Bogotá El Dorado Airport: One of the World's Highest Major Airports

Getting there, at a glance

Amenities, at a glance

El Dorado International Airport (IATA: BOG) is Colombia’s busiest airport and Avianca’s principal hub, handling 45.8 million passengers in 2024, a total that made it Latin America’s single busiest airport, surpassing both Mexico City and São Paulo. It sits about 15 km (9 mi) northwest of central Bogotá, at an elevation of nearly 2,550 meters — one of the highest-altitude major airports in the world.

Overview

BOG operates a single large terminal split into two concourses, plus a smaller domestic-only facility (Puente Aéreo) used for some regional flights. As Avianca’s principal hub, it anchors an extensive network across Colombia and South America. The airport’s defining physical characteristic is its altitude: nearly 2,550 meters above sea level, noticeably thinner air than sea-level airports, which affects both aircraft performance and how some travelers feel on arrival.

Terminals

• Terminal 1 (Concourses A & B): The main terminal, handling both domestic and international flights, and Avianca’s primary hub facility.
• Puente Aéreo: A smaller, separate domestic terminal used for some regional routes.

Airlines

Avianca, one of Latin America’s oldest and largest airlines, operates its principal hub at BOG with an extensive domestic network across Colombia plus international routes throughout the Americas and to Europe. That hub concentration makes BOG one of the best-connected airports in South America, particularly for travel within Colombia and the wider Andean region.

How to Get There

• TransMilenio feeder bus: COP 2,800–5,000, the cheapest option, about 45–60 minutes connecting to Bogotá’s main bus rapid transit system.
• Taxi: COP 35,000–55,000 to central Bogotá via the official taxi counter, about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
• Uber / inDrive: Generally comparable in price to a taxi, about 30–45 minutes — both apps are widely used in Bogotá.

Prices above are indicative and can change — always check current fares with TransMilenio or your ride-hailing app.

Getting Through Security and Passport Control

• Domestic flights: Security only. Typically 20–30 minutes off-peak, up to 35–50 minutes during busy periods.
• International flights: Security plus passport control. Typically 30–45 minutes off-peak, up to 50–70 minutes during peak international departure banks.
• Given BOG’s altitude, security lines sometimes feel slower to navigate than the clock suggests if you’re not yet acclimated — take stairs and long walks at an easy pace on your first day.

Parking

BOG has parking available at the main terminal, with clear signage for short- and long-stay options.

Wifi

Free wifi is available in the terminal with a time-limited free session.

Best Times to Arrive

• Domestic flights: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
• International flights: Arrive 3 hours ahead, especially for Avianca’s peak international departure banks.
• Given the altitude, allow a little extra buffer for moving through the terminal at a comfortable pace, especially if you’ve just arrived and haven’t acclimated yet.

Where to Eat

BOG has a good selection of Colombian cuisine — including excellent local coffee, naturally — alongside international chains. At the Habitel, Manduka serves contemporary international dishes and La Tiendita Steak House specializes in grilled meats.

Airport Hotel

The Habitel is genuinely within walking distance of the main terminal — no shuttle required. Beyond Manduka and La Tiendita, it’s a solid pick for a comfortable overnight before an early Avianca departure.

Lounges

• The Avianca VIP Lounge is available for eligible business class passengers, elite status holders, or paid access.
• Several Priority Pass-affiliated lounges are also available.

Duty-Free Shopping

BOG’s duty-free zone includes genuine Colombian specialties — coffee and emeralds — alongside the usual international fashion, cosmetics, and electronics brands.

Airport Map

This is a simplified layout to help you get oriented — for real-time, gate-by-gate wayfinding, use El Dorado’s official resources.

Useful Links

• Official airport site (El Dorado International Airport) — terminal info, services, live flight status.
• Avianca — flight schedules and connections.

Long Layover Tips

• With 4+ hours and a visa situation permitting entry, central Bogotá and its historic La Candelaria district are reachable by taxi or bus in about 30–45 minutes.
• If staying airside, the main terminal has a solid mix of lounges and dining for a longer wait.
• Given the altitude, pace yourself for the first few hours after arrival — mild breathlessness on stairs or brisk walks is normal and passes as you acclimate.