Villa de Leyva is about 40 kilometres from Tunja and 160 kilometres from Bogotá. From Bogotá, the journey by bus takes 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic — terminal Salitre in Bogotá is the main departure point, with buses to Tunja and then a connection onward to Villa de Leyva. Direct buses also run from Bogotá's Portal del Norte bus terminal. The road from Tunja to Villa de Leyva passes through striking dry canyon scenery — the approach to the town is part of the experience.
By car from Bogotá, take the toll road to Tunja, then Route 55 south through Arcabuco. The mountain road between Arcabuco and Villa de Leyva is winding and should be driven carefully; it passes through cloud forest before descending to the dry Boyacá plateau. Arriving by car gives you flexibility to visit El Fósil, El Infiernito, and the Ecce Homo convent on your own schedule.
There is no train service to Villa de Leyva.