Bogota to Medellin tickets

About the ride from Bogota to Medellin

Medellin is like no other place in the world. Sure, you might argue that it looks like most other Colombian cities, but its uniqueness lies in the electric vibe that emanates from the streets and its people. 

Once known as a place of danger, crime, and drugs, the people of Medellin have worked hard to change this narrative and reinvent the city through community and innovation. Riding on scenic cable cars and visiting the infamous Communa 13 neighborhood gives you a glimpse into this journey. 

When you've said goodbye to Colombia's capital, you'll have to decide between four different ways to get from Bogota to Medellin: 

1. Bus 

2. Flight 

3. Car 

4. Minivan

The fastest way to get from Bogota to Medellin is by flying. The flight takes around one hour and, if you get lucky, can actually cost less than some of the other transport options on the list. 

The bus is your best option if you're on a budget or want to be more environmentally conscious. It can take 8-11 hours, though, so be prepared for a long ride! 

Minivans and cars are great if you want a more private option. 

Feeling a little confused about which transport option to take from Bogota to Medellin? We've got you covered with all the details, plus what to do when you get to the awesome city of Medellin.

Five amazing things to do in Medellin

Medellin is overflowing with incredible things to do. Before you visit, you'll have to accept that you'll never be able to do it all, no matter how many times you extend your stay. 

To help you, here are some of the best things not to miss in Medellin:

1. Take a tour of Comuna 13. Once one of Medellín's most dangerous neighborhoods, it is now known for its colorful murals, community projects, outdoor escalators, and street performers. 

While you can explore the neighborhood independently, we highly recommend a guided tour. Often run by locals who grew up in the neighborhood, the tour provides first-hand experiences of how the community came together to transform.

2. Ride the metrocable to Parque Arví. Medellin's cable cars were a significant component in its transformation, helping to connect neighborhoods scattered deep on the mountainside to the city center. One of the best lines to take is to Parque Arvi, a large ecological park perfect for hiking, picnicking, and exploring local markets.
   
   The journey provides incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains.
   
   

3. Explore Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia. Plaza Botero is filled with larger-than-life sculptures by Fernando Botero, Medellín's most famous artist. They're truly unique and sometimes quite comical. Just beside it is the Museo de Antioquia, which houses a collection of Botero's work and other notable Colombian art.
   
   

4. Day Trip to Guatapé and El Peñol. Just two hours from Medellin, visiting Guatapé is a must! While the town is entertaining and vibrant, the highlight is climbing the 740 steps of the El Peñol Rock to witness a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Guatapé reservoir.
   
   

5. Learn to dance salsa. It's almost criminal to come to Colombia and not try salsa at least once, even if you're the worst dancer in the world. Medellin has a thriving salsa scene and is one of the best cities to take lessons and dance the night away. 

Laureles and El Poblado are two neighborhoods particularly famous for their nightlife, with plenty of salsa clubs and live music venues.

How to get from Bogota to Medellin

There are four ways to get from Bogota to Medellin: by bus, flight, car and minivan. 

By bus 

The bus is the cheapest way to get from Bogota to Medellin, with tickets starting from $19. 

Like many journeys in Colombia, strap yourself in for a long one! Depending on the company you choose, the bus can take 8-11 hours. 

Plenty of bus companies operate on this route, offering various departure times. Consider taking an overnight bus to help the journey pass faster, save on accommodation, and avoid wasting a day on a bus. 

You'll find a few different departure and arrival points, including the Terminal de Transport Salitre in Bogota and the Terminal Del Norte in Medellin. 

Most buses offer comfortable rides with reclining seats, air conditioning, charging ports, and bathrooms on board. Some premium buses also have TVs and more spacious seating, but they cost a bit more. 

By flight

Flying is the fastest way to get from Bogota to Medellin, with flights taking around one hour. Remember to also account for the time you spend transferring to and from the airport, checking in, and collecting your baggage on the other end. 

If you get lucky or book your flight a little in advance, the plane ticket doesn't have to break the bank and can be cheaper than some private transport options. Flights start from $30. 

This route is operated by several airlines, such as LATAM Airlines Group, Copa Airlines Colombia, Avianca, EasyFly and Satena. This means there are plenty of departure times!

Flights leave from Bogota Airport and arrive at Jose Maria Cordova Airport, 30 minutes from Medellin city center, or Olaya Herrera Airport, right in the city center. 

By car

If you want to travel by road with more privacy and flexibility, consider booking a private car. The journey takes around eight hours, slightly faster than some buses. 

Prices start from $215 per car for three to four passengers. When you split the cost of the vehicle by the maximum number of passengers, it is not that expensive per person. 

Since it's a private transfer, you can choose a departure time, and the price includes door-to-door service from any hotel in Bogota to any hotel in Medellin. 

By minivan

Booking a private minivan is a better option for those traveling as a larger group. The price starts from $360 for the whole van, which can fit nine passengers. Splitting between the maximum number of passengers can be as low as $40 per person. 

The journey time is the same as that of a private car, around eight hours and offers a door-to-door service for ultimate convenience. Plus, you get to stop whenever you want. 

What to expect on the journey from Bogota to Medellin

Prepare for a long ride unless you're flying from Bogota to Medellin! 

Whether traveling during the day or night, stocking up on snacks and drinks will help to make your journey more bearable. Having podcasts, movies or a book downloaded also helps to make it easier. 

There are toilets onboard the buses, and drivers will make a few stops where passengers can stretch their legs.

Pro tip: Don't let your important possessions out of sight during bus rides in Colombia (or anywhere else, for that matter) to avoid having anything stolen.

When is the best time to visit Medellin?

Nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring," there's no bad time to visit Medellin. It boasts a spring-like climate year-round, making it possible to visit any month. 

If you really want to know the best time to explore Medellin, head there during the dry season between December to March and July to August. During these months, your plans are unlikely to be ruined by rain, and temperatures are mild, around 59-77°F (15-25°C).

The rest of the months of the year are considered the rainy season, so expect frequent afternoon showers while temperatures remain mild. If you're keen to avoid crowds and pay lower accommodation prices, this might be a better time to visit. 

How many days should you spend in Medellin? 

Straight up, you'll probably never feel like you've had enough time in Medellin. This city just keeps on giving and offering up new things for you to do. 

If you're on a tight timeline, four to five days give you enough time to visit the main attractions and fully embrace the city's atmosphere. 

For those lucky enough to have a more flexible schedule, give yourself at least a week. You won't regret it!

Where should you visit after Medellin? 

After exploring the incredible city of Medellin, many travelers head up to Colombia's north coast, where you'll find some of the country's best destinations. 

If you want more cities, but this time with a beach, visit Cartagena and Santa Marta. These are great jumping-off points to hotspots like Minca, Tayrona National Park and Palomino.