El Dorado International Airport is the main airport serving Bogota, the capital of Colombia, and one of the busiest airports in Latin America. Located approximately 15 kilometers west of the city center in the Fontiban locality, the airport opened in 1959 and was named after the legendary city of gold. BOG handles over 36 million passengers annually and underwent a major expansion and modernization program with the opening of a new international terminal, El Dorado II, and extensive renovation of the existing facilities. The airport operates from two main terminal buildings: Terminal 1, known as El Dorado, handles major domestic and international carriers, while Terminal 2, known as Puente Aereo, serves Avianca's domestic shuttle flights and some international services. El Dorado is the primary hub for Avianca, one of the oldest airlines in the world and the largest carrier in Colombia, as well as Wingo and other domestic operators. The airport is also the busiest cargo airport in Latin America by freight tonnage, handling significant volumes of cut flowers, which are one of Colombia's top exports. BOG operates two parallel runways and is connected to the city via major road arteries and the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system. The airport's elevation of 2,548 meters above sea level makes it one of the highest major airports in the world, requiring special operational considerations. El Dorado's central geographic position in the Americas makes it a natural connecting hub for travel between North and South America.

Aviation Terms

Airfield Lighting (AGL) Airport Category Airport Elevation (ELEV) Airport Fire Station (ARFF) Airport Lounge Airport Reference Point (ARP) Apron Automated Passport Control (APC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Bogota Airport to the city center?

TransMilenio buses connect El Dorado Airport to various parts of Bogota, with the trip to the city center taking 40-60 minutes for approximately COP 2,950 (USD 0.70). Taxis are available with a metered system costing COP 30,000-50,000 (USD 7-12) to the Zona Rosa or historic center. Ride-hailing services (Uber/Didi) are widely used and often preferred for safety and fixed pricing.

How many terminals does Bogota Airport have?

El Dorado International Airport has two terminals. The main terminal (Terminal 1) handles international flights and most domestic carriers, and was completely renovated in 2017 with a modern design. The Puente Aereo terminal (Terminal 2) is used exclusively by Avianca for domestic shuttle services. The terminals are connected by a bus.

What is notable about Bogota El Dorado Airport?

BOG sits at an elevation of 2,548 meters (8,360 feet), making it one of the highest major airports in the world. The altitude affects aircraft performance, requiring longer runways. Named after the legendary city of gold, El Dorado handles the most cargo in Latin America, largely due to Colombia's cut flower export industry — Colombia is the world's second-largest flower exporter.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Bogota Airport?

Yes, BOG offers free Wi-Fi throughout Terminal 1. The network requires brief registration and provides speeds suitable for browsing and messaging. The renovated terminal features a large shopping area, food courts with Colombian cuisine, and an impressive gold artifact display in partnership with Bogota's Gold Museum.

Which airlines have a hub at Bogota Airport?

Avianca, one of the oldest airlines in the world (founded 1919) and a Star Alliance member, uses BOG as its primary hub. LATAM Colombia, Wingo (low-cost subsidiary of Copa Airlines), and Viva Air Colombia also operate significant services. El Dorado is the busiest airport in Colombia and the third busiest in Latin America.