If you’re flying into or out of the Manizales airport in central Colombia, La Nubia Airport (MZL) is the closest and most convenient option. Just 8 km from the city center, it offers quick access to most parts of Manizales. However, there are a few important things to know before you travel.

Getting to and from La Nubia – Manizales Airport

Contrary to places like Bogota and Medellin, the airport is much closer to the city – as is the case in Pereira. This makes it much easier for local residents to access national flights without having to spend as much on transport.

Unlike Pereira’s airport, La Nubia does not have a direct bus service. The best way to get there is by taxi.

• Taxi Costs (2025):
  • Villa Pilar/Chipre: ~27,000 COP (varies with traffic)
  • El Cable/Palermo: 15,000-20,000 COP
  • Airport Fee: 4,000 COP surcharge for taxis leaving the airport

Flight Challenges: Weather & Aircraft Size

La Nubia’s short runway means it only accommodates turbo-propeller aircraft, and weather conditions frequently impact flights. That being said, there are also many flights that leave and arrive – if a bit delayed.

• Delays & Cancellations: Fog and rain in Manizales or Bogotá can disrupt flights. The Bogotá-Manizales route is especially affected due to the high-altitude mountains.
• More Reliable Route: Flights to/from Medellín or Pereira tend to operate with fewer disruptions.

Important Bogotá Transfer Information

If you’re flying Clic Airlines, it operates from Puente Aéreo, a smaller terminal about 1-2 miles from the main El Dorado International Airport. Plan accordingly for connections. If you mess up and go to the main terminal it can cost as much as 30,000 COP to transfer to the other terminal even though it is right next door – so try to avoid making this mistake.

If you are flying Avianca, who currently does NOT have a route out of Manizales, then it would probably arrive at the main El Dorado terminal – it’s very important to check ahead of time where the ticket counter for your airline is located.

Airport Arrival & Security Tips

• Arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before your flight – check-in and security are fast due to small passenger groups. If you are leaving from the Manizales airport one hour is sufficient because it is so small. For Bogota – 1.5 to 2 hours is advisable because the volume is much larger and changes can happen.
• At Bogotá’s airport, you’ll need a smartphone or printed boarding pass to scan through security.

Should You Fly Into Pereira Instead?

If you’re an international traveler, consider flying into Pereira Airport (PEI) for better reliability. Pereira has more direct flight options and fewer cancellations due to weather. In fact, the pereira airport has a brand new terminal that is well-equipped for international arrivals and departures.

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