Distance 570 km (356.3 miles) | |
Price range US$40-US$211 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 14m-18h 15m | |
Earliest Departure 12:12 | |
Latest Departure 23:01 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 15h
Cheapest bus: US$40
It's time to head to the Caribbean coast and see what a Colombian city on the beach offers.
While many people use Santa Marta as a transport hub to continue their travels to places like Minca, Tayrona National Park, and Palomino, consider sticking around.
As the oldest city in Colombia, you can learn a thing or two about the city's history and the country.
There's only one way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta: by bus.
Ready for a long bus ride? The journey takes around 15-18 hours!
Multiple bus companies operate this route, offering many daily departures from early morning to the evening. This also means there are varying levels of comfort depending on the bus company you book with. Make a wise decision considering the length of the bus ride.
Want to find out more about the bus ride from Medellin to Santa Marta? Keep reading to discover what to expect, plus how to spend your time when you arrive.
People typically do not travel to Santa Marta for the city itself. Instead, the nearby attractions, such as Minca, Tayrona National Park, and Palomino, make it a worthwhile stop. That being said, there are plenty of things to do to fill a few days.
Here are some of the best things on offer in Santa Marta:
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek: Embark on a multi-day trek to the ancient ruins of the Lost City located deep within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Predating Machu Picchu by around 650 years, it's one of Latin America's most fascinating archaeological sites.
The hike takes you through dense jungles and indigenous villages, offering a challenging but unforgettable adventure.
Visit Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino: As the liberator of the region, Simón Bolívar's name is often mentioned throughout Colombia and Latin America. His estate is a historic site where he spent his final days with lush gardens, colonial architecture, and a museum.
Relax at Rodadero Beach: The most popular beach for locals and tourists has plenty of water sports activities, beachfront restaurants, and vibrant nightlife once the sun sets. It's a great place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy local seafood.
Go scuba diving: With brilliant coral reefs and diverse marine life, Santa Marta is a gateway to some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. Dive shops in Taganga offer certifications and diving trips.
Explore Taganga: Even if you're not a diver, the small beach town of Taganga is worth a visit. An ever-growing spot for backpackers, the town boasts a unique vibe that's very different from Santa Marta. Spend the day snorkeling, and make sure to stay for sunset.
There is only one way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta: by bus.
Make yourself comfortable because this bus journey might be one of the longest you've ever taken — 15-18 hours.
There are multiple departures throughout the day. Consider taking one that spends most of the journey traveling through the night — sleeping makes the time pass much faster!
Buses depart from Terminal Del Norte in Medellin and arrive at Terminal de Transportes in Santa Marta.
Most buses offer a decent level of comfort with reclining seats, air conditioning, charging ports, toilets onboard, and sometimes blankets.
Prices start from $38.
Strap yourself in and prepare for a long bus ride from Medellin to Santa. Make sure to stock up on snacks, drinks, and other things to keep you entertained during the journey.
There are toilets onboard the buses, and drivers will make a few stops throughout the journey where passengers can stretch their legs.
Pro tip: Don't let your important possessions out of your sight during bus rides in Colombia (or anywhere else for that matter) to avoid anything being stolen.
The best time to visit Santa Marta is during the dry season, from December to April. It's when the weather is sunny and warm and ideal for outdoor activities like exploring Tayrona National Park, enjoying the beaches, or trekking to the Lost City.
During this time, temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with low humidity and calm seas, perfect for water activities like snorkeling and diving.
The rainy season, from May to November, brings higher humidity and occasional showers, particularly in October and November, but mornings are often still suitable for exploring.
Santa Marta is usually a spot where few people spend a lot of time. Some simply use it as a transport hub and head to their next destination the same day or the day after.
You could use Santa Marta as your hub to explore the region, taking day trips to places like Tayrona, Minca, Palomino, and Tagana. If so, you'll want at least five days in Santa Marta.
For those who want to give Santa Marta a chance, a day is still long enough to explore the city, spend time on the beach, and enjoy the local food.
You're spoiled for choice regarding where to visit after Santa Marta.
You could travel 4-5 hours to Cartagena, a vibrant city that beautifully blends Caribbean and Colombian cultures.
Or, stay in the area and spend some time in the places we've already mentioned, like Minca, Palomino, and Tayrona National Park. These spots are definitely worth exploring!
Human sciences suggest that we are all trying to find purpose and freedom, even if we are too distracted to be aware of it. Travel does just that.
When we think of the best possible companion to join us on our trip, many different characteristics come to mind. Maybe your potential companion is geeky!
5 brilliant ways to turn your mobile into the best travel buddy ever… especially if you`re traveling alone and start to feel a bit lonely.
Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.
