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Santa Marta sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast, roughly 574 kilometres (357 miles) north of Medellin. It's a sun-soaked beach city and the coastal base for trips into the Sierra Nevada. Flying is the quickest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta, taking 2h 20m. Going by bus keeps you on the ground but means a long haul, at $51 - $59 (162,000 - 188,000 COP) and 15h 30m - 19h.
Distance from Medellin to Santa Marta
Medellin and Santa Marta are about 574 km (357 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 826 km by road. The quickest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 20m.
2 ways to travel from Medellin to Santa Marta
There are two ways to travel from Medellin to Santa Marta. You can choose between the flight and bus. The journey takes 2h 20m–15h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $28 (90,000 COP).
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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Santa Marta?
Santa Marta is one of the main tourist hubs on Colombia’s north coast. It is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, arguably the most beautiful national park in the country. But to be honest, there's not much to do in Santa Marta itself.
You can spare a few hours exploring the colonial houses in the Old Town or scuba diving in El Rodadero, which has some of the most affordable scuba diving centres in South America. But we recommend saving your time for the more exciting destinations near Santa Marta — like Tayrona, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Ciudad Perdida.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Medellin to Santa Marta, roughly 574 kilometres (357 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest non-flight fare is $51 - $59 (162,000 - 188,000 COP), though if you're lucky with timing you might find a flight ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 2h 20m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Medellin to Santa Marta?
The distance from Medellin to Santa Marta is 574 kilometres (357 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta?
The fastest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta is by flight and takes 2h 20m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta?
The cheapest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta is by flight with ticket costs starting from 90,000 COP.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
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.
Travel Writer
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.
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