How To Get Around Medellín: Transport Guide (2023)
Getting around Medellín can be a bit of a challenge at first, but there are a number of options available.
From classic taxi rides to the modern and efficient Metrocable, your options are plentiful. You can also use Uber, DiDi, and Cabify services as well.
Regardless of how you choose to get around, you can be sure that this city has plenty of easy and cost effective ways to get to and from your destination.
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Table of Contents
How To Get Around Medellín
Metro
Medellín’s easily navigable Metro system is the quickest way to get around the city. It is the second-largest metro system in Colombia and one of the most modern in Latin America.
Consisting of two lines spanning 43 kilometers, with 65 stations over 10 miles, this above-ground transport system stretches from Niquía in the north to Itagüi in the south, passing through many of Medellín’s key attractions along its route.
The Metro can get crowded during peak time, but thankfully all their cars are air conditioned.
Operating hours vary based on where you board but typically run on weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturdays from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sundays from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m..
Tickets can be bought from inside the station at ticket machines located inside each station at a cost of 2,400 COP ($0.65 USD) per trip regardless of distance traveled collectively or individually – just make sure you validate your ticket before boarding!
Some tourists may opt for a Civica metro card, which gives them access to multiple lines at once and allows them to pay with their credit card instead of bills or coins.
If you need assistance navigating or understanding the system, there are Metro guides available who speak English, Spanish and Portuguese stationed inside some stations throughout Medellín as well as contactless payment options.
Bus
This multicultural city is quite famous for its bus system – officially known as Metroplús – and it serves as an affordable and reliable way to get to many places.
Metroplús includes a variety of fares, such as instant tickets (that are available from vendors), daily tickets (which can be bought from the ticket booths), period tickets (used for traveling multiple times within the same day or week) and international tickets (for when crossing national borders).
There are several options when boarding a bus, depending on your needs.
First of all, there are “direct” buses that go straight to where you want without any stops along the way. In addition, there are regular lines which have stops at key points in the city.
Bus schedules depend on traffic conditions and they are available online through the website of Medellín Tourism Board or directly on MetroPlús website.
Get familiar with different routes and routes numbers in advance and you should have no problem exploring this dynamic city quickly!
Uber in Medellin
Firstly, you’ll be pleased to know that Uber works and is readily available around Medellín.
There are also other taxi apps available like Cabify, DiDi and Beat.
You will most likely already know how Uber and DiDi work – simply use your app to order and the car will come to your location.
Cabify however, works by hailing a local taxi rather than a car.
It will be a similar rate to if you were to hail the taxi yourself off the street, and in fact the app can sometimes be more expensive.
Regular Taxis
Taxis in Medellín are readily available and reliable.
All official taxis are required to have a medallion displayed in the upper left corner of their front window and each one should have an identification number clearly visible on both the outside and inside of the vehicle.
It’s best to ask your hotel concierge or waiter/waitress at a restaurant to call you a taxi, rather than just hailing one from the street.
Here are some top tips for hailing a taxi in Medellín:
Car Rental
Travelling by car is a great way to explore Medellín, especially if you plan on visiting the many attractions outside of the city.
Car rental companies are available throughout the city, offering a wide range of cars for rent ranging from economy to luxury models – all of which require payment in advance.
Prices range from roughly $30 for a one-day rental (including taxes and insurance) up to $250 per week.
There are some important points to keep in mind when deciding if car rental is right for you:
READ MORE: Our Complete Digital Nomad Guide to Medellín
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices range from roughly $30 for a one-day rental (including taxes and insurance) up to $250 per week.
Medellín’s easily navigable Metro system is the quickest way to get around the city. It is the second-largest metro system in Colombia and one of the most modern in Latin America.
Yes – Uber works and is readily available around Medellín. There are also other taxi apps available like Cabify, DiDi and Beat.
Yes. Medellín is quite famous for its bus system – officially known as Metroplús – and it serves as an affordable and reliable way to get to many places.
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