About the ride from Medellin to Cartagena
Making the most of Medellin for many travelers will involve getting out of the city as quickly as possible. However, this would be a real shame. In recent years, Medellin has become a thriving, and safe, cultural metropolis. It's the second largest city in Colombia and provides a wealth of contemporary structures sitting side by side with spacious green parks and architectural achievements, such as the Point Zero Bridge in the city center.
When you do decide to finally leave Medellin, the coastal city of Cartagena, some 629 kilometers (390 miles) to the north, offers some superb cultural and scenic contrasts. Getting to Cartagena from Medellin couldn't be easier. You can either fly or take a Tourist or VIP Bus. Flying only takes about an hour whereas the bus ride takes approximately 13 hours, and often travels through the night.
Buses are air-conditioned and include reclining seats, onboard washrooms, electronic chargers and Wi-Fi access. VIP buses have a better standard of seat than Tourist equivalents. One of the advantages of taking an overnight bus ride from Medellin to Cartagena is that you can save on accommodation. Buses will also make fairly frequent pit stops along the way so travelers can stretch their legs and purchase food and drink.
Taking a flight from Medellin to Cartagena is going to be the speedier option, of course, and gives you much more time on the ground. This is good news if you're pushed for time and aren't undertaking an extended vacation. Flights usually take just over an hour in the air and costs aren't too expensive, ticket prices are from $100.
Once you've arrived in Cartagena you'll be right on the Caribbean coast. Walking the city walls, visiting the numerous Catholic churches and finding out more about tales of piracy and colonial conquistadors are just some of the things to do alongside seeking out the beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca.
What to see when traveling from Medellin to Cartagena
What you'll be able to see on the ride from Medellin to Cartagena depends on when you leave. Buses depart Medellin for Cartagena as early as 5.30am and as late as 10.30pm. If you're driving through the night you're not going to see much at all other than a few brightly-lit late night markets and street stalls. Sleeper services are a great way to save money on a night's accommodation as well as providing a rite of passage for travelers in South America.
If you're lucky enough to time your arrival in Cartagena to coincide with day break then you might well catch a cracking sunrise. Just try to get as much rest as possible and you never know what might be waiting for you when you open your eyes. If you're flying from Medellin to Cartagena then try to get a window seat, if possible. Some of the Andean scenery as you take off is remarkable and just as exciting as your first glimpse of the twinkling ocean as you come into land.
How to get from Medellin to Cartagena
Taking a bus
If you’re looking for the most affordable way to get to Cartagena from Medellin, you’ll want to travel by bus; especially the sleeper service. Not only will your ride cost 50% less than an airfare it will also save you money on overnight accommodation. On top of that, buses have good Wi-Fi access and air conditioning systems. Reclining seats aren't too bad either and provide a fairly comfortable place to sleep over the course of 629 kilometers (390 miles).
VIP buses cost a tiny bit more but are well worth it for the comfy reclining seats. Bus rides can also be quite good fun, too, with photo and story swapping providing loads of chances to get to know fellow travelers over the course of 13 hours.
Taking a flight
Although flights from Medellin to Cartagena do cost more than bus rides they more than make up for the expense with all that extra time spent on the ground. Traveling in Colombia is all about exploring and experiencing the incredible South American culture and Spanish colonial history. Flying over mountains to the captivating city of Cartagena is a great way to start the next leg of your travels. You'll also arrive feeling clean, rested and ready to go.
This doesn't always happen after a long distance nocturnal bus journey. Booking accommodation in advance is always best practice but there are plenty of places to stay in Cartagena. An early morning flight allows you to arrive in good time to explore and find a hotel or beach resort that looks just as good in real life as it does on the website.