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 ($21) to 250,000 COP ($65).

Bus of Flight?

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

Salento to Medellin by Bus

Duration: 8.5 hours
Cost: 68,000 COP ($20)

Step 1: Salento to Medellin

Duration: 8 hours
Cost: 60,000 COP ($18)

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.

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Step 2: Medellin Bus Terminal to the city centre

Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: 8,000 COP ($2.50)

Buses will arrive at Medellin Terminal del Sur. From there the best option is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($3) 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 ($2.5).

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 ($0.70)

Salento to Medellin by Flight

Duration: 4 hours
Cost: 180,000 – 330,000 COP ($50-$100)

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

Duration: 1 hour
Cost: From 100,000 COP ($30)

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 ($30). You can arrange it at the tourist information point in Salento or directly at your hotel/hostel.

Option 2: Salenta to Pereira Airport by Bus

Duration: 2 hours
Cost: 10,000 COP ($3)

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 ($2) 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 ($3). 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 ($0.70)

Step 2: Pereira to Medellin by Flight

Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: 160,000 – 220,000 COP ($50-$70)

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 ($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.

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Step 3: Medellin Airport to City Centre

Duration: 15 minutes
Cost: 8,000 COP ($2.50)

When you arrive in Medellin, the best option to get to the city centre is to take a taxi for around 10,000 COP ($3) or Uber starting at 8.000 COP ($2.5).

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.

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