How much does transportation within Medellin cost? What is transportation in Medellin like? Medellín and its metropolitan area have grown rapidly in recent decades, with the population increasing from 3.2 to 4.1 million between 1985 and 2023. This growth has been partly driven by the integration of various transportation methods into a cohesive system. At the helm of this effort is the Empresa de Transporte Masivo del Valle de Aburrá, better known as Metro de Medellín.
What is transportation in Medellin like?
The city and the department created a company that operates independently and as a private entity, with the goal of avoiding political interference in its services while ensuring continuity in operations and development. This approach has allowed the integration of stakeholders who were previously distant, which made it difficult to interconnect the various transportation methods and increased costs for users.
How much does transportation within Medellin cost?
Currently, the city boasts a system that integrates the Metro, Tram, Articulated Buses, Cable Cars, regular Buses, and Minibuses. Additionally, there is an extensive network of taxis and private transport companies, as well as the operation of various ride-hailing platforms, so the cost will be determined by the way of transportation you choose and how far you´re going. Here’s a detailed guide to each of these, how to use them effectively during your visit and an estimate of their cost:
Metro de Medellín
The metro system is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city and its metropolitan area, which includes municipalities like Envigado, Sabaneta, La Estrella, Itagüí, and Bello. It has two main lines that connect the city from south to north and from the city center to the west.
The system also integrates different transportation modes under the Metro de Medellín brand, including MetroCable, MetroPlus, and Tram. All can be accessed using the Cívica card (you can find where to get one here), or in some cases, you may find shared cards available at the front desk of your accommodation. (click here to read How to use the Metro to reach the meeting point of the Free Tour)
Line A:
Covers the route between Niquía and La Estrella (south to north). You can use it to visit cities in the metropolitan area like Envigado and Sabaneta to the south (stations: Envigado, Ayurá, and Sabaneta) or Bello to the north. It also connects with the two land transportation terminals (Terminal del Norte—Caribe Station and Terminal del Sur—Poblado Station) and the local Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport, as well as the Poblado neighborhood from the Aguacatala and Poblado stations.
This line passes through the city center, stopping at points of interest such as the Alpujarra Administrative Center (Alpujarra Station), Plaza Botero and the Antioquia Museum (Parque Berrio Station), the San Pedro Cemetery Museum (Prado Station), and to the north, it connects with places like the Botanical Garden, Explora Park, and the University of Antioquia at Universidad Station.
Line B:
This line departs from San Antonio Station in the city center and heads west to neighborhoods like Laureles and El Estadio (Estadio Station), La Floresta, Santa Lucía, and San Javier. This route is useful for reaching tour meeting points in Comuna 13 and, of course, for the famous football tour at Atanasio Girardot Stadium.
The “Al Portador” ticket starts at COP 3,900 (USD 0,94) and allows you to access the Metro, MetroCable, and the tram without additional transfer fees.
MetroCable
Medellín was the first city in the world to use cable cars for mass transit, previously a method only used in recreational areas like ski parks (this is way transportation in Medellin have been awarded for it´s innovative perspective). The system’s acceptance and impact have been so significant that today the city boasts 6 MetroCable lines, extending Metro coverage to neighborhoods that were previously excluded or far from the city. You can access this system with the same ticket used for the Metro without any additional charge, which makes transportation in Medellin very simple. Here’s an overview of the cable car lines:
- Line J, San Javier – La Aurora: The closest line to Comuna 13, visible if you take a tour there.
- Line K, Acevedo – Santo Domingo: The first line inaugurated in the city, connecting the northeastern commune and the Santo Domingo Sabio neighborhood.
- Line L, Santo Domingo – Arví: This line leads to the Arví Nature Park in Santa Elena, where you’ll encounter the region’s silletera tradition.
- Lines H (Villa Sierra), P (El Progreso), and M (Miraflores): Routes dedicated to transport within their respective neighborhoods, built in the last decade.
We recommend to read this article: A practical guide to Medellin’s 6 cable car
Ayacucho Tram
The tram is the newest addition to the Metro de Medellín system, bringing back the nostalgic feel of the old tram. It travels from the heart of the city eastward. You can board the tram by transferring from the San Antonio Station of the Metro and ride along the Ayacucho Avenue to the Manrique neighborhood, where you can explore various commercial and entertainment options along the route.
Urban Buses
Buses are a more economical option for locals who don’t own a vehicle. While there are routes covering the entire city, they can be confusing for tourists. This is mainly because the system doesn’t have pre-defined stops (the driver stops at the passenger’s request), doesn’t operate on strict schedules, and lacks an efficient route information system.
Though widely used by locals, buses aren’t the most recommended option for first-time visitors. However, here are a few routes, all priced between COP 3,400 and COP 3,500 (USD 0,87), that could be useful:
- Comercial Hotelera: A microbus route connecting Poblado with Laureles and Estadio.
- Circular Sur: Connecting Belén, Poblado, and La Frontera (the border between Medellín and Envigado).
- Envigado and Sabaneta: Routes leading to those municipalities in the southern part of the Aburrá Valley.
Intermunicipal Transport
Medellín has two bus terminals: one in the north next to the Caribe metro station, and one in the south near the Poblado metro station. If you’re traveling to other municipalities outside the metropolitan area, make sure to check which terminal buses to your next destination leave from.
Generally, buses to the Caribbean coast (Barranquilla, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and La Guajira) depart from the Northern Terminal, while buses to central cities (Bogotá, Pereira, Manizales, Cali) leave from the Southern Terminal.
For nearby towns like Jericó, El Retiro, Guatapé, Rionegro, or Santa Fe de Antioquia, you might find it easier to hire a private transport service and pay the additional cost for pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps (Uber, Didi, etc.)
Traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber, Didi, and Cabify are convenient options for direct trips and nigth transportation in Medellin. However, it’s important to consider a few factors:
- Cost: Taxi fares in Medellín are determined by a point accumulation system, where there’s a base fare that increases based on time and distance traveled. Ride-hailing apps have variable prices depending on demand and the type of transport chosen (moto, car, luxury vehicle, or van), but during off-peak hours, they tend to be more affordable than traditional taxis.
- Safety: When hailing a taxi on the street, it’s important to exercise caution. It’s a good idea to inform your travel companions or hotel staff if you need a taxi in an unfamiliar area, especially at night.
- Explore other options: Medellín’s ride-hailing apps also offer innovative transport options like motorcycle rides, which are faster in traffic and often cheaper than regular taxis.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transportation in Medellin:
Is it safe to travel on the Medellín Metro?
Yes, the Metro is one of the safest modes of transportation in the city. It’s well-maintained and respected by the people of Medellín. However, during peak hours, crowds can form, which might lead to opportunistic behavior. If traveling during these times, it’s recommended to be mindful of your personal belongings, particularly your mobile phone.
Is public transportation in Medellín safe?
As mentioned earlier, bus services might be confusing for tourists, and not the best choice for first-time visitors. However, Medellín has a wide network of taxis and private passenger vehicles (Uber, Didi, Cabify…), providing a more personalized transport option. We recommend using authorized taxi services or the mentioned apps for greater convenience and security.
Do they accept card or bank transfers for public transportation in Medellín?
Usually, no. Although electronic payment methods are becoming more common, drivers generally prefer cash payments. If you don’t have cash, you can use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, or Cabify for payment via card.
This is short guide for your transportation in Medellin, if you need further help, conct us here!
