How to get from Medellin Airport (Jose Maria Cordova) to the city centre

Why visit Medellin?

Medellin is a vibrant city that overcame its dark and violent past to become a symbol of innovation and growth. Its colourful history alone attracts millions of tourists every year. And with a wide array of attractions and things to do, Medellin is bustling with activity from day ’til night.

A huge plus: the city enjoys temperate weather all year round, no wonder it’s called the ‘city of eternal spring’. Surrounded on all sides by the Andes, you’ll get a stunning view no matter where you are in Medellin!

Airports in Medellin

Medellin has two airports. The main airport is José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro, about 20 km from the city centre. This is where most domestic and international airlines operate. And this will be the focus of this route guide.

A smaller number of flights — mainly with Satena and EasyFly — use Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH), which is centrally located within Medellín.

There are 4 ways to travel the 20 kilometre (12 miles) distance from Medellin Airport (Jose Maria Cordova) to the city centre. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, private transport and colectivo. The journey takes 30 minutes - 1 hour and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 17,000 COP ($4.50).

The bus is the cheapest way to travel between José María Córdova International Airport and Medellín’s city centre. All buses from this airport in Rionegro are operated by the company Combuses. The fare is 17,000 COP ($4.50), payable in cash or with a Cívica card.

IMPORTANT: Cívica is Medellín’s rechargeable transport card — valid on the Metro, buses, trams, and cable cars. You can’t buy it at the airport, but it’s available at all Metro stations in the city. To learn more about using public transport in Colombia, check our Colombia transport guide.

Medellin Airport has a single terminal for both international and domestic flights. If you arrive on an international flight, follow the signs to Domestic Arrivals and go out through Exit 4. Here you’ll find minibus-style vehicles with “Aeropuerto” clearly displayed in the front windshield.

Buses run on two routes, both ending in the city centre about 1 km apart:

• San Diego Mall – every 15 minutes, 24/7
• Exposiciones Metro Station – every 20 minutes, from 03:00 to 22:00

From both stops, it’s easy to continue to the main tourist areas. El Poblado is about 4 km southeast — a short taxi/Uber ride, or two stops on Metro Line A from Exposiciones Station to Poblado Station.

Laureles is about 5 km west and can be reached by taxi/Uber. You can also use the metro: take Line A from Exposiciones to San Antonio Metro Station. Then transfer to Line B and get off at Estadio Station or Floresta Station.

Heading to Jose Maria Cordova Airport?

You can take the same bus back to the airport. Pick the stop closest to where you’re staying:

• San Diego Mall – Buses on this route run every 15 minutes, 24/7.
• Exposiciones Station – These buses run every 20 minutes from 03:00 to 22:00, with an extra stop at Hotel Nutibara, near Parque Berrío Metro Station in the city centre.

Colectivos are shared taxis that carry up to four passengers, with everyone splitting the fare. From Medellín Airport (Rionegró), they go straight to San Diego Mall, on the eastern side of the city centre.

The fare is around 28,000 COP ($7.20) per person, making this a cheap alternative to a private taxi. They’re best if you’re travelling light, since luggage space is very limited.

You’ll spot colectivos just outside the arrivals area. There’s usually no sign, but drivers often call out “colectivo Medellín” to gather passengers. They look like the official white airport taxis, but the giveaway is they wait to fill all four seats before heading off — unlike private taxis, which leave straight away.

When going back to the airport, you can also catch a colectivo from San Diego Mall. Head to the taxi area and ask for a “colectivo al aeropuerto.” Like the ride from the airport, the driver waits until all seats are full before departing.

A minivan ride from Medellin Airport to the city centre costs around 57,000 COP ($15). The minivan journey takes about 40 minutes - 1 hour, depending on traffic. What we like about this option is that most minivan companies take you directly to your hotel, compared to the bus which only has fixed bus stops.

When travelling from the city centre to Medellin Airport, common departure points are Parque de El Poblado and Hotel Dorado La 70.

If you’re travelling solo, minivans are a convenient way to get straight to your hotel without spending too much. Travelling in a group? Then it’s probably cheaper to book private transportation.

You can book a minivan in advance via BookAway. Check their schedule below.