Roads are generally of a good quality in Colombia, although driving in the Andean regions and parts of the rainforest will require a four-wheel drive. Traffic drives on the right. Seat belts in the front two seats are mandatory. Speed limits are 45-60kph (28-37mph) in urban areas, and 80kph (50mph) in rural areas. An International Driving Permit is required. The maximum legal alcohol to blood level is 0.04%.
Kidnapping was a real risk when travelling by road in Colombia until recently, particularly in rural areas, including on roads to rural tourist destinations such as Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) and even around Cartagena on the coast. Security, however, is improving and travelling by bus is generally safe (especially on the main roads, such as the one linking Bogota and Cartagena), although driving east of the Andes is not recommended, as incidences of kidnapping and carjacking are still high.
Bus services: The main bus terminal in Bogota is near Cuidad Salitre. It handles all arrivals and departures from Colombia as well as the rest of South America. It is divided into five zone, each represented by a different colour: yellow means that buses go to the south of the country, blue indicates bus lines to the east and west, red is for the north and South American destinations, green is for long distance taxis and finally purple is for arrivals and local taxi services.
The terminal is well staffed and there are numerous police officers too, who are very helpful and pleasant.
Kidnapping was a real risk when travelling by road in Colombia until recently, particularly in rural areas, including on roads to rural tourist destinations such as Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) and even around Cartagena on the coast. Security, however, is improving and travelling by bus is generally safe (especially on the main roads, such as the one linking Bogota and Cartagena), although driving east of the Andes is not recommended, as incidences of kidnapping and carjacking are still high.
Bus services: The main bus terminal in Bogota is near Cuidad Salitre. It handles all arrivals and departures from Colombia as well as the rest of South America. It is divided into five zone, each represented by a different colour: yellow means that buses go to the south of the country, blue indicates bus lines to the east and west, red is for the north and South American destinations, green is for long distance taxis and finally purple is for arrivals and local taxi services.
The terminal is well staffed and there are numerous police officers too, who are very helpful and pleasant.