In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 250 kilometre distance from Medellin to Salento. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 2 ways to get from Medellin to Salento. You can choose between the bus, flight. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $30. The fastest route is by flight (1h 50m).
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1h 50m
$187
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7h 50m
$30
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To get from Medellin to Salento to Salento by plane, you’ll need to fly into Pereira. The nearest airport is Matecaña International Airport (PEI), located about 40 km from Salento.
The flight alone takes just around 50 minutes. After landing, you’ll continue by road to reach Salento. Including land transfers, the total journey can take up to 1h 50m - 3h 25m.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Salento is a charming and colourful town within the mountains and in the heart of Colombia's coffee region. Despite its small size, it exudes beauty everywhere you go — so much so that the town even inspired aspects of the Disney movie Encanto!
There are two things you must do when in Salento: visit a coffee plantation and hike to the beautiful Cocora Valley, home to the tallest palm trees in the world. Whether you are a coffee lover or a nature lover, Salento is a great place to go.
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Carbon Footprint
This 250 km journey produces approximately 22 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Treat YourselfYou can’t help but say wow when you see this place! The treehouse-style rooms are a magical combination of rustic and modern. The star of the show are the incredible views from your own private balcony.
Enjoy lounging on your hammock or opt for a room with a jacuzzi on your balcony. This place really feels like a retreat. You don’t even have to leave because there’s an on-site restaurant serving up the most incredible food.
Mid-RangeHotel Terasu is another great example of the extraordinary accommodation that you can find in Salento. The staff here help to take your stay to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much.
Here you’ll find lots of beautiful and secluded places to just relax and take in nature. One being your private balcony with a hammock. There’s also an onsite bar, if that’s your form of relaxation.
Mid-RangeLa Cabaña Ecohotel feels like you’re staying in your very own ranch, nestled within the lush mountains. You can spend your time relaxing in the vast hotel grounds or taking part in the activities offered by the accommodation – horse riding, cycling and fishing.
The homely rooms open up onto terraces adorned with hammocks and rocking chairs. The perfect place to relax. Friendly staff are also one of the best things about this place!
BudgetEcohotel Piedemonte is an absolute steal! For the facilities and views that they offer, you’d expect to pay at least double. Every room has its own terrace that overlooks the lush nature surrounding the complex.
Just sit back and listen to the sound of the river nearby!
They have their own restaurant and bar onsite, so you literally never have to leave the tranquillity of the hotel. Please do so though! Salento is amazing.
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