Getting Around Medellin

Getting from the Airport to the City

Depending on which airport you fly into, there are different ways to reach the city center. If you arrive at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), you can take a shuttle bus that departs from the arrivals floor approximately every 15 minutes. These buses travel to the "Exposiciones" metro station; depending on your final destination, this journey may take between one and two hours. Alternatively, taxis are available at MDE for a set price to reach the city center, typically taking around 45 minutes.

If you fly into Olaya Herrera (EOH), which is located much closer to downtown and El Poblado, you will need to arrange local transport to reach your specific destination from the airfield.

Public Transit: Metro, Tram, and Cable Cars

Medellín features a comprehensive public transportation network that includes a metro system, a tram (Tranvía), and a series of cable cars known as Metrocable. These systems are interconnected to provide broad coverage across the city.

• Integration: Transfers between the Metro trains and the Metrocable lines are free. However, transferring to the Tranvía or the Metroplus (a bus rapid transit system) requires an additional fare.
• Payment Methods: It is highly recommended to purchase a "Tarjeta Cívica" reloadable card. While some stations may not offer cash payments, this card can be used for the metro, cable cars, and many city buses. A non-personal silver card is sufficient for most travelers.
• Metroplus: This system utilizes long articulated buses that run on exclusive roads and in enclosed stations. To enjoy free transfers to the Metro, you must use a Tarjeta Cívica.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Taxis are plentiful throughout Medellín and equipped with meters; ensure your driver uses one for the fare. For safety reasons, it is recommended to call a taxi by phone rather than hailing one on the street. While ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify are widely used in the city, they are technically not permitted by local regulations, and some drivers may be hesitant to pick up passengers in high-traffic areas like airports or major bus stations due to potential police interaction.

Buses and Local Transit

For navigating the downtown area or nearby neighborhoods without using a taxi, you can use local buses such as the Circular Coonatra. These routes are clearly marked on the front and back of the vehicles; however, these buses require exact change for payment.

Walking and Cycling

While many parts of the city follow a grid system making navigation straightforward, the hilly terrain means that some areas are better served by specific infrastructure rather than walking. For example, there is a unique system of outdoor escalators in the west of the city to help residents navigate steep inclines.

Cycling can be challenging due to the hills, but the city provides designated bike routes marked with red paint on the asphalt. There are also dedicated parking racks for bicycles in many public spaces and shopping malls. For those seeking a different experience, some tourists opt to rent scooters or motorbikes to navigate the hilly landscape.

For a guided experience of the city's landmarks, you can utilize the TuriBus. This modern bus tours the city’s parks, historical districts, and notable neighborhoods. These tours often feature guides who are capable of providing assistance in English.