Metered rides from T1 start around 25,000 COP with Imperial Taxi
Imperial Taxi is one of the official metered cab operators at El Dorado International Airport, working from both T1 and T2. You pay in Colombian pesos, and rides into central Bogotá usually start around 25,000–35,000 COP depending on traffic and exact area. Cars are standard yellow Bogotá taxis with roof signs and company logos, not private sedans.
Imperial Taxi picks up at the official taxi ranks just outside arrivals in T1 and T2, operating 24/7 alongside other licensed companies. You queue at the signed taxi area, not curb-rush random cars. The airport police and security staff patrol these zones, and the cabs pull into marked bays to load luggage.
Fares are metered in Bogotá, with an airport supplement added; a typical trip from T1 to La Candelaria takes around 30–45 minutes in light traffic and longer in rush hour. Expect higher totals for Chapinero, Parque 93, and Usaquén because of distance, usually 35,000–50,000 COP. Payment is usually cash, though some Imperial drivers carry card terminals.
Step-by-step: using Imperial Taxi at BOG
- 1. Clear arrivals in T1 or T2: After baggage claim and customs, follow the “Taxi Oficial” signs toward the exit near doors 5–7 in T1 or the main exit in T2.
- 2. Head to the official taxi line: Walk to the marked taxi rank with barriers and painted taxi symbols; staff in reflective vests usually direct passengers into lanes.
- 3. Confirm the logo: Look for Imperial Taxi branding on the doors or roof sign, along with the standard yellow Bogotá plate starting with “T” or “W.” Avoid unmarked cars or drivers calling from outside the line.
- 4. Give the address in Spanish: Hand the driver a written address for your hotel or apartment in Bogotá; include neighborhood names like “Chapinero” or “La Candelaria” to cut down confusion.
- 5. Watch the meter start: The driver should reset the meter to the base fare in front of you; at the end, the meter reading plus the airport surcharge sets your total in COP.
- 6. Pay and collect a receipt: Pay in cash in bills of 50,000 COP or less if possible; ask for a printed or handwritten receipt with the cab’s plate number for expense claims or in case of forgotten items.
For late arrivals after 23:00, walk straight to the official rank and skip anyone offering rides inside the terminal; it keeps you with licensed Imperial Taxi cars under airport cameras.