Overview Compare Bus Flight To Stay
How to get from Salento to Medellin
After you’ve finished sampling and exploring the coffee that Salento is so well-known for, you can head north towards the second largest and most innovative city in Colombia: Medellin. Here, you can enjoy a youthful vibe and spring-like weather all year round. It offers plenty of things to do, including cultural activities and a busy nightlife.
To cover the 250 km (155 miles) distance from Salento to Medellin there are two main ways: an 8-hour bus ride or a 4-hour combined flight and drive. Fares range between 70,000 COP ($14.50) to 250,000 COP ($52).
2 ways to get from Salento to Medellin
Buses are the most affordable and practical way to get from Salento to Medellin. Even if the journey is a little long, it’s compensated by the scenic views of the beautiful Colombian mountains and valleys on the way.
There is also one night bus covering this route, in case you prefer to travel overnight.
Salento doesn’t have an airport, and therefore to fly you need to take a bus or taxi first to Pereira, a city 36 km away, and from there take a flight to Medellin. This makes flying an expensive and a somewhat complicated option compared to the direct buses from Salento to Medellin.
Itinerary from Salento to Medellin
Flight
- Salento
- 1 hour
- Pereira Airport
- 45 minutes
- Medellin Olaya Herrera Airport
- 15 minutes
- Medellin City Centre
Salento to Medellin by Bus
Step 1: Salento to Medellin
Conveniently, there is a direct bus going from Salento to Medellin.
There are four departures a day which are all operated by the same company, Flota Occidental. The journey lasts around 8 hours.
Most buses are medium size with reclining seats and AC, but they usually don’t have a toilet. Don’t worry though, the bus will stop a couple of times for short breaks.
You can also save some money on accommodation by taking the last bus at 21:30, which arrives in Medellin around 05:30. However, the buses are not very big nor comfortable to sleep on, so you may not get a lot of rest.
Bus schedule from Salento to Medellin
Step 2: Medellin Bus Terminal to the city centre
Buses will arrive at Medellin Terminal del Sur. From there the best option is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2) to the city centre. Uber also works well, if you have data or are able to access Wifi, and rates start at 8,000 COP ($1.60).
In case you are travelling on a budget, you can also walk 15 minutes to the closest Metro Station called Poblado and connect from there. The metro ticket costs 2,650 COP ($0.50).
Salento to Medellin by Flight
To take a flight from Salento to Medellin, you need to head to Pereira Airport.
Step 1: Salento to Pereira Airport
There are two ways to get to Pereira: by taxi or by bus. The choice depends on your budget and preference for travel time.
Option 1: Salento to Pereira Airport by Taxi
The easiest and fastest way is to take a taxi that will drop you directly at Matecaña International Airport (PEI). However, it can be a little expensive, with prices starting at around 100,000 COP ($20.50). You can arrange it at the tourist information point in Salento or directly at your hotel/hostel.
Option 2: Salento to Pereira Airport by Bus
Buses to Pereira depart every 30 minutes from Salento Bus Terminal, which is within walking distance from most places in town. This service operates from 06:30 to 20:30.
The company covering this route is called Expreso Alcalá and you pay the 7,500 COP ($1.50) for the tickets directly to the bus driver.
From Pereira bus terminal to the airport the best option is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2). The ride is about 15-20 minutes.
It is also possible to go by bus using the local metrobus system, Megabus. However, you need to change buses twice and it takes around 45 minutes.
First take the yellow bus #27 in the direction of ‘Cuba’. Get off at the station ‘Cuba’ and transfer to lines 1, 2 or 3 of the bigger green bus. Then get off at station ‘Viajero’ and transfer to a yellow bus #25 that will take you to the Matecaña International Airport (PEI).
Megabus tickets cost 2,200 COP ($0.40).
Step 2: Pereira to Medellin by Flight
There is only one airline that offers a direct flight between Pereira and Medellin. It is called Easy Fly and offers a basic but good service for such a short distance. Prices start at 160,000 COP ($33.50).
There are four departures a day from 05:35 to 15:55. They all arrive at Medellin Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH) located within the city.
Step 3: Medellin Airport to City Centre
When you arrive in Medellin, the best option to get to the city centre is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($2) or Uber starting at 8,000 COP ($1.60).
In case you want to take the metro, the closest station is called Poblado and it’s a 20-minute walk from the airport. However, the area may not be the safest to walk and therefore it’s recommended to take a taxi.
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 — Treat 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 ocated 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
More routes to Medellin
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About the author(s)
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.
