Medellin to Cartagena

Want to know how to get from Medellin to Cartagena? In this post, we’ll share a summary of the two ways to get there and compare each option on duration, costs and level of comfort. For each option, we go into more detail to help you decide which transport provider to book with and where to buy your tickets.

What to expect when visiting Cartagena

Cartagena is known as Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast. Unlike the rest of the country, it has been a tourist hub for quite a while because it’s a common stop for cruise ships sailing the Caribbean.

Its attraction lies in the almost intact and colourful, colonial-style mansions in the walled old city. Inside these walls, you’ll be transported back in time and into a foodie’s paradise. A tip when exploring Cartagena: for safety, stay out of the city’s outskirts! The tourist centre is generally safe.

2 ways to get from Medellin to Cartagena

There are two ways to travel the distance of 634 km (394 miles) from Medellin to Cartagena: by bus (16 hours) and flight (2 hours). The journey takes between 2-16 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 93,500 COP ($23.50) for the flight.

Medellin to Cartagena by Flight

Duration: 2 hours

Starts from: 93,500 COP ($23.50)

Duration: 2 hours

Cost: 93,500 COP ($23.50)

Medellin has two airports, however all direct flights from Medellin to Cartagena depart from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE), located 30 km from the city in Rionegro.

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

Step 1: From Medellin to the airport

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 10,500 COP ($2.60) – 80,000 COP ($20.00)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 10,500 COP ($2.60) – 80,000 COP ($20.00)

To get to Jose María Cordoba Airport from Medellin there are three main options available every day: taxi, Colectivo or bus.

Taxis have a flat rate of 80,000 COP ($18.50) and take about 30 minutes. They are the safest option if you are flying at night.

Colectivos are shared taxis where you share the taxi cost with other people. If there are 4 people you will pay 20,000 COP ($4.60) and they will go straight to the airport. This option is good only if you do not have a lot of luggage. They depart from San Diego Mall in the city centre.

The bus service is provided by the company, Combuses. They depart every 15 minutes from San Diego Mall or in front of Nutibara hotel, both within the city centre area. They will all say ‘Aeropuerto JMC’ on the front and cost 10,500 COP ($2.40), which is to be paid directly to the driver.

Step 2: Medellin to Cartagena by Flight

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 63,000 COP ($15.50) – 200,000 COP ($50.00)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 63,000 COP ($15.50) – 200,000 COP ($50.00)

There are 3 airlines covering the Medellin to Cartagena route; Avianca, Latam and Viva Air. They all offer a cabin-luggage-only fare so, if you’re travelling light, you can save some money here. There are around 6 departures a day from 06:30 to 19:00 and the flight time is approximately 1 hour.

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 ports. Latam is a good second choice though, offering a fairly good service too.

Viva air, on the other hand, is a low-cost airline and 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 3: Cartagena airport to the city centre

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 20,000 COP ($5.00)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 20,000 COP ($5.00)

You’ll arrive at Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena, about 5 km (3 miles) away from the city centre.

There are 3 ways to get from the airport to the city centre: bus, taxi or private transfer.

Buses are a good option if you don’t have a lot of luggage, but keep in mind that drop off stations can sometimes be 15-minute walks away from most hostels/hotels. Therefore, the most comfortable way is to take a taxi.

Option 1: Cartagena Airport by Transcaribe Bus

Duration: 20 minutes

Costs: 2,500 COP ($0.60)

Duration: 20 minutes

Costs: 2,500 COP ($0.60)

The orange and white buses by Transcaribe, line T102, run frequently from just outside of the airport. This service passes by the city centre and runs from 05:30-21:00 every day. The ride takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

The bus stop is on Calle 70 and Carrera 4, one block from the airport. The only Transcaribe line stopping there is the T102, so you won’t get lost. The bus rate is 2,500 COP ($0.50)

There are 2 stops equally close to the city centre, one is called ‘Parque Apolo’ and the other one ‘Boquete San Diego’. Don’t be afraid of the long names, you can just ask for ‘Centro’ or ‘San Diego’ and the driver or other passengers will help you to get off at the right stop.

Option 2: Cartagena Airport by Taxi

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 15,000 COP ($3.70)

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 15,000 COP ($3.70)

The taxi service runs 24 hours per day and is available from just outside of the arrivals gate.

Taxi prices are fixed depending on your destination area. Follow the signs to the taxi counter right outside the arrivals gate and indicate the area or neighbourhood where you are going. They will hand you a ticket with the price printed on it. You should give this ticket to the driver at the end of the ride along with your payment.

An average price for a ride to most hotel areas is 15,000 COP ($3.50), but it can be slightly more or less depending on the distance.

Option 3: Cartagena Airport by Private Transfer

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 50,000 COP ($12.50)

Duration: 15 minutes

Costs: 50,000 COP ($12.50)

Unlike other countries, Colombia’s taxi’s service is relatively poor; most vehicles are small and drivers are often rude. If you prefer comfort and good customer service, the best option is to hire a private transfer.

Multiple companies offer transfer services between the airport and the city centre where the driver usually waits for you outside the terminal.

You can book the type of car you want, and most will offer amenities such as water bottles, AC and music.

The price of a private transfer for 2 people starts from 50,000 COP ($11.50) and it’s a set price to any location within the urban area. You can book online via BookAway.

Medellin to Cartagena by Bus

Duration: 16 hours

Starts from: 147,000 COP ($37.00)

Duration: 16 hours

Cost: 147,000 COP ($37.00)

Step 1: Medellin to Cartagena

Duration: 14 – 16 hours

Costs: 147,000 COP ($37.00)

Duration: 14 – 16 hours

Costs: 147,000 COP ($37.00)

There are two major bus companies that can take you from Medellin to Cartagena: Expreso Brasilia and Rapido Ochoa. They depart from Terminal del Norte in MedellinThe buses are quite comfortable. They have meal services, reclining seats, wifi (not always reliable though), individual TVs, AC, charging ports and toilets.

Expreso Brasilia is considered to be ahead in terms of services and amenities. Rapido Ochoa, on the other hand, could be a little bit cheaper, but still does the job just as well.

Rapido Ochoa has four departures a day, while Expreso Brasilia schedules ten buses. Both company’s buses run between 05:30 and 22:30.

Buses scheduled between 16:30 and 22:30 are overnight buses, and perfect for arriving at your destination during the day.

You can book your tickets online (showing them on a 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 options from Medellin to Cartagena

Step 2: Cartagena Bus Terminal to the city centre

Cartagena bus terminal is quite far from the city centre. There are 2 ways to connect from there: a 1-hour bus or a 30-minute taxi ride.

Option 1: Cartagena Bus Terminal to city centre by Transcaribe Bus

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 2,500 COP ($0.60)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 2,500 COP ($0.60)

The bus terminal is well connected via the Transcaribe buses to Cartagena city centre and the popular neighbourhoods of Getsemani and San Diego. You can find these buses just outside the bus terminal and run once every 30 minutes. The line that takes you to the city centre is X104.

You should get off at the last stop, ‘La Bodeguita’, for the old city, or the one before called ‘Centro’ if you’re going to the Getsemani and San Diego areas.

Option 2: Cartagena Bus Terminal to city centre by Taxi

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 18,000 COP ($4.50)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 18,000 COP ($4.50)

Taxis can be found right outside the bus terminal. Expect to pay 18,000 COP ($4.20) for a ride to the old city. Taxi rates are regulated by the local government. Nevertheless, as a general rule in Cartagena, it is better to agree on the price before stepping in.

Uber does not really work in Cartagena, but if you prefer using an app, locals use InDriver, which allows you to bid the rate you want to pay and drivers will accept or decline it.