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Santa Marta sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast, roughly 574 kilometres (357 miles) north of Medellin. It's a sun-soaked beach city and the coastal base for trips into the Sierra Nevada. Flying is the quickest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta, taking 2h 20m. Going by bus keeps you on the ground but means a long haul, at $47 (162,000 COP) - $54 (188,000 COP) and 15h 30m - 19h.
Distance from Medellin to Santa Marta
Medellin and Santa Marta are about 574 km (357 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 826 km by road. The quickest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 20m.
2 ways to travel from Medellin to Santa Marta
There are two ways to travel from Medellin to Santa Marta. You can choose between the flight and bus. The journey takes 2h 20m–15h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at $26 (90,000 COP).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Medellin city centre→airport35m
- Medellin→Santa Marta1h 15m
- Santa Marta airport→city centre30m
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Medellin→Santa Marta15m
- Santa Marta Bus Terminal→the city centre15h
- Santa Marta Bus Terminal to the City Centre20m
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Medellin to Santa Marta by Flight
Flying from Medellin to Santa Marta is a convenient option for those short on time. It takes two hours versus the 16-17 hours on the road with the bus.
Combined fares start from $26 (90,000 COP) - $65 (224,000 COP), but may increase depending on your mode of transport to and from the airports.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Medellin City Centre to Medellin Airport
All flights to Santa Marta depart from Jose María Cordova International Airport, located 20 km from the city centre.
The bus is the cheapest way to get to the 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 to 22:00. The bus also stops at Hotel Nutibara in the city centre
The colectivo (shared taxi) is another option at about $7.90 (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 Santa Marta by Flight
Three airlines fly direct from Medellín to Santa Marta: Avianca, JetSMART and Wingo. You can choose from six to eight flights a day.
The flight takes about 1h 15m.
Prices start from around $20 (70,000 COP) with cabin luggage only. Expect higher prices on weekends and if you book at the last minute.
You can read more about these airlines in our Colombia transport guide.
Step 3: Santa Marta Airport to the City Centre
Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta (SMR) is located 17 km from the city centre.
To get to your hotel, you can take a taxi from right outside the airport for around $10 (35,000 COP). The ride takes about 30 minutes.
A cheaper alternative is the public bus, which costs $0.80 (3,000 COP). But keep in mind the ride is slower, often taking over an hour, and buses can get crowded.
The bus stop, known locally as a “paradero,” is in front of the arrivals area near the airport car park. From here, buses operate to Santa Marta’s city centre and also serve El Rodadero.
Important: Buses in Santa Marta don’t have fixed stops. You’ll need to tell the driver where you want to get off, or ask other passengers for help. Most drivers don’t speak English, so it helps to know your destination in Spanish or have it written down.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Medellin to Santa Marta by Bus
The bus ride from Medellin to Santa Marta takes around 15h 30m - 19h.
For a journey this long, keep in mind that bus tickets are often more expensive than the fare for a 2-hour flight. We recommend comparing both options before booking.
Step 1: Medellin City Centre to Terminal del Norte
Buses operating from Medellin to Santa Marta depart from Terminal del Norte.
You can get there by Metro for $1.00 (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.
Step 2: Medellin to Santa Marta by Bus
The main bus companies on this route are Expreso Brasilia, Flota La Macarena and Rápido Ochoa.
Bus tickets start at $44 (151,000 COP), and the journey takes 15h - 18h 30m. Since it’s a long journey, the buses are usually more comfortable than your average ride.
Most come with reclining seats, air conditioning, charging ports, onboard toilets, and sometimes even individual TVs. A few buses also offer Wi-Fi, but don’t count on it being reliable the whole way.
Night buses are a popular choice, especially if you want to save on accommodation. But they can sell out quickly, and weekends are especially busy, so we recommend booking in advance.
Buses for the Medellin to Santa Marta route in Colombia are generally reliable. Departures and arrivals can still run late, though. That’s often because drivers wait for more passengers to fill up the bus before leaving. Add in things like traffic or roadworks, and delays are pretty common.
TIP: Want to learn more about bus types in Colombia? Check out our Colombia transport guide.
Step 3: Santa Marta Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Buses arrive at Terminal de Transportes de Santa Marta. Taxis are usually the cheapest option to the city centre, with fares starting from $2.30 (8,000 COP). Just keep in mind that many drivers try to overcharge, especially tourists who don’t speak Spanish.
Uber also operates in Santa Marta. Fares are just a bit higher, from $3.80 (13,000 COP), and well worth the convenience and peace of mind.
If you’re heading to El Rodadero, expect to pay around $4.30 (15,000 COP) for a taxi and about $9.80 (34,000 COP) for an Uber.
Where to Stay
See our accommodation guide for ColombiaABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Santa Marta?
Santa Marta is one of the main tourist hubs on Colombia’s north coast. It is the gateway to Tayrona National Park, arguably the most beautiful national park in the country. But to be honest, there's not much to do in Santa Marta itself.
You can spare a few hours exploring the colonial houses in the Old Town or scuba diving in El Rodadero, which has some of the most affordable scuba diving centres in South America. But we recommend saving your time for the more exciting destinations near Santa Marta — like Tayrona, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Ciudad Perdida.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Medellin to Santa Marta, roughly 574 kilometres (357 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest non-flight fare is $47 (162,000 COP) - $54 (188,000 COP), though if you're lucky with timing you might find a flight ticket for even less. The quickest trip takes 2h 20m.
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 Santa Marta?
The distance from Medellin to Santa Marta is 574 kilometres (357 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta?
The fastest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta is by flight and takes 2h 20m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta?
The cheapest way to get from Medellin to Santa Marta is by flight with ticket costs starting from 90,000 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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