The fastest way to get to San Andres is flying from mainland Colombia to the airport Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport. Two of the most prominent airlines (Viva Air and Avianca) of Colombia offer various flights from different cities to San Andres. Prices change as the island becomes more popular or between high and low season. An average ticket price is COP$ 300,000 – 400,000 or US$150 – 200.
Next to the prominent airlines you have two smaller charter lines namely Satena Airlines and Searca Airlines. They also offer flights to San Andres but not as regular as the other airline companies. The prices are in the same range as Avianca and Viva Air.
At the moment there is no other cheap alternative than flying from the mainland Colombia unless you want to pay a higher price and fly from San Jose or Panama City. If you want to travel to Providencia or Santa Catalina you have to fly on San Andres and take a boat or small charter flight from there.
Flying with Viva Air
Viva Air airlines have a direct connection to San Andres islands from the capital of Colombia Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Medellin, Barranquilla and San Jose (Costa Rica). Depending on the time of the year you will have an average price of COP$ 350,000 around US$ 175.
Viva Air is seen as a budget airline that offers cheap prices and little service but since the flight is only two-three hours depending from which city you fly from it is not a bad option. Our own experience with Viva Air Airlines is very good, good and fast service for a nice price. Booking a flight ticket can be done by various booking agencies but is the cheapest at local booking shops in Colombia or Panama.
Flying with Avianca Airlines Colombia
Avianca Airlines Colombia offers direct flights from Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, Medellin, Barranquilla and Panama City (Panama) to San Andres. The flights have an average price of COP$ 400,000 around US$ 200. The average price of Avianca Airlines Colombia is a little bit higher than Viva Air but the difference is small. The airline is a well-respected and reliable transporter in the area.