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Guatape is a lake town a couple of hours east of Medellin. It's famous for its rainbow-painted streets and the giant rock of El Peñol, which you can climb for sweeping views. The bus is the budget pick for the trip from Medellin to Guatape at $6.40 (22,000 COP), and the ride takes around 2h. A shared minivan costs more at $54 (187,000 COP), and a private transfer more again.
Distance from Medellin to Guatape
Medellin and Guatape are about 45 km (28 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 83 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h and 4h.
4 ways to travel from Medellin to Guatape
There are four ways to travel from Medellin to Guatape. You can choose between the bus, bus (the way back), minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 2h–4h and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $6.40 (22,000 COP).
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Medellin to Guatape by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Medellin to Guatape. Bus fares start from $6.40 (22,000 COP), and the journey takes around 2h.
You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route: Sotrasanvicente and Sotrapeñol.
Departure station
Buses operating from Medellin to Guatape depart from Terminal del Norte.
You can get there by Metro for $1 (3,000 COP) using a Cívica card. It’s a rechargeable card used for public transport in Medellín. Hop off at Caribe Station, which is directly connected to the terminal by a pedestrian bridge.
Bus schedule from Medellin to Guatape
Bus tickets are available on Redbus.
Arrival station
Buses from Medellín drop passengers off at the Guatape Bus Terminal in the town centre. Before reaching the town, they pass by Piedra del Peñol (El Peñon), a massive granite monolith and one of the area’s main attractions. You can ask the driver to let you off near the entrance to the rock if you want to climb it first.
Note that some buses continue to nearby towns, so Guatapé isn’t always the final stop.
Medellin to Guatape by Bus (the way back)
When travelling back from Guatapé to Medellín, you’ll need to go to the town’s main bus terminal. It’s a small terminal, less than 500 metres from the central plaza and most hostels and guesthouses in town.
If you’re at Piedra del Peñol, you can also wait by the main road and flag down a bus heading to Medellín. Just note that there’s no guarantee of getting a seat if you board from there. Buses can get crowded, especially during rush hour.
You can buy tickets at the bus station or pay directly to the bus driver if you board the bus from the road. When departing from Guatape Bus Terminal, you can also book your tickets online beforehand through Redbus. The price is $6.40 (22,000 COP).
Bus schedule from Guatape to Medellin (the way back)
Bus (The Way Back) tickets are available on Redbus.
Booking Tip
All buses arrive at Terminal del Norte de Medellin. To get to the city centre, you can take an Uber with fares starting from around $7.20 (25,000 COP). It’s a few dollars more expensive than a regular taxi, but well worth it for the convenience, upfront pricing and peace of mind.
Taxi rates start from $4.30 (15,000 COP), but drivers often overcharge tourists — especially if you don’t speak Spanish. If you do take a taxi, agree on the fare before the ride or make sure the meter is running
Another option is to take the Metro at Caribe Station, right in front of the bus terminal. Stay on Line A towards La Estrella and get off at San Antonio Station in the city centre. Fares start from $1 (3,000 COP) with a Cívica card.
Medellin to Guatape by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Medellin to Guatape costs around $54 (187,000 COP).
Some minivan companies offer door-to-door service, which saves you the hassle and extra cost of getting to and from bus stations. Just keep in mind that this can extend your travel time, as the minivan may stop to collect or drop off other passengers.
The minivan journey takes about 4h, depending on traffic and the number of stops.
There are also minivans that depart straight from José María Córdova Airport.
Shared Minivan schedule from Medellin to Guatape
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Medellin to Guatape by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Medellin to Guatape.
Rates start from $115 (402,000 COP) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost, and that’s about $37 (128,000 COP) per person. Travel time is around 2h 20m.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaRounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Medellin to Guatape, roughly 45 kilometres (28 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $6.40 (22,000 COP). The quickest trip takes 2h.
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 Guatape?
The distance from Medellin to Guatape is 45 kilometres (28 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Medellin to Guatape?
Journey times from Medellin to Guatape overlap: bus 2h, bus (the way back) 2h, shared minivan 4h, private transport 2h 20m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Medellin to Guatape?
The cheapest way to get from Medellin to Guatape is by bus with ticket costs starting from 22,000 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
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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