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How to get from Bogota to Medellin
Medellin is a vibrant and young city with lots of things to do and a busy nightlife. It is the second largest city in Colombia and has spring-like weather all year round. Despite its dark past with drug cartels, it is now a highly innovative city, attracting both digital nomads and expats.
From Bogota to Medellin is 419 km (260 miles) away. The most popular ways to cover this distance are a 1.5-hour flight or an 11-hour bus ride. Fares range between 65,000 COP ($16.50) – 280,000 COP ($71.00).
2 ways to get from Bogota to Medellin
When choosing between the two, keep in mind that both cities are situated on mountains. Therefore, travelling by bus means it’s not going to be a straightforward journey, literally! The roads from Bogota to Medellin include a lot of bends, making the journey a reasonably unpleasant one if you get travel sick easily.
However, a night bus can be a good way to save on accommodation while catching some sleep. And, if you are travelling by day you will get some stunning views of Colombia’s mountainous landscapes.
On the other hand, flying can be more convenient if you’re visiting for a short time. It takes only a little more than 1 hour. In contrast, the time on the bus is around 10 hours without even considering traffic, roadworks and rest breaks.
In Colombia domestic flights are affordable and the prices tend to compete with the bus rates. If you book some time in advance the chances to find cheap flights significantly increases and can be equal or just a little above the bus fare.
If you choose to fly from Bogota to Medellin, try to include a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Bogota to Medellin by Flight
Step 1: Bogota to Medellin
Flights from Bogota to Medellin depart from El Dorado Airport (BOG). Departures are frequent, every 1 – 2 hours from 05:00 to 23:00, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour.
There are 4 airlines covering this route Avianca, Latam, Viva Air and Satena. They all offer a cabin-luggage-only fare so, if you’re travelling light, you can save some money here.
In terms of service, Avianca is a bigger airline and their service is superior. They offer refreshments and most planes have an individual tv and charging port. Latam is a good second choice, offering a fairly good service too.
Satena offers a basic service but since the flight is so short, it does the job pretty well.
Viva air, on the other hand, is a low-cost airline and therefore they will charge extra for everything, even checking in at the airport. Most of the time their service is poor so, unless the price difference with the other airlines is significant (which is not often the case), we don’t really recommend it.
Step 2: Medellin Airport to the city centre
Note that not all airlines land at the same airport in Medellin.
While, Satena and Easy fly arrive at Olaya Herrera (EOH), which is located within the city.
Avianca, Latam and Viva Air arrive at Jose Maria Cordoba Airport (MDE) located 30 km away from the city centre.
To go from Jose María Cordoba to Medellin there are three main options, all available 24 hours: taxi, Colectivo or bus.
Taxis have a flat rate of 80,000 COP ($20.00) and take about 30 minutes. They are the safest option if you arrive at night.
Colectivos are shared taxis where you split the taxi price with other people. If there are 4 people you will pay 20,000 COP ($5.00) and they will drop you at the city centre. This option is good only if you don’t have a lot of luggage.
Buses depart every 15 minutes and cost 10,500 COP ($2.60). They will drop you at the Centro Comercial San Diego at the city centre. From there you can take a taxi, connect to the metro system or walk to your hotel if it’s nearby.
If you arrive at Olaya Herrera (EOH) the best option is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2.50), since the closest metro station is a 20-minute walk.
Bogota to Medellin by Bus
Bogota to Medellin
Buses depart from Module 3 at Terminal de Buses Salitre in Bogota from 05:00. Night buses are more popular on this route and some companies offer more frequent services after 18:00.
The main bus companies covering the Bogota to Medellin route are Expreso Bolivariano, Expreso Brasilia, Flota Magdalena and Rápido Ochoa.
The buses are quite comfortable. They have reclining seats, AC, a toilet, and the newer buses will include individual TVs and charging ports.
Expreso Bolivariano is considered to be ahead in terms of services and amenities and offers more departures a day. However, all other companies also offer a decent service and they can be slightly cheaper.
You can book your tickets online (showing them on mobile is not sufficient, so make sure to print your ticket in advance!). You can also buy your ticket directly at the bus terminal, but keep in mind that night buses tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so it is better to book ahead.
Bus schedule from Bogota to Medellin
Step 2: Medellin Bus Terminal to the city centre
The bus will arrive at Terminal del Norte de Medellin. To get to the city centre, you can take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2.50) or Uber starting at 6,000 COP ($1.50).
Another option is to take the metro at Caribe station, which is right in front of the bus terminal, and continue on the same line (A) towards La Estrella. Get off at San Antonio Station at the city centre. A ticket costs 2,650 COP ($0.60).
Our favourite places to stay in Medellin
Medellin has transformed from one of the most dangerous cities in the world to a destination that people are dying to visit. Through innovation and resilience, Medellin is now a modern and stylish city with some amazing and inexpensive accommodation.
El Poblado, one of the richest and safest areas to stay in Medellin, is a hotspot for visitors — if you want to stay here, make sure to book in advance.
Here are our favourite places to stay in Medellin:
Patio del Mundo - Treating Yourself
As soon as you step foot into Patio del Mundo, you can see that every detail has been carefully thought out. Every room is uniquely designed and decorated with local artcraft.
The hotel feels like a retreat within the city. You can enjoy massages, yoga and reiki in the big private garden. Alternatively, you can relax in the onsite bar or indulge in the premium coffee, teas and water that are included in your stay.
- Great location
- Balconies and jacuzzis available in some rooms
- Onsite bar and yoga
- Exceptional breakfast included
Double rooms cost $80+ per night
14 Urban Hotel - Mid Range
14 Urban Hotel is an ultra-stylish hotel, boasting an interesting urban design (as the name suggests). All of the rooms are large and luxurious, with some of them offering jacuzzi-style baths.
The rooftop terrace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views over Medellin. You can’t really get a better location than this too. You’re only moments from El Poblado’s best restaurants and bars.
- Stunning design
- Rooftop terrace and restaurant
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
Rango Hostel Boutique - Mid Range
Rango Hostel Boutique has achieved the perfect balance between luxury and social. This place feels more like a hotel than a hostel, but its friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to meet other travellers.
It’s tempting to spend all your time in the hostel with the rooftop pool, terrace, bar, restaurant, chill out spots and game facilities. There’s a lot to keep you entertained!
- Great location in El Poblado
- Stylish and modern design
- Rooftop pool and terrace
- Private and dorm rooms available
Double rooms cost between $40-$80 per night
574 Hotel - Budget Friendly
Medellin is a hip and stylish city. 574 Hotel perfectly emanates that vibe through its beautifully-designed interior.
It’s located within the highly-demanded neighbourhood of El Poblado: you can’t ask for a better location. The fresh and modern design creates a peaceful escape from the busy city of Medellin.
The friendly staff also help to make your stay as relaxing as possible. It’s hard to believe that this is a budget-friendly option.
- Beautiful and peaceful design
- One of the best locations in Medellin
- Room with jacuzzi available
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $30 per night
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
