How to Get To and From Medellin Airport to the City
- Elky Ramirez
- Sep 30
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 30
If you’re flying into Medellin, you’ll land at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro, about 35 km (21 miles) east of Medellin city center. With Medellin’s growing popularity, more travelers are wondering: What’s the easiest way to get into town?
This guide covers all your options — from budget-friendly buses to private transfers — with real prices, schedules, travel time estimates, and insider tips so you can make the best choice for your trip.
👉 Disclaimer: Prices in Colombia can change due to inflation, toll adjustments, or regulation updates, always double-check current fares before traveling.
Quick Overview of Transportation Options
Option | Price (COP / USD) | Time | Best For |
Official Airport Bus | ~20,000 COP (~$3.85) | 45–75 min | Budget travelers, solo travelers |
Rideshare Apps (Uber, DiDi, inDrive) | ~70,000–110,000 COP (~$13-21) | ~45-60 min | Tech-savvy, direct drop off |
Shared Colectivo Taxi | ~32,000 COP (~$6.15) | ~50–70 min | Light luggage, solo/group travel |
Private Transfer | ~120,000–180,000 COP (~$23–$35) | ~45–60 min | Groups, families, convenience seekers |
White Airport Taxi | ~140,000–160,000 COP (~$27–$31) | ~45–60 min | Comfort, direct drop-off |
Yellow City Taxi | ~118,000 COP (~$22.70) | ~50–70 min | Convenience but can be pricier |
Rental Car | ~80,000–150,000 COP/day (~$15–$29) | ~45–60 min | Explorers, flexibility |
(Estimated Prices as of 2025 — always check before traveling)
Getting From the Airport to Medellin
1. Official Airport Bus (Most Affordable Option)
The official airport bus is the most budget-friendly way to get from MDE into Medellin. It is operated exclusively by Combuses S.A. — white buses marked with “AEROPUERTO”.
Price: ~20,000 COP (~$3.85 USD) one way
Travel Time: 45–75 minutes depending on traffic and drop-off point
Routes:
San Diego Mall — faster via the Túnel de Oriente.
Nutibara / El Centro — slower, but closer to downtown.
Payment: Pay directly to the driver in Colombian pesos or use Cívica Metro card to pay.
Schedule: Every ~40 minutes, early morning to late evening.
2. Shared Colectivo Taxi
Shared taxis (“colectivos”) are a budget-friendly option if you don’t mind sharing your ride. They depart once full (3–4 passengers).
Price: ~32,000 COP (~$6.15 USD) per person airport → Medellin
Reverse: ~27,000 COP (~$5.20 USD) Medellin → airport
Travel Time: ~50–70 minutes
Drop-off Point: Usually San Diego Mall, requiring a short transfer.
❗ Luggage Note: Limited space — best for light travelers.
✅ Pro Tip: Colectivos can be quicker for solo travelers with light luggage.
3. Private Transfer
Private transfers are ideal for groups, families, or anyone who wants a stress-free, direct ride to their destination.
Price: ~120,000–180,000 COP (~$23–$35 USD) per vehicle
Travel Time: ~45–60 minutes direct
Booking: Pre-book online for best rates and to guarantee your driver.
✅ Pro Tip: For groups of 3+, private transfers can be more cost-effective than taxis.
4. White Airport Taxi
Official airport taxis with regulated fares offer convenience and reliability.
Price: ~140,000–160,000 COP (~$27–$31 USD) one way
Travel Time: ~45–60 minutes
Location: Outside arrivals at the airport taxi stand.
⚠️ Tip: Always confirm fare before boarding to avoid outdated pricing.
5. Yellow City Taxi
Yellow taxis operate in Medellin and also go to the airport. They charge by meter and can be slightly more expensive.
Price: ~118,000 COP (~$22.70 USD)
Travel Time: ~50–70 minutes
6. Rental Car
Renting a car is perfect if you plan to explore Antioquia beyond Medellin.
Price: ~80,000–150,000 COP/day (~$15–$29 USD) plus insurance and tolls
Travel Time: ~45–60 minutes
Parking: Limited in Medellin — check ahead.
✅ Pro Tip: Best if exploring outside Medellin; not ideal if staying only in Medellin due to parking challenges.
7. Ride Share Apps
Rideshare apps are not officially legal in Colombia, but they are widely used by locals and travelers. Important things to know:
The driver will often ask you to sit in the front seat to avoid suspicion.
You may be asked to walk to a specific pickup point (like a nearby parking lot) rather than being picked up directly where you are.
Payment methods differ:
Uber and DiDi accept card payments through the app.
inDrive is cash only.
General Tips for Ride-Hailing Services
App Availability: Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that the respective app is installed and updated on your device.
Pickup Points: Always confirm the exact pickup location within the airport via the app, as it may vary depending on the terminal.
Safety: Verify the vehicle details (license plate, model, and driver photo) before entering the car.
Payment Methods: Check the payment options available in the app and ensure you have a valid payment method linked.
Surge Pricing: Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours or high demand periods.
Getting From Medellin to the Airport
Returning to MDE has similar options:
1. Official Airport Bus (Combuses S.A.)
Where to Catch the Bus in Medellin:
San Diego Mall — Calle 37 #43-06
Hotel Nutibara Area — Calle 52 with Carrera 50, behind the hotel
Exposiciones Metro Station — near the station entrance
Travel Time: Approximately 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic and departure point.
Fare: ~20,000 COP (~$3.85 USD).
Payment:
Cívica Metro Card — tap your card when exiting the bus
Cash — pay the driver directly (COP only)
Schedule: Buses operate daily from 5:00 AM to 4:40 AM the following day, with departures every 20 minutes.
2. Shared Colectivo Taxi
Departure Points:
San Diego Mall: Near the Texaco station across from the mall.
Travel Time: Approximately 50–70 minutes.
Fare: ~27,000 COP (~$5.20 USD) per person.
Note: Colectivos depart once full, typically accommodating 3–4 passengers.
3. Private Transfer
Booking: Arrange in advance through reputable services.
Travel Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Fare: ~120,000–180,000 COP (~$23–$35 USD) per vehicle.
Note: Ideal for groups or travelers with significant luggage.
4. White Airport Taxi
Booking: Available at official taxi stands or can be pre-booked.
Travel Time: Approximately 45–60 minutes.
Fare: ~140,000–160,000 COP (~$27–$31 USD) one way.
Note: Always confirm the fare before starting the journey.
5. Yellow City Taxi
Availability: Hail on the street or book via apps like Easy Taxi.
Travel Time: Approximately 50–70 minutes.
Fare: ~118,000 COP (~$22.70 USD).
Note: Fares are metered; always ask for an estimate before starting the ride.
6. Rental Car
Drop off your vehicle at airport rental desks.
Pro Tip: Leave at least 3 hours before your flight — road traffic to MDE can be unpredictable, especially during rush hour.
7. Rideshare Apps (Uber, DiDi, inDrive)
Availability: Widely used but not officially legal in Colombia.
Pickup Location: Anywhere in Medellin — the driver comes to your requested location.
Travel Time: ~45–60 minutes.
Fare:
Uber: ~100,000 COP (~$19 USD)
DiDi: 70,000–110,000 COP (~$13–$21 USD)
inDrive: ~80,000 COP (~$15 USD), fares negotiated directly with the driver.
Payment: Card (Uber, DiDi), Cash (inDrive).
Tolls: This should be agreed with the driver in advance.
Insider Tips for Medellin Airport Transfers
Tunnel route saves time: The Túnel de Oriente drastically cuts travel time compared to older routes.
Check schedules: Buses and colectivos may not run late at night.
Confirm fares: Always check prices with drivers before boarding.
Cash is best: Most buses require cash; some transfers accept card payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the official airport bus safe?
A: Yes. Combuses S.A. operates the official airport buses with trained drivers and clear routes. They’re widely used by locals and travelers. For extra peace of mind, choose daytime departures and keep your belongings secure.
Q: What’s the cheapest way to get from the airport to Medellin?
A: The official airport bus (~20,000 COP / ~$3.85 USD) is the most affordable option and offers a reliable route into the city.
Q: Are rideshare apps safe in Medellin?
A: While rideshare apps (Uber, DiDi, inDrive) are widely used, they aren’t officially legal in Colombia. Many travelers use them without issue, but always verify driver details and pickup locations before starting the ride.
Q: What’s the best option if I have a lot of luggage?
A: A private transfer or white airport taxi is best for travelers with heavy luggage, as they offer direct service and space for bags.
Q: How long should I allow for travel to the airport?
A: Traffic in Medellin can vary, especially during rush hours. It’s recommended to leave at least 3 hours before your flight to avoid stress.
Q: Can I use a rideshare app directly at the airport?
A: Yes, but airport rideshares may require walking to a designated pickup point and sitting in the front seat to avoid scrutiny. This only applies when starting at the airport.
Final Thoughts
Navigating between Medellin and José María Córdova International Airport doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re traveling on a budget, looking for convenience, or arriving with a group, there’s a transportation option that fits your needs.
✅ Pro Tip: Plan ahead — especially during peak travel times — and always double-check prices and schedules before you travel.
If you found this guide useful, save it for your trip and share it with fellow travelers heading to Medellin.
Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Medellin! ✈️🇨🇴
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