# Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) > Barranquilla, CO · About 7 km (4 mi) south of Barranquilla city center Web: https://airport.flights/airport/baq JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/baq.json ## Facts - **IATA**: BAQ - **ICAO**: SKBQ - **Timezone**: America/Bogota - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 2 - **Passengers**: 4.047M/yr - **Hub for**: Avianca ## Overview ## Welcome Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) in Barranquilla embodies the city's lively Caribbean essence right within its modest setting. The airport's intimate atmosphere feels more aligned with a bustling regional bus terminal than a streamlined international hub. Nestled about 7 km south of downtown Barranquilla, this airport caters primarily to locals rather than globe-trotters passing through. Fast food joints, aromatic Colombian coffee, and swift taxi rides dominate here, making for a distinctly Barranquilla experience if you know what to expect. ## At a glance Serving over 4 million passengers annually through its single runway, BAQ is a gateway to Colombia’s vibrant Caribbean coast. As a hub for Avianca, it connects travelers primarily through its Domestic and International terminals. You'll encounter a focused list of carriers including American Airlines and Copa Airlines for international journeys. ## Terminals & layout The airport comprises two terminals: Domestic and International. In the Domestic Terminal, there are 8 gates catering to carriers like Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Viva Air Colombia. The International Terminal, housing 5 gates, serves airlines such as American Airlines and Copa Airlines. For those seeking a quiet space, the Avianca VIP Lounge in the Domestic Terminal near Gate 5 provides a relaxing escape. ## Getting to and from the city Situated in the Soledad area, about 12 km from Barranquilla's center, transportation can fluctuate with traffic, particularly during rush hour or Carnival week. Official yellow taxis right outside arrivals offer the most straightforward transfer to the city, with fares typically starting at 18,000 COP, though rideshare options such as Uber also exist. For those who value prearranged plans, private transfers via Colombia4U or GetYourGuide are available, both taking roughly 30–45 minutes to reach the city center. ## Traveller essentials Ernesto Cortissoz may lack the polish of larger airports, but it makes up for it with practical conveniences. You'll find plenty of ATMs and two currency exchanges, a crucial stop for avoiding dollar negotiation haggles with taxi drivers. Free Wi-Fi and numerous charging points keep travelers connected, with the mother-and-child rooms and on-site quiet corners offering respite for families or those with extended layovers. ## Dining & shopping highlights Dining at BAQ is a gateway to Colombian flavor, with local and fast food options such as Mr. Bono, Pan Pa' Ya!, and Saab's Sanduche. Juan Valdez Café remains a favorite, serving Colombian coffee and pastries like pan de bono in departures. If you're hoping for shopping, the main attraction is undoubtedly the duty-free shop in the international section, well-stocked with Colombian specialties like rum and coffee. ## Lounges The Avianca VIP Lounge, located upstairs near Gate 5 in the Domestic Terminal, offers club-level comfort with refreshments and workspace away from the crowds. It's particularly lauded for its quiet atmosphere compared to the bustling terminal outside. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** Head to Juan Valdez Café in departures for reliable coffee and local pastries like almojábana before boarding your flight. - **Time:** Arrive early at BAQ. Security and check-in lines can swell, especially during holidays and morning or evening peaks. - **Avoid:** Skip dining at BAQ unless you're content with fast food or local bakery chains like Pan Pa' Ya!. Variety is limited. - **Money:** Use one of the four ATMs or two currency exchanges upon arrival to ensure you have small cash for taxis; drivers often lack change for large denominations. - **Local:** Official yellow taxis provide straightforward transfers from the rank outside arrivals, with fares to Barranquilla starting around 18,000 COP. - **Quiet:** Find the Avianca VIP Lounge near Gate 5 for a tranquil space with drinks and snacks, perfect if you need to escape the terminal crowd. - **Local:** Experience Colombian bakery culture with quick bites at Mr. Bono or Pan Pa' Ya! in the food area, perfect for a taste before take-off. ## Terminals (2) - **Domestic Terminal** — 8 gates · Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Viva Air Colombia, Wingo - **International Terminal** — 5 gates · American Airlines, Copa Airlines, LATAM Colombia ## Dining (10) - **Café OMA** - **Dulcerna** - **Dunkin' Donuts** - **Hot Doggy** - **Juan Valdez Café** - **Mr. Bono** - **Pan Pa' Ya!** - **Presto** - **Saab's Sanduche** - **Subway** ## Lounges (1) - **Avianca VIP Lounge** — Domestic · Main terminal, near Gate 5 ## Shops (3) - **Currency Exchange 1** — main - **Currency Exchange 2** — main - **Duty Free** — main ## Parking (1) - **Main Parking Lot** — Short- and long-stay ## Ground transport (4) - **Official Yellow Taxis** — Taxi · 30–45 min · 25,000–35,000 COP - **Private Airport Transfers Colombia4U** — Private transfer · 30–45 min · On demand · 24/7 - **Private Airport Transfers GetYourGuide** — Private transfer · 30–45 min · On demand · 24/7 - **Uber** — Rideshare · 30–45 min · 25000-35000 · On demand · 24/7 ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Head to Juan Valdez Café in departures for reliable coffee and local pastries like almojábana before boarding your flight. - _Time_: Arrive early at BAQ. Security and check-in lines can swell, especially during holidays and morning or evening peaks. - _Avoid_: Skip dining at BAQ unless you're content with fast food or local bakery chains like Pan Pa' Ya!. Variety is limited. - _Money_: Use one of the four ATMs or two currency exchanges upon arrival to ensure you have small cash for taxis; drivers often lack change for large denominations. - _Local_: Official yellow taxis provide straightforward transfers from the rank outside arrivals, with fares to Barranquilla starting around 18,000 COP. - _Quiet_: Find the Avianca VIP Lounge near Gate 5 for a tranquil space with drinks and snacks, perfect if you need to escape the terminal crowd. - _Local_: Experience Colombian bakery culture with quick bites at Mr. Bono or Pan Pa' Ya! in the food area, perfect for a taste before take-off.