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Cartagena sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast, 464 kilometres (288 miles) north of Medellin. Think colonial plazas, salsa bars in Getsemani and boats out to the Rosario islands. Flying is the quickest way to get from Medellin to Cartagena, taking 1h 50m - 2h 50m. By road, the bus is the cheapest option at $41 (141,000 COP), and it takes 15-17h.
Distance from Medellin to Cartagena
Medellin and Cartagena are about 464 km (288 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 655 km by road. The quickest way to get from Medellin to Cartagena is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 50m - 2h 50m.
3 ways to travel from Medellin to Cartagena
There are three ways to travel from Medellin to Cartagena. You can choose between the flight, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 50m–15h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $33 (112,000 COP).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- From Medellin→the airport35m
- Medellin→Cartagena1h 15m
- Cartagena airport→the city centre1h
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Medellin→Cartagena15m
- Cartagena Bus Terminal→the city centre14h
- Cartagena Bus Terminal to the City Centre1h
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Medellin to Cartagena by Flight
There are two airports in Medellin — Jose Maria Cordova Airport and Olaya Herrera Airport. However, all direct flights from Medellin to Cartagena depart from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE), about 30 km from the city in Rionegro.
The flight takes a little over an hour. But with transfers, expect a total travel time of around 1h 50m - 2h 50m.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Medellin Airport
The bus is the cheapest way to get to Jose María Cordova International Airport. Operated by Combuses, a ticket costs $4.90 (17,000 COP) and the ride takes at least 35 minutes. They depart from:
- San Diego Mall – every 15 minutes, 24/7
- Exposiciones Metro Station – every 20 minutes, from 03:00–22:00. The bus also stops at Hotel Nutibara in the city centre
The colectivo (shared taxi) is another option at about $8.10 (28,000 COP) per person. They depart from San Diego Mall and wait until all four seats are filled before leaving.
For more convenience, you can book a private ride.
- Uber – from $31 (105,000 COP) for a 4-seater
- BookAway – private transfers from $35 (119,000 COP) for 2 people
We don’t recommend using yellow city taxis as they’re known to overcharge, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Check out our Medellin Airport Guide for more details.
Step 2: Medellin to Cartagena by Flight
There are 4 airlines covering the Medellin to Cartagena route: Avianca, LATAM, JetSmart and Wingo. They all offer a cabin-luggage-only fare so, if you’re travelling light, you can save some money here.
There are multiple daily departures starting from 05:00, and the flight takes around 1h 15m. Ticket prices start at around $28 (96,000 COP).
Step 3: Cartagena Airport to the City Centre
The easiest way to get from Rafael Núñez International Airport to the city centre is by airport taxi or Uber.
Airport taxis have fixed fares starting from $5.10 (18,000 COP). Grab a ticket from the yellow digital kiosk at the exit — this shows the official fare — then give it to the first driver in the taxi line.
You can also hail a ride via Uber with prices from $9.20 (32,000 COP) to the Walled City. We don't recommend taking a regular taxi because they often try to overcharge tourists.
If you prefer to book in advance, BookAway offers shared and private transfers:
- Shared minivan - $5.60 (19,000 COP) per seat
- Private car - $17 (60,000 COP) for 2 people
On a tight budget? You can take the Transcaribe T102 bus for $1 (3,000 COP). It’s the cheapest choice, but the nearest bus stop is a block away from Cartagena Airport. Also note that you’ll need a Transcaribe card because cash isn’t accepted.
Check out our guide for Cartagena Airport for more details.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Medellin to Cartagena by Bus
Buses run from Medellin to Cartagena, with the whole trip taking about 15-17h, transfers included. Combined prices start from $41 (141,000 COP).
If you don’t fancy spending that long on the road, flying from Medellín to Cartagena is a much quicker and often cheaper option.
Step 1: City Centre to Medellin Bus Terminal
Buses from Medellín to Cartagena leave from Terminal del Norte.
If you’re not travelling during rush hour, you can get to the terminal in less than 10 minutes with Uber. A taxi booked through the app usually costs between $4.20 (15,000 COP) and $5.70 (20,000 COP), while a standard Uber ride is around $6.80 (24,000 COP).
You can also take the Metro for just $1 (3,000 COP) if you’ve got a Cívica card – Medellín’s rechargeable public transport pass.
Hop off at Caribe Station, which is linked to the terminal by a pedestrian bridge.
Top Tip: When taking public transportation in Medellin, you need a Cívica card – it works on the Metro, buses, trams, and cable cars. You can buy one at any Metro station. For more travel tips, check out our Colombia transport guide.
Step 2: Medellin to Cartagena by Bus
Three main bus companies run from Medellín to Cartagena: Rápido Ochoa, Expreso Brasilia and Flota La Macarena.
They depart from Terminal del Norte in Medellin at various times daily. Buses scheduled between 16:30 and 22:30 are overnight buses, and perfect for arriving at your destination during the day. You can buy tickets at the bus terminal or book online in advance.
Fares start at $39 (135,000 COP), and the trip takes around 14h - 15h 30m.
If you book through Bookaway, some providers let you board directly with a voucher or e-ticket, but others might still require you to print your ticket or exchange it at the terminal. Always double-check the instructions in your confirmation email so you know what to expect.
Step 3: Cartagena Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Cartagena Bus Terminal is quite a distance from the city centre. Uber is the quickest option for getting into the Old Town. You’ll see the fare before you even hop in, so there’s no guesswork or bargaining involved. Rates usually start from $13 (44,000 COP), but prices can go up depending on traffic or peak hours.
There are also taxis waiting just outside the terminal, but we don’t really recommend them. Although fares are regulated in Cartagena, drivers often overcharge — especially when picking up travellers at the terminal.
Transcaribe bus is cheaper, but it takes longer
If you’re travelling on a tight budget, the Transcaribe bus is a good alternative. It’s not the fastest, but it’s definitely the cheapest, with fares from just $1 (3,000 COP). From the terminal, look for Line X104, which connects directly to the city centre and popular areas like Getsemaní and San Diego.
When going to the Walled City, ride all the way to the last stop, La Bodeguita. But if you're staying in Getsemaní or San Diego, get off one stop earlier at Centro B1 Bus Stop.
You’ll need a Transcaribe card to ride the bus — cash isn’t accepted. These cards are available at all Transcaribe stations and authorised retailers like SuperGiros.
Medellin to Cartagena by Private Transport
Private transport is an option if you're travelling in a group from Medellín to Cartagena and want to take in the journey overland. Just keep in mind that it’s a long trip, taking around 13h.
It’s also the most expensive way to travel between the two cities.
Prices for private transfer start at $285 (993,000 COP) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $72 (248,000 COP) each.
Private Transport options from Medellin to Cartagena
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is known as Colombia’s jewel on the Caribbean coast. Unlike the rest of the country, it has been a tourist hub for quite a while because it’s a common stop for cruise ships sailing the Caribbean.
Its attraction lies in the almost intact and colourful, colonial-style mansions in the walled old city. Inside these walls, you'll be transported back in time and into a foodie's paradise. A tip when exploring Cartagena: for safety, stay out of the city's outskirts! The tourist centre is generally safe.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Medellin to Cartagena, roughly 464 kilometres (288 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest non-flight fare is $41 (141,000 COP), though if you're lucky with timing you might find a flight ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 1h 50m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Medellin to Cartagena?
The distance from Medellin to Cartagena is 464 kilometres (288 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Medellin to Cartagena?
The fastest way to get from Medellin to Cartagena is by flight and takes 1h 50m - 2h 50m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Medellin to Cartagena?
The cheapest way to get from Medellin to Cartagena is by flight with ticket costs starting from 112,000 COP.
About the Authors
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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