How to get from Medellin to Bogota

Why visit Bogota?

Bogota is the capital of Colombia and the centre of most economic, political, and cultural activities. It sits 2600 metres (8530 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest capitals in the world. Here, you can enjoy a temperate climate all year round.

Modernity and culture collide in this vibrant city, where you will find skyscrapers alongside colonial architecture. Every other guide to Bogota will tell you it is home to some of the most incredible street art in the world. And we totally agree! You will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to museums, art galleries and food.

There are 3 ways to travel the 419 kilometre (260 miles) distance from Medellin to Bogota. You can choose between the bus, private transport and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 50 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 102,000 COP ($27.50).

The fastest way to travel to Bogota from Medellin is by taking a flight. It does cost more than the bus, but not by much. If you’re short on time, flying can be a really convenient option.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

There are two airports in Medellin — Jose Maria Cordova Airport and Olaya Herrera Airport — so make sure to double-check your departure point.

To Jose Maria Cordova Airport

The bus is the cheapest way to get to Jose María Cordova International Airport. Operated by Combuses, a ticket costs 17,000 COP ($4.60) and the ride takes at least 35 minutes. They depart from:

• San Diego Mall – every 15 minutes, 24/7
• Exposiciones Metro Station – every 20 minutes, from 03:00–22:00. The bus also stops at Hotel Nutibara in the city centre

The colectivo (shared taxi) is another option at about 28,000 COP ($7.40) per person. They depart from San Diego Mall and wait until all four seats are filled before leaving.

For more convenience, you can book a private ride.

• Uber – from 105,000 COP ($28.50) for a 4-seater
• BookAway – private transfers from 119,000 COP ($32) for 2 people

We don’t recommend using yellow city taxis as they’re known to overcharge, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Check out our Medellin Airport guide for more details.

To Olaya Herrera Airport

Olaya Herrera Airport is within the city. We recommend taking an Uber for upfront fares starting from 17,000 COP ($4.60) — no need to negotiate.

Taxi rates start from 13,000 COP ($3.50), but drivers often overcharge tourists. If you do take a taxi, agree on the fare before the ride or make sure the meter is running.

Five airlines operate direct flights between Medellín and Bogotá: Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Satena, Wingo, and JetSMART Colombia. All of which offers cabin-baggage fares. Ticket prices start from 125,000 COP ($34).

Flights are frequent throughout the day, with departures every hour from around 04:20 to 23:00. The flight itself is short, usually taking about 1 hour.

Service varies by airline, with Avianca and LATAM offering a more traditional full-service experience. Wingo and JetSMART follow a low-cost model with fewer inclusions but cheaper fares. Satena operates from Olaya Herrera Airport in the city centre, which is convenient, though their fares tend to be a bit higher.

Bogotá El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is within the city and connected to the TransMilenio bus system, with bus stops just outside the airport.

TransMilenio costs 3,000 COP ($0.90), and you’ll need a TuLlave card to pay — cash isn’t accepted. It’s cheap, but usually crowded and often requires a transfer. Not ideal if you’re carrying heavy bags.

For a more comfortable ride, private transport gets you to the city in around 30 minutes, though expect delays during rush hour (16:30–19:30). Below are your options:

• Taxi-hailing apps: InDrive fares start from 30,000 COP ($8.10), while Uber Taxi costs around 29,000 COP ($7.80) to 38,000 COP ($10.20).
• Pre-booked ride via BookAway: You can get a private car from 46,000 COP ($12.30) for 2 persons. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport.
• Taxi Imperial (the official airport taxi provider): This tends to be the most expensive, and often comes with additional hidden fees. Yellow metered taxis cost about 80,000 COP ($21.50), while prepaid white cars are around 95,000 COP ($25.50).

Check out our page on Bogota Airport for a more detailed guide.

Travelling from Medellin to Bogota by bus takes around 9 hours 5 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes. It’s a long ride, so many travellers choose an overnight bus to save on accommodation and avoid daytime traffic. Our advice: bring a hoodie or light jacket to stay warm — the air con is often set too high!

Buses operating from Medellin to Bogota depart from Terminal del Norte. You can get there by metro for 3,000 COP ($0.90) if you’re using a Cívica card. Hop off at Caribe Station, which is directly connected to the terminal by a pedestrian bridge.

Buses on this route are generally quite comfortable. Most are equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, and an onboard toilet. Newer buses may also have individual TVs and charging ports.

Expreso Bolivariano is one of the most popular companies operating from Medellin to Bogota. They offer the most frequent daily departures and are generally known for their reliable service. That said, there have been some reports of delays, so it’s good to keep that in mind.

The other bus companies we mention in this guide also provide solid service and are sometimes a bit cheaper. We recommend comparing options and checking BookAway reviews to find the best bus for you.

The bus will arrive at Terminal Salitre in Bogota. From here, there are a few ways to reach the city centre.

Taxis are usually the cheapest option, with fares starting from 15,000 COP ($4.10). Just keep in mind that some drivers overcharge tourists, especially if you do not speak Spanish.

Uber also operates in Bogota. Many travellers prefer them for convenience and safety, but fares are higher. Prices usually start from 30,000 COP ($8.10) and can increase during peak hours.

Another option is to walk about 15 minutes from the terminal to the closest TransMilenio station, called El Tiempo-Maloka. This is part of Bogotá’s metrobus system. From there, you can take Line 1 towards Universidades and get off at this station, too. A ticket costs 3,000 COP ($0.90).

A private transfer is a convenient choice, especially if you’re travelling in a group from Medellin to Bogota. With the journey taking around 8 hours to 9 hours 30 minutes, having your own vehicle means you can travel in comfort, avoid crowded buses, and stop whenever you need a break.

Rates start from 988,000 COP ($265) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 247,000 COP ($67) per person.