How to get from Medellin to Guatape (and back)
What are the 4 ways to travel from Medellin to Guatape?
There are 4 ways to travel the 83 kilometre (52 miles) distance from Medellin to Guatape. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, private transport and bus (the way back). The journey takes 2 to 4 hours and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 22,000 COP ($5.80).
Medellin to Guatape by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Medellin to Guatape. Bus fares start from 22,000 COP ($5.80), and the journey takes around 2 hours.
You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route: Sotrasanvicente and Sotrapeñol.
Departure station
Buses operating from Medellin to Guatape depart from Terminal del Norte.
You can get there by Metro for 3,000 COP ($0.90) using a Cívica card. It’s a rechargeable card used for public transport in Medellín. Hop off at Caribe Station, which is directly connected to the terminal by a pedestrian bridge.
Bus schedules from Medellin to Guatape
Arrival station
Buses from Medellín drop passengers off at the Guatape Bus Terminal in the town centre. Before reaching the town, they pass by Piedra del Peñol (El Peñon), a massive granite monolith and one of the area’s main attractions. You can ask the driver to let you off near the entrance to the rock if you want to climb it first.
Note that some buses continue to nearby towns, so Guatapé isn’t always the final stop.
Medellin to Guatape by Bus (the way back)
When travelling back from Guatapé to Medellín, you’ll need to go to the town’s main bus terminal. It’s a small terminal, less than 500 metres from the central plaza and most hostels and guesthouses in town.
If you’re at Piedra del Peñol, you can also wait by the main road and flag down a bus heading to Medellín. Just note that there’s no guarantee of getting a seat if you board from there. Buses can get crowded, especially during rush hour.
You can buy tickets at the bus station or pay directly to the bus driver if you board the bus from the road. When departing from Guatape Bus Terminal, you can also book your tickets online beforehand through Redbus. The price is 22,000 COP ($5.80).
Bus schedule from Guatape to Medellin (the way back)
All buses arrive at Terminal del Norte de Medellin. To get to the city centre, you can take an Uber with fares starting from around 25,000 COP ($6.60). It’s a few dollars more expensive than a regular taxi, but well worth it for the convenience, upfront pricing and peace of mind.
Taxi rates start from 15,000 COP ($4), but drivers often overcharge tourists — especially if you don’t speak Spanish. If you do take a taxi, agree on the fare before the ride or make sure the meter is running
Another option is to take the Metro at Caribe Station, right in front of the bus terminal. Stay on Line A towards La Estrella and get off at San Antonio Station in the city centre. Fares start from 3,000 COP ($0.90) with a Cívica card.
Medellin to Guatape by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Medellin to Guatape costs around 205,000 COP ($54).
Some minivan companies offer door-to-door service, which saves you the hassle and extra cost of getting to and from bus stations. Just keep in mind that this can extend your travel time, as the minivan may stop to collect or drop off other passengers.
The minivan journey takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic and the number of stops.
There are also minivans that depart straight from José María Córdova Airport.
Minivan schedules from Medellin to Guatape
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Medellin to Guatape by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Medellin to Guatape.
Rates start from 402,000 COP ($105) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about 134,000 COP ($35.50) per person. Travel time is around 2 hours 20 minutes.
Private Transport options from Medellin to Guatape (and back)
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Medellin to Guatape. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Medellin to Guatape
What is the distance from Medellin to Guatape?
The distance from Medellin to Guatape is 83 kilometre (52 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Medellin to Guatape?
The fastest way to get from Medellin to Guatape is by bus and takes 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Medellin to Guatape?
The cheapest way to get from Medellin to Guatape is by bus with ticket costs starting from 22,000 COP ($5.80).
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
