Valledupar has Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport (VUP) with direct flights from Bogotá (about 1.5 hours) and Medellín on Avianca, LATAM, and budget carriers. Flights are the most practical option from elsewhere in Colombia.
By bus, Valledupar is around 5–6 hours from Santa Marta and 3 hours from Barranquilla on good roads. The main bus terminal is on the edge of the city. There is no passenger train service.