Miami to Cartagena is a short, sunny run to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, with several airlines flying nonstop in around three hours. This guide covers who flies the route nonstop, what a fair return fare looks like in dollars, and when to book to land the lowest price on this popular getaway.
Route: Miami (MIA) → Cartagena, Rafael Núñez International (CTG)
Distance: approximately 1,778 km (1,105 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 3h 00m – 3h 15m southbound
Direct flights: Yes — American Airlines, Avianca, JetBlue and Spirit all fly nonstop from Miami. With this much competition, nonstops are usually the cheapest option too.
Fares from Miami to Cartagena (USD)
Cartagena is hot and tropical all year, so demand tracks holidays and Colombia’s dry season rather than temperature. The dry, breezy months (December–April) are the busiest and priciest, while the wetter late-summer and autumn stretch is the cheapest. The figures below are typical economy round-trip fares in dollars; a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers keeps the floor low.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | $260 – $440 | high (dry season) |
| February | $240 – $420 | high |
| March | $260 – $460 | very high (spring break) |
| April | $230 – $400 | medium-high |
| May | $200 – $360 | medium |
| June | $220 – $390 | medium (summer) |
| July | $230 – $410 | medium-high |
| August | $200 – $360 | medium |
| September | $170 – $310 | low |
| October | $180 – $330 | low |
| November | $210 – $380 | medium |
| December | $300 – $500 | very high (holidays) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking and current fares: a genuinely good nonstop return lands around $150–$190, a typical fair price is roughly $260, and anything under about $220 is worth booking quickly. Basic one-way fares occasionally show from around $125 in the low season.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 3 hours):
- American Airlines — frequent nonstop service from its Miami hub; the most reliable everyday option.
- Avianca — Colombia’s flag carrier, with nonstops from Miami and easy onward connections within Colombia.
- JetBlue — nonstop flights with roomier economy seating and a free carry-on on most fares.
- Spirit — ultra-low-cost nonstops; the lowest headline fares, but bags and seat selection cost extra, so check the all-in price.
One-stop (rarely worth it):
- Connecting itineraries via Bogotá or Panama City appear in searches, but on a three-hour route with four nonstop carriers, a connection usually adds hours for no saving.
With full-service and ultra-low-cost airlines competing head-to-head, fares stay low. Just compare the total price including bags — Spirit’s and American’s cheapest fares add checked-bag and carry-on fees that can erase the headline saving.
When to book & how to save
- Book 1–3 months ahead for the best mix of price and choice; short leisure routes rarely get cheaper at the last minute.
- Avoid the peaks: the December–April dry season, spring break and Christmas/New Year are the busiest and most expensive.
- Travel in the September–October shoulder for the lowest fares — it’s wetter, but showers are usually short tropical downpours rather than all-day rain.
- Watch the bag fees on low-cost fares: Spirit and basic-economy tickets look cheap until you add a bag — price the full trip before you choose.
- Be flexible by a day or two — midweek departures are usually cheaper than a Friday-to-Sunday weekend break.
Arriving in Cartagena
All flights land at Rafael Núñez International (CTG), unusually close to the city — just a few kilometres from the historic walled Old Town and the Bocagrande beach hotels. There’s no train, but the airport is so central that a metered or official airport taxi to the Old Town costs only about $5–$12 and takes 10–20 minutes; confirm the fare or use the official rank. Many hotels also offer transfers. The local currency is the Colombian peso; US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you’ll get better value paying in pesos.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Miami to Cartagena?
Nonstop flights take about 3 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes southbound from Miami to Cartagena. The return leg is a similar length. Because it’s a short, direct hop with several nonstop carriers, there’s rarely any reason to take a connecting flight.
Are there direct flights from Miami to Cartagena?
Yes. American Airlines, Avianca, JetBlue and Spirit all fly nonstop from Miami to Cartagena. Between them there’s usually a nonstop option on most days, so you almost never need to connect on this route.
How much does it cost to fly from Miami to Cartagena?
A typical economy round-trip runs about $220–$420 depending on the season. Good nonstop deals dip to around $150–$190, usually in the September–October shoulder, while the December holidays and spring break push fares toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Miami to Cartagena?
September and October are usually the cheapest, with returns from around $170. Avoid December, spring break (March) and the December–April dry season, which are the busiest and most expensive times to fly.
Which airlines fly from Miami to Cartagena?
American Airlines, Avianca, JetBlue and Spirit all fly nonstop from Miami. American and Avianca offer full-service fares and the most frequent flights, while Spirit’s ultra-low-cost tickets can be the cheapest if you travel light. Compare the all-in price including bags before choosing.
Which airport do I fly into in Cartagena?
You arrive at Rafael Núñez International (CTG), right on the edge of the city and only a few kilometres from the historic Old Town and Bocagrande beaches. It’s one of the most conveniently located airports in the region, so the taxi ride to your hotel is short and cheap.
How far in advance should I book Miami to Cartagena flights?
Aim to book 1 to 3 months ahead. Fares on this popular leisure route rise as departure nears, especially around the December–April dry season, spring break and the Christmas holidays, so booking early almost always saves money.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than a Friday-to-Sunday weekend trip, and shifting your dates by a day or two can save $30–$70 on a return. Being flexible is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare on this route.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
