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SMR · medium airport

Simón Bolívar International Airport

Santa Marta, Colombia

Airports
SMRmedium airport

Simón Bolívar International Airport

Santa Marta, Colombia
Explore Santa Marta city guide Navigate to this airport
4
Routes out
2
Destinations
SKSM
ICAO
22 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Gateway to Colombia's Caribbean coast and historic Santa Marta.

Location
Santa Marta, Colombia
Simón Bolívar International Airport (IATA: SMR, ICAO: SKSM) serves Santa Marta, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in South America, located on Colombia's Caribbean coast. The airport is a key entry point for travelers visiting the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Tayrona National Natural Park, and the broader Magdalena department. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, connecting Santa Marta to major Colombian cities as well as select international destinations. It is named after the South American liberator Simón Bolívar, who died in the nearby area of Santa Marta in 1830. Due to growing tourism in the region, the airport has seen increasing passenger traffic in recent years, with ongoing discussions about infrastructure improvements to meet rising demand.
Terminals
The airport operates with a single terminal handling both domestic and international passengers.
Getting to & from
Taxis and app-based ride-hailing services are the primary ground transportation options connecting the airport to downtown Santa Marta, located approximately 15 minutes away.
Airlines here
Major carriers operating at SMR include Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Wingo, offering domestic routes primarily to Bogotá, Medellín, and other Colombian cities.
Notable facts
  • ›Named after Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan-born liberator who died near Santa Marta in 1830.
  • ›Serves as a gateway to Tayrona National Natural Park, a major ecotourism destination.
  • ›Located close to the city center, roughly 15–20 km from downtown Santa Marta.
  • ›The airport supports growing tourism tied to the nearby Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
  • ›Handles both domestic Colombian routes and limited international charter and scheduled flights.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to Colombia's Caribbean coast and ancient Sierra Nevada mountains

Simón Bolívar International Airport serves Santa Marta, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in South America and Colombia's premier Caribbean destination. Named after the liberator Simón Bolívar, who died near the city in 1830, the airport connects travelers to Tayrona National Park, the Lost City trekking routes, and the broader Magdalena department. It handles a growing volume of domestic and limited international traffic drawn by the region's beaches, mountains, and colonial heritage.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single compact terminal handling all domestic and international departures and arrivals with basic retail and food amenities.
Ground Transport
  • Taxis from the official rank outside arrivals (metered or fixed-rate zones)
  • Ride-hailing apps (Uber and InDriver operate in Santa Marta)
  • Private airport transfer services pre-booked through hotels
  • Car rental counters available inside the terminal
  • Public buses along the Troncal del Caribe highway toward the city center
Nearby Hotels
  • Irotama Resort
  • Hotel Tamacá Beach Resort
  • Casa Relax Hotel
  • Park Inn by Radisson Santa Marta
  • Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina
Dining

Inside the terminal, options are limited to a small café and snack counters offering Colombian staples such as empanadas, arepas, and fresh juices. The El Rodadero beach district, about ten minutes from the airport, offers a wider range of seafood restaurants and local eateries serving fresh Caribbean fish and regional dishes. Travelers with time before departure are advised to eat before arriving, as airside dining choices are minimal.

Traveller Tips
  • Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, as the terminal can become crowded during peak beach season.
  • Negotiate or confirm taxi fares to specific destinations before departing the airport to avoid overcharging.
  • The airport sits close to the ocean, making it prone to heat and humidity — dress light and stay hydrated.
  • Book transport to Tayrona National Park in advance, especially during Colombian public holidays when demand surges.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (2 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Routes

SMR → MDEAV · 318 320
SMR → BOGAV · 320 318 319
SMR → BOGCM · 320 318
SMR → BOGLA · 320
Hotels near SMR

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City & Place Guide

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via SMR? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Colombia from official government sources.

Encyclopaedia

Simón Bolívar International Airport may refer to:Simón Bolívar International Airport (Venezuela) in Maiquetía, Venezuela, near Caracas Simón Bolívar International Airport (Colombia) in Santa Marta, Colombia José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport, formerly Simón Bolívar International Airport, in Guayaquil, Ecuador

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