40–60 meters from T1, this is the main short-stay lot
Parqueadero Principal sits directly in front of the T1 terminal at Rafael Nuñez International Airport, roughly a 1–2 minute walk from the departures doors. It’s a classic short-stay setup: open-air spaces, quick drop-offs, and constant turnover during the daytime banks of flights.
This lot works best for stays under 24 hours, quick pickups, and drop-offs before domestic or international departures from T1. Expect higher hourly pricing than off-airport options in Cartagena, but you trade that for being able to walk from your car to check-in in under five minutes, even with a small bag.
Access is simple: follow airport signs for “Parqueadero Principal” as you approach the CTG terminal on Carrera 6, then take a ticket at the entrance barrier. Pay stations usually sit near the pedestrian exit that lines up with the main departures doors, so you handle payment before driving out.
Security presence is basic but visible, with airport staff and traffic marshals moving cars along during the morning and late-afternoon rush windows. Lighting covers the main lanes and most rows, which helps if you’re arriving for a 05:00–06:00 departure or landing on a late evening Avianca or LATAM flight into T1.
There’s no formal pre-booking for Parqueadero Principal, and spaces can feel tight in the peak 07:00–09:00 wave, especially on weekdays. If you’re catching a morning departure from CTG, build a 15–20 minute buffer in case you need a loop or two to find an open bay.