El Dorado is one of Latin America's busiest airports and Avianca's Star Alliance hub, connecting North and South America. The modern main terminal handles international and most domestic flights; the separate Puente Aéreo (T2) serves some regional services, a short shuttle away. At 2,640 m elevation, arriving passengers sometimes feel the altitude before they even reach the city.
01Connections
Same-terminal connections 60–90 minutes; add time if you switch to Puente Aéreo (T2). International arrivals connecting onward clear immigration and re-check bags — allow 2.5 hours.
Airlines publish legal minimums per terminal pair; these figures are our comfortable recommendation, not the legal minimum. Verify with your airline for your specific itinerary.
02Sleep & nap options
Fair. No airside transit hotel; several hotels sit minutes away with shuttles. The terminal is bright and busy through the overnight bank, so bring an eye mask.
- near airport
GHL Hotel Capital Bogotá — Free shuttle, ~5–10 min. One of the closest hotels to El Dorado with a frequent shuttle — the practical choice for early departures or a short overnight.
- near airport
Hilton Bogotá Corferias — Taxi ~10–15 min (near the convention centre). Full-service option between the airport and the city, handy for business and a comfortable overnight.
03Showers
Inside the Avianca and independent lounges (some sell paid entry).
04Food & coffee
Colombian coffee counters are the highlight; a reasonable range of quick and sit-down options, priced moderately.
05Wi-Fi & charging
Free.
06Lounges at BOG
No lounge profiles published for BOG yet. Browse the lounge finder or suggest one.
07Getting into Bogotá
| Mode | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi (official rank / app) | 30–60 min to the centre depending on traffic | Use the official taxi desk or an app; agree the fare or use the meter. |
| TransMilenio bus | 45–70 min | Cheapest; crowded at rush hour and not ideal with big bags. |
08Transit & visa reminder
Many nationalities enter Colombia visa-free for short stays; complete the Check-Mig form online before flying. Transit passengers still clear immigration if leaving the secure area.
09Layover ideas by time window
- Under 4h
Stay airside; a Colombian coffee and a lounge if eligible.
- 4–7h
Too tight for the city given traffic and altitude — rest and eat at the airport.
- 7h+
With 8h+ and Check-Mig done, La Candelaria's old town is reachable by taxi; return with a 3-hour buffer.
10Traveler warnings
- Altitude (2,640 m) can cause light-headedness — hydrate and go easy on arrival.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps, not street hails.
- Puente Aéreo (T2) is a separate terminal — confirm which one your flight uses.
11Frequently asked
How far is El Dorado from central Bogotá?
About 13 km. A taxi or ride-hail takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic; TransMilenio is cheaper but slower.
Do I need to do anything before flying to Bogotá?
Most visitors complete Colombia's online Check-Mig form within 72 hours of travel, and many nationalities enter visa-free. Confirm your passport's rules before booking.
- Opain / El Dorado airport information
- Avianca connection guidance
- Colombia Migración (Check-Mig)
Airport operations, hours and access rules change. Request a correction if something is out of date.