Distance 458 km (286.3 miles) | |
Price range US$48-US$865 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 9m-14h 15m | |
Earliest Departure 10:48 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 13h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$48
Once you've taken in the fortified stone city of Cartagena on the northwest Colombian coast it's time to head due south to the country's second largest city, Medellin. There are a couple of ways that you can undertake the ride from Cartagena to Medellin and that's by road or by air. If you're traveling by road you have the choice of a VIP Bus or Tourist Bus. Both options take around 13 hours in total and will often leave in the evening or late afternoon so as to reach Medellin in the early hours of the morning.
Buses are air-conditioned and include reclining seats, onboard washrooms, electronic chargers and Wi-Fi access. One of the benefits of taking an overnight bus ride from Cartagena to Medellin is that you can save on accommodation costs. Buses will also make rest stops along the route so travelers can stretch their legs and use the facilities.
Taking a flight from Cartagena to Medellin is obviously going to be a much quicker option and is often a necessity for anyone looking to catch a connecting flight home. It only takes about an hour in the air to fly the 629 kilometers (390 miles) south and costs are pretty reasonable, with tickets starting from $100.
Once you've arrived in Medellin you'll be met with a cultural clash of European architectural style and South American flair. Knowing where to go next is often a very good idea as it can be slightly bewildering, especially if you've been traveling through the night or just touched down after an hour's flight. The best advice is to book accommodation and transport in advance. In that way you can hit the ground running and give yourself time to settle in without worrying about hailing a cab in a very large city.
What you'll be able to see from your bus window between Cartagena to Medellin depends entirely on what time of day your ride leaves. Of course, if you take the sleeper service, the majority of your ride will be in the dark and you’ll be able to catch up on some well-earned rest.
However, you might well arrive to a striking sunrise as you approach the suburbs of Colombia's second largest city. This can be a really memorable moment after a lengthy journey and will just about make up for a lack of sleep if you've not been able to nod off during the night. And there's always going to be a smooth Colombian coffee waiting for you on arrival so waking up will never be in doubt!
Taking a bus
If you’re looking for the most affordable way to get to Medellin from Cartagena, you’ll want to travel by VIP or Tourist Bus; especially through the night. Not only will your ride cost approximately half of the airfare it will also save you money on overnight accommodation.
On top of that, buses have good Wi-Fi access and air conditioning systems. Reclining seats aren't too bad either and provide a fairly comfortable place to sleep over the course of 629 kilometers (390 miles). It really pays to bring a black out eye mask, ear plugs and an extra comfy travel cushion or inflatable neck support if you're intending to get the best rest possible. Bus rides are often quite sociable too with rest stops and card games offering lots of opportunities to get to know fellow travelers and swap stories about your South American adventures, so far.
Taking a flight
Although flights from Cartagena to Medellin will cost you practically double the price of a bus ride ticket they will give you much more time on the ground. Sometimes all you want to be doing when traveling in Colombia is sightseeing and experiencing the incredible Andean scenery. An hour's flight will take you right over some of the country's most breathtaking mountain ranges as well as allowing you to touch down feeling fresh and ready to explore.
Yes, you will need to get to your accommodation when you arrive in Medellin (preferably booked in advance) but you will have plenty of time to do so. Economy flights usually leave Cartagena around 5pm and arrive approximately just after 6.30pm. This gives you a whole day in Cartagena before you leave which can be a whole lot more enjoyable than sitting on a busy bus.
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