T1’s Carulla Express sits just past security near departures
Carulla Express in Terminal T1 runs as a small supermarket-style shop right after security, handy if you skipped the big stores downtown. It sits landside-adjacent to the main departures flow, so you see it as you move toward the international gates. Think last-minute basics, not a full grocery run.
Opening hours generally track flight banks, roughly 05:00 until late evening, covering most international departures out of CTG. Shelves carry bottled water, soft drinks, and packaged snacks at typical Colombian supermarket pricing, noticeably cheaper than many duty-free snack options in the terminal. Expect standard brands rather than gourmet imports.
Beyond snacks, Carulla Express stocks travel staples: small toiletries, sunscreen suited to Cartagena heat, and simple over-the-counter items. You also find packaged local coffee, single-origin options, and boxed sweets you can throw into a carry-on as gifts. Pricing lines up closely with city Carulla branches, with only a small airport premium on some imported products.
Payment is straightforward: pesos, major credit cards, and contactless work at the tills. Because it’s a compact footprint, stock on specific items (large water bottles, certain coffee brands) can run low after midday flight waves. There’s no seating, just quick in-and-out before you head for your T1 gate.
Tip: buy your 600–1,500 COP bottled water here before heading to the gates, as some nearby kiosks push noticeably higher prices for the same brands.