Flights to Colombia: nonstops, connections, airports and prices

Getting to Colombia is easiest from the United States, with nonstop flights from several hubs to Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena in 3 to 6 hours. From the UK there’s one nonstop route, Avianca’s London Heathrow-Bogotá, taking about 11 hours; otherwise you connect in Europe, usually Madrid. Here are the routes, which airport to fly into, when to book and what you’ll be asked for at check-in.

Flights to Colombia from the UK

The only nonstop is Avianca’s Heathrow-Bogotá service, which runs daily on a Boeing 787 and takes about 11 hours. It usually leaves London in the evening and lands in Bogotá in the early hours, Colombian time.

With one connection your main options are:

Connection	Airlines to Colombia	Destinations	Good to know
Madrid	Iberia, Avianca, Air Europa	Bogotá; Medellín (Air Europa, Avianca)	the most flights; about 10.5 hours to Bogotá
Paris	Air France	Bogotá	easy with Air France-KLM
Amsterdam	KLM	Bogotá	easy with Air France-KLM
US hubs	American, Delta, United, JetBlue	Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena	needs an ESTA even just to change planes

There are no nonstop flights from the UK to Medellín or Cartagena: connect in Bogotá or Madrid.

Flights to Colombia from the US

The US has the most direct links to Colombia. Avianca, American, Delta, United and JetBlue fly nonstop to Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena from hubs such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York, Atlanta and Houston. Flights from Florida take about 3-4 hours; from New York or Houston about 5-6 hours.

The market is changing fast after the low-cost carrier Spirit stopped flying in 2026, and new routes keep being announced: United plans nonstops from Houston and Washington Dulles to Cartagena from 17 December 2026, subject to government approval. Check the airlines’ own route maps for the latest options from your city.

Which airport to fly into

Colombia has several international airports. The best one depends on where your trip starts, but remember that Bogotá has the widest domestic network.

Airport	City	Why choose it
El Dorado (BOG)	Bogotá	the largest, with the most international flights and domestic connections
José María Córdova (MDE)	Medellín, in Rionegro	nonstops from the US and Madrid; 45-60 minutes from the city
Rafael Núñez (CTG)	Cartagena	nonstops from the US; start your trip by the sea
Simón Bolívar (SMR)	Santa Marta	domestic flights, for Tayrona, Minca and Ciudad Perdida
Matecaña (PEI) and El Edén (AXM)	Pereira and Armenia	domestic flights, for the Coffee Region and Salento

My advice is to book an open-jaw ticket: fly into one city and out of another. For example, land in Bogotá, travel through Medellín, the Coffee Region and the coast, and fly home from Cartagena. It often costs about the same as a return and saves you a domestic flight and a day of travel.

How much flights to Colombia cost and when to book

Prices vary a lot with the season and how far ahead you book. Fares are highest from mid-December to mid-January, at Easter and in June-August, when Colombian or northern-hemisphere holidays fill the planes.

To pay less:

• book 2-4 months ahead, earlier for Christmas;
• be flexible with dates: moving your departure by a couple of days to midweek often makes a difference;
• check what the fare includes: some basic fares don’t include a checked bag;
• avoid separate tickets with short connections: if your first flight is late and you miss the second, nobody rebooks you.

To choose the best time for the weather, see when to visit Colombia.

What you need at check-in and on arrival

At check-in and at passport control you may be asked for:

1. a passport valid for your whole stay, ideally with six months’ validity;
2. a return or onward ticket out of Colombia, even to another country;
3. Check-MIG, Migración Colombia’s free online form, filled in between 72 and 1 hours before your flight: recommended rather than mandatory, but some airlines ask for it;
4. the address of your first accommodation.

US citizens don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. UK citizens should check GOV.UK, as Colombia announced in 2024 that it would introduce visas for British nationals. All the details are in the guide to Colombia’s entry requirements.

Time difference and jet lag

Colombia is on UTC-5 all year: 5 hours behind London in winter and 6 in summer, and the same as New York in winter (1 hour behind in summer). From the US there’s little or no jet lag; from the UK, adjust to local time straight away, with daylight and meals at Colombian times. The full picture is in the guide to Colombia’s time zone.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying separate tickets with tight connections: a delay on the first flight can cost you the second.
• Connecting in the US without an ESTA: you won’t be allowed to board.
• Flying without a return or onward ticket: the airline can refuse to board you.
• Booking a return to Bogotá out of habit: an open-jaw ticket avoids backtracking at the end of your trip.
• Paying a website for Check-MIG: the official form is free.

FAQ

Are there direct flights from the UK to Colombia?

Yes, one: Avianca flies daily nonstop from London Heathrow to Bogotá in about 11 hours. For Medellín, Cartagena and other cities you connect in Bogotá or in Europe, usually Madrid.

How long is the flight to Colombia from the US?

From Florida about 3-4 hours, from New York or Houston about 5-6 hours, on nonstop flights to Bogotá, Medellín or Cartagena.

Which airport should I fly into in Colombia?

Bogotá (El Dorado) has the most international flights and the best domestic connections. Medellín and Cartagena have nonstops from the US. If you can, book an open-jaw ticket: fly into one city and out of another.

Do I need a return ticket to enter Colombia?

The airline at check-in or immigration on arrival may ask for one. An onward ticket to another country also works.

Do I need an ESTA to connect in the US on the way to Colombia?

Yes. Travellers from visa waiver countries, including the UK, need an ESTA even just to change planes in the US, because you clear immigration there.