How to Get from Bogotá to Pereira

The distance between Bogotá and Pereira in Colombia's Zona Cafetera is about 200 miles (325 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about one hour via a direct flight. Driving overland takes at least nine hours with no stops, and private transfers are recommended over self-driving the mountain roads (though it can be an expensive option at this distance). Going by bus is also a possibility, though a less convenient one.

If you have more time in the country, consider this 11-day itinerary. Starting in Bogotá, you'll explore the Zona Cafetera with an overnight stay at a coffee farm before hiking through the famous Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley).

By Plane

Duration: 1 hour

Several non-stop domestic direct flights leave from El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá to Pereira. Flights arrive in about an hour. Matecaña International Airport (PEI) is located in Pereira and is located about 10 minutes from the city center. In Pereira, the easiest way to get to/from the airport is by using metered taxis, which are normally easy to find at the airport.

Rideshares from the airport are also available (and very popular) though it's good to know that Uber and other apps are not technically legal in Colombia, and drivers are frequently ticketed. Alternatively, there are buses available from the terminal with a few routes into the city. 

By Private Transfer

Duration: 9+ hours, more with stops

Pereira is about 9 to 10 hours from Bogotá by car, and private transfers are recommended here—the mountainous, curvy roads are best left to a professional driver. That said, it can be a very expensive option at this distance.

If you opt for a private driver, consider a stop at the Valle de Cocora or other points of interest in the coffee region. Valle Cocora is a hiking area that’s great for beginner hikers—a 3.5-mile (5 km) hike leads to Finca Acaime, an area famous for its hummingbirds. Near Armenia, you can visit Recuca, a coffee farm that allows visitors to harvest their own coffee beans. Salento, a picturesque, coffee-centric pueblo south of Pereira, is also worth a stop. Read more about our favorite places in the coffee region here.

By Bus

Duration: 9+ hours

To take a bus from Bogotá to Pereira, the main bus station is called Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá Salitre. This bus station is about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of the Candelaria neighborhood. Buses usually arrive nine to 10 hours later at the bus station in Pereira.