Cartagena and Medellín are Colombia’s most popular cities, each offering a unique experience. Cartagena, with its historic charm and coastal beauty, draws in visitors worldwide, while Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” captivates travelers with its modernity and pleasant climate. Understanding the distance and travel options is crucial for those planning a trip between these two destinations. In this article, we’ll answer the question how far is Cartagena from Medellin and the best ways to get from one city to the other.
How Far is Cartagena from Medellín
How far is Medellin to Cartagena?
Cartagena and Medellín are located in two very distinct regions of Colombia. Cartagena sits along the Caribbean coast, while Medellín is in the Andes mountains. The straight-line distance (also known as “as the crow flies”) between the two cities is approximately 460 kilometers (285 miles). However, because of Colombia’s mountainous terrain, the travel distance by road is significantly longer.
The distance by road is around 640 kilometers (398 miles), depending on the route you take. Whether you plan to fly or drive, it’s important to consider the logistics and time required for each method of travel.
Quicker routes are available if your goal is to reach the Caribbean coast. The Autopista Mar 2 is a significant infrastructure project connecting Medellín to Necoclí (Antioquia) to enhance access to this specific coastal region. Once the Toyo Tunnel opens, the travel time from Medellín to Necoclí via the Autopista Mar 2 will significantly reduce. The tunnel, which will be the longest in Latin America, will cut travel time by bypassing rugged mountainous terrain, potentially shortening the trip by up to one and a half hours, making the journey closer to 5 to 6 hours. Keep in mind that Necoclí itself lies about 380 kilometers (235 miles) from Cartagena, offering an alternative coastal access point.
Travel Options
Traveling between Cartagena and Medellín is relatively easy, as both cities are well connected by air and road. Here are the most common options:
By Air:
Flying is the quickest and most convenient option for most travelers. A direct flight from Medellín to Cartagena typically takes just over one hour, making it ideal for those with limited time. Major Colombian airlines, such as Avianca, LATAM, JetSmart, and Wingo, serve both cities, which offer daily flights.
The cost of a one-way ticket varies depending on the time of year, but you can expect to pay between COP 120,000 and COP 350,000 (around $28 to $85 USD). Flights are available from Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), which is located about 30-45 minutes outside of the city, and land at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena.
How to get to the airport
The easiest way to get to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) from Medellín is by taxi, colectivo, or bus. Yellow taxis are a bit more expensive than colectivos but are incredibly convenient as they’re readily available throughout the city. Taxis are your best option for early-morning flights or late-night arrivals when other transportation might not be as accessible. Taxis charge a fixed rate of 110,000 COP (around $26 USD) for trips to the airport.
If you’re looking to save money and have some flexibility, colectivos are a great alternative. Locals and experienced travelers commonly use These shared white taxis to travel between Medellín and the airport.
To catch a colectivo to MDE, head to the San Diego shopping mall along Avenida El Poblado. The white colectivos are parked in the Texaco lot outside the mall.
Colectivos typically require four passengers before departing, but they leave every 30 minutes. The cost from the Texaco lot to MDE is 25,000 COP (around $6 USD).
Another budget-friendly option for getting to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) from Medellín is the airport bus, which departs near the San Diego Mall. This bus service is a popular choice among locals and travelers looking for an economical way to reach the airport.
The bus stop is located just a short walk from San Diego Mall on Calle 37. Buses typically depart every 15 to 20 minutes. The fare is around 20,000 COP (approximately $4.50 USD), making it the most affordable option for airport transportation.
Arriving in Cartagena
When you land at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), you’ll find plenty of taxis waiting. Taxis are the most reliable and convenient option for getting to your destination. They often operate at fixed rates, making them straightforward to use.
While ride-hailing services like Uber are available, they typically don’t pick up passengers directly at the airport. Instead, you may have to walk a block or two from the airport to meet your driver, and they often request payment in cash. For a hassle-free experience, taking one of the official taxis available at the airport is highly recommended.
By Bus:
Two of the largest bus companies servicing this route are Expreso Brasilia and Rápido Ochoa. Both offer a range of amenities that make the long journey more comfortable, including reclining seats, air conditioning, toilets, and charging sockets. Some buses also offer Wi-Fi, though its reliability can vary.
From personal experience, Expreso Brasilia typically offers better services and amenities than Rápido Ochoa.
Where to take the bus to Cartagena from Medellín?
In Medellín, buses to Cartagena depart from Terminal del Norte (North Terminal). You can take Line A of the metro to Caribe Station to get there. From Caribe Station, walk across one of the pedestrian bridges, and you’ll arrive at the North Terminal, where you can board your bus. Remember that Medellin also has a South Terminal, so don’t confuse those when taking an Uber or taxi.
Booking Your Bus Ticket at North Terminal Bus Station
You’ll see several ticket windows for different bus companies when you arrive at the North Terminal Bus Station in Medellín. If you’re unsure where to go, ask a security guard to point you toward Expreso Brasilia or Rápido Ochoa. Both companies operate buses to Cartagena, and early booking is highly recommended, especially if you prefer to choose a seat farther away from the toilet.
Expreso Brasilia and Rápido Ochoa operate multiple direct buses to Cartagena daily, departing from 5:30 AM to 10:45 PM.
However, these times may vary depending on the season and demand, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest schedule at www.espressobrasilia.com or www.rapidoochoa.com.co or Red Bus to ensure a bus fits your travel plans.
The journey from Medellín to Cartagena takes at least 13 hours, though traffic and other delays can extend it to 16 hours. Because of this, it’s wise to build flexibility into your itinerary to account for potential delays.
How Much is the Bus to Cartagena from Medellín?
The price of a bus ticket varies depending on the company and the type of bus. Currently, Expreso Brasilia charges 155,000 COP (around $37 USD) for their service.
Arrival in Cartagena
When you arrive in Cartagena, the bus will drop you off at the Terminal del Transporte. From there, you can easily hail a yellow taxi to take you to your destination within the city.
A word of caution: unlike Medellín, taxis in Cartagena are not metered. While there are official taxi fare guidelines, some drivers may try to overcharge, especially if they sense you’re a tourist and don’t speak much Spanish. To avoid this, always agree on the fare before getting in the taxi.
By Road:
For those who prefer to take the scenic route, driving from Medellín to Cartagena is a viable option. The driving distance is around 640 kilometers, and the trip can take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
The route primarily follows the Autopista del Sol (Route 25), which takes you through Colombia’s interior and coastal plains. Although the drive is long, it offers stunning views of the changing landscapes, from mountainous terrain to the coastal lowlands.
Check out our “Is Colombia Safe?” guide to ensure you have an enjoyable and worry-free trip.
