Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia, Bogotá, Travel & Transportation, Major Highways & Driving Tips

Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia

1. Autopista Norte (North Highway)

Longest highway in Bogotá connecting northern and southern areas. Reduces travel time significantly.
  • Rush Hours: Avoid peak hours (6-9 am and 4-7 pm) to reduce traffic congestion
  • Toll Road: Toll fees must be paid before entering the highway using a vía T sticker or cash
  • Pit Stops: Rest areas available for breaks and refueling along the highway

2. Autopista Sur (South Highway)

Main thoroughfare connecting eastern and western parts of Bogotá. Offers scenic views of city landscapes.
  • Construction Zones: Be aware of ongoing construction work, which may cause delays or detours
  • Toll Booths: Toll booths are located at various points along the highway
  • Bicycle Lanes: Shared-use bike lanes are present on some sections of the highway

3. Troncal de Cinturón (Ring Road)

Circular highway surrounding Bogotá's downtown area, facilitating city navigation.
  • Multiple Lanes: Separate lanes for cars, buses, and motorcycles ensure efficient traffic flow
  • Toll Road: Toll fees are collected at entry and exit points on the ring road
  • Traffic Lights: Carefully follow traffic light signals as they can cause delays

4. Autopista Medellín-Bogotá (Medellín Highway)

Highway connecting Bogotá with the city of Medellín. Ideal for travelers heading to or from either location.
  • Toll Fees: Multiple toll booths are placed along the highway; fees can be paid using a vía T sticker
  • Speed Limits: Enforcement of speed limits is frequent to ensure road safety
  • Rest Stops: Rest areas are available for breaks and refueling along the highway

5. Vía Fortuna

Main road connecting the eastern suburbs with Bogotá's downtown area. Offers access to popular landmarks.
  • Construction Zones: Construction work may cause traffic delays; be prepared for detours
  • One-Way Streets: Watch out for one-way streets as you approach downtown Bogotá
  • Local Markets: Frequent local markets along the road provide opportunities to purchase fresh produce and souvenirs

6. Carretera Troncal de la Selva (Central Highway)

Connects Bogotá with the eastern regions of Colombia. Offers breathtaking views of natural landscapes.
  • Road Conditions: The road may have poor conditions in some sections; be prepared for potholes and bumps
  • Rest Stops: Rest areas are sparsely located along the highway, so plan stops accordingly
  • Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds while driving through the countryside

7. Autopista Tunjuelito-Chía

Highway connecting the southern suburbs with the Andean town of Chía. Offers beautiful mountain views.
  • Toll Fees: Multiple toll booths are placed along the highway; fees can be paid using a vía T sticker
  • Speed Limits: Enforcement of speed limits is frequent to ensure road safety
  • Scenic Points: Stops at scenic viewpoints along the highway allow travelers to admire the breathtaking mountain landscapes

8. Autopista del Río Segunda (Second River Highway)

Highway running parallel to the Second River in western Bogotá. Offers access to residential areas and local attractions.
  • Construction Zones: Construction work may cause traffic delays; be prepared for detours
  • Local Markets: Frequent local markets along the road provide opportunities to purchase fresh produce and souvenirs
  • Residential Areas: Pass through a variety of residential neighborhoods, offering glimpses into daily life in Bogotá

9. Vía 40 (Highway 40)

Connects the western suburbs with the industrial area of Soacha. Offers easy access to local industries.
  • Industrial Area: Pass through a heavily industrialized zone, which may include truck traffic and noise
  • Speed Limits: Enforcement of speed limits is frequent to ensure road safety
  • Rest Stops: Rest areas are sparsely located along the highway, so plan stops accordingly

10. Vía de la Dorada (Golden Road)

Main road connecting Bogotá with the eastern town of Zipaquira. Offers access to a famous salt cathedral.
  • Toll Fees: Multiple toll booths are placed along the highway; fees can be paid using a vía T sticker
  • Speed Limits: Enforcement of speed limits is frequent to ensure road safety
  • Salt Cathedral: Visit the famous salt cathedral located in Zipaquira, an engineering marvel and spiritual experience

11. Carretera Troncal de la Sabana (Savannah Highway)

Connects Bogotá with the eastern towns of Villagómez and Funza. Offers access to scenic savannah landscapes.
  • Road Conditions: The road may have poor conditions in some sections; be prepared for potholes and bumps
  • Rest Stops: Rest areas are sparsely located along the highway, so plan stops accordingly
  • Scenic Points: Stops at scenic viewpoints allow travelers to admire the vast savannah landscapes and local wildlife

12. Autopista La Calera (La Calera Highway)

Highway connecting Bogotá with the town of La Calera. Offers easy access to natural hot springs.
  • Toll Fees: Multiple toll booths are placed along the highway; fees can be paid using a vía T sticker
  • Speed Limits: Enforcement of speed limits is frequent to ensure road safety
  • Natural Hot Springs: Visit the natural hot springs in La Calera, a great destination for relaxation and rejuvenation

13. Autopista Bogotá-Rionegro (Bogotá-Rionegro Highway)

Highway connecting Bogotá with the city of Rionegro in Antioquia. Ideal for travelers heading to or from either location.
  • Toll Fees: Multiple toll booths are placed along the highway; fees can be paid using a vía T sticker
  • Speed Limits: Enforcement of speed limits is frequent to ensure road safety
  • Rest Stops: Rest areas are sparsely located along the highway, so plan stops accordingly

14. Carretera Troncal de la Orquídea (Orchid Highway)

Connects Bogotá with the town of Fusagasugá. Offers access to an orchid farm and botanical garden.
  • Road Conditions: The road may have poor conditions in some sections; be prepared for potholes and bumps
  • Rest Stops: Rest areas are sparsely located along the highway, so plan stops accordingly
  • Orchid Farm: Visit the orchid farm and botanical garden in Fusagasugá to see a variety of exotic flowers

15. Vía de Cisne (Swan Road)

Main road connecting Bogotá with the town of Sesquilé. Offers scenic views of rivers and mountains.
  • Road Conditions: The road may have poor conditions in some sections; be prepared for potholes and bumps
  • Rest Stops: Rest areas are sparsely located along the highway, so plan stops accordingly
  • Scenic Points: Stops at scenic viewpoints allow travelers to admire the beautiful rivers and mountain landscapes