or departure booking) and accommodation confirmation—don’t get denied boarding
- The €300 base price typically applies to basic economy with no checked bag—budget €60-80 extra for baggage on budget carriers
- September-October is not only cheapest but also when Cartagena locals actually eat at the best restaurants—tourist crowds thin significantly
- Use a VPN set to Colombia when searching—some airlines display lower prices in COP than EUR for the same seats
- Rafael Núñez Airport is 10km from Centro Historico; book airport transfer in advance through your hotel to avoid taxi negotiations
- JetBlue often runs sales in March for winter travel—subscribe to their deals newsletter for alerts on this specific route
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from New York to Cartagena?
Direct flights from New York (JFK) to Cartagena (CTG) take approximately 4 hours 35 minutes, operated seasonally by Avianca, American Airlines, and JetBlue. If booking connecting flights, expect 6-8 hours with one stop via Bogotá (Avianca/LATAM) or Panama City (Copa Airlines). United and Spirit offer indirect routes typically taking 8-10 hours with longer layovers. The shortest connecting option is via LATAM through Bogotá with a 1.5-2 hour layover, totaling around 6.5-7 hours. Note that direct service is primarily available from November through April, with reduced or no direct flights during the Colombian rainy season (May-October).
How much does it cost to fly from New York to Cartagena?
Round-trip flights from New York to Cartagena range from €300 to €600 depending on season and booking timing. The cheapest fares (€300-€350) are available in September and October during Colombia’s low season. Shoulder season (April-May, November) sees average prices of €350-€420. Peak season (December-March) sees prices climb to €450-€580, with Christmas and New Year’s weeks hitting €600+. Direct flights average €380-€450, while connecting flights on Copa or Spirit can drop to €280-€340. One-way tickets typically cost 60-70% of round-trip prices. Budget carriers like Spirit charge extra for baggage, so factor in €60-100 for checked bags when comparing final costs.
Are there direct flights from New York to Cartagena?
Yes, direct flights operate between New York JFK and Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena. Avianca offers the most consistent year-round direct service with daily flights. American Airlines runs seasonal direct flights primarily from November through March. JetBlue also operates seasonal direct routes during the winter months. Direct flight duration is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes. Outside the peak winter season (roughly May-October), direct service may be limited or unavailable, requiring connecting flights through Bogotá or Panama City. Book direct flights at least 2 months ahead during high season as they fill up quickly.
What is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Cartagena?
September and October are the cheapest months to fly from New York to Cartagena, with average round-trip prices of €300-€310. This coincides with Colombia’s shoulder season when rainfall increases, deterring tourists. May and November also offer good value at €340-€350. The most expensive period is December through mid-January, when prices surge to €500-€600 due to Christmas and New Year holiday travel. If your schedule is flexible, September offers the best combination of low prices and acceptable weather—rain typically falls in short afternoon showers rather than all-day precipitation. The week after New Year’s (early January) often sees prices drop 30% as holiday demand subsides.
Which airlines fly from New York to Cartagena?
Seven airlines operate routes from New York to Cartagena: Avianca (direct and connecting via Bogotá), American Airlines (seasonal direct), JetBlue (seasonal direct), LATAM (connecting via Bogotá), Copa Airlines (connecting via Panama City), United Airlines (connecting), and Spirit Airlines (connecting). Avianca dominates the market with the most frequency and year-round direct options. For budget travelers, Spirit offers the lowest base fares but charges separately for bags. Copa often undercuts competitors on connecting fares despite longer layovers. JetBlue and American target the premium leisure market with better in-flight amenities on their seasonal direct routes. Baggage policies vary significantly—Avianca and LATAM include one checked bag in most fares, while Spirit charges €30-50 per checked bag.
What airport do I fly into in Cartagena?
You will arrive at Rafael Núñez International Airport (IATA: CTG), located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Cartagena’s Old Town (Cartagena de Indias). The airport serves as the main gateway to Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Transportation options into the city include: official airport taxis (COP$25,000-30,000, approximately €6-7, prepaid at booth before exiting); ride-share apps like Uber (COP$20,000-25,000); and public transportation via Transcaribe bus (COP$2,500, less frequent). Journey time to the walled city (Getsemaní/Centro) is 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. The airport is relatively small with limited amenities, but currency exchange, SIM card vendors, and basic restaurants are available. Book accommodation near Centro Historico or Bocagrande for easiest access to tourist areas.
How far in advance should I book New York to Cartagena flights?
For New York to Cartagena flights, book 8-12 weeks (2-3 months) in advance for optimal prices. Booking too early (6+ months) sometimes results in higher prices as airlines haven’t yet released their discounted seats, while booking too late (under 2 weeks) almost always costs more. The exception is last-minute deals occasionally appearing 1-2 weeks before departure during off-peak months—but these are unreliable. For December travel, book by early October at the latest. September-October flights can often be found with 4-6 weeks notice. Tuesday and Wednesday departures booked on Tuesday afternoons tend to yield the lowest prices. Set Google Flights price alerts for your specific dates and monitor for 2-3 weeks before committing.
Is it cheaper to fly from New York to Cartagena on weekdays?
Yes, weekday flights are significantly cheaper than weekend departures on the New York to Cartagena route. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically 15-25% cheaper than Friday through Sunday flights. A round-trip that costs €420 on a Tuesday might cost €520 on a Saturday. The difference is most pronounced during high season (December-March) when leisure travelers dominate weekend departures. For maximum savings, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday departures AND returns. Thursday returns are often slightly cheaper than Friday or Saturday returns. The combination of a Tuesday departure with a Wednesday or Thursday return can save €50-100 compared to the same route on weekend dates. Use Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ view to identify the cheapest days within your travel window.
Data updated: 2026-03
