Jardin to Medellin
After spending some time in a small colonial town like Jardin, the bright lights and big city of Medellin are calling your name. Or maybe, Medellin is a connecting point for another adventure. But, no matter the reason for coming to Medellin, there are several reasons to stick around.
Medellin has become a lot safer over the past few years, and one of the best things to do is to simply wander around the parks and plazas to take in the city’s sights and sounds. Parque Lleras is one of the best places to people watch in all of Medellin! There are also plenty of microbreweries and food tours to check out. It’s such a great way to try some local food, learn about the history of the city, and take in a bit of Colombian culture and tradition in the process.
If you’re wondering, how do I get from Jardin to Medellin? Can I take a Medellin day trip?
While technically it is possible if you caught an early morning bus, you’d end up spending almost seven hours in transit. So it’s definitely better to plan a weekend in Medellin to enjoy the city before moving on or returning to Jardin.
About the ride from Jardin to Medellin
The distance from Jardin to Medellin is only 137 km (about 85 miles). Jardin is located in the mountains, so heading to the city will require a bumpy ride. About two-thirds of the ride is on unpaved mountain roads. They’re very windy and can be quite steep in some places. They make for some incredible scenery, but pack your Dramamine and book a seat near the front of the bus near a door or window if you get car sick.
If you opt to take the bus, note the drivers in Colombia are fairly good by South American standards. The bus is more likely to crawl down the mountain than to speed around the cliffs, which is great news. So, your bus journey will be safe, even if it is painfully slow at points.
How to get from Jardin to Medellin
The best way to get from Jardin to Medellin is by bus. It is very cheap, easy, and convenient, making it an excellent option for everyone.
It is also possible to rent a car and drive yourself.
Even though options for transport from Jardin to Medellin are limited, it is still a simple journey to make.
Bus
Taking a bus is the best way to travel from Jardin to Medellin for several reasons. Buses start at only $8 per person, which is a very reasonable price for a three-hour journey. It is a direct route between cities, with very few stops. The bus also picks you up and drops you off in easy to navigate locations. And there are several departure times per day.
There are two companies to choose from: Rápido Ochoa and Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño.
Rápido Ochoa has relatively new buses, and tickets cost $8 per person to get from Jardin to Medellin. The great thing about these buses is that the seats are pretty comfortable, and many buses have free WiFi on board. In addition, all buses have seats that recline and are equipped with AC and charging ports to make the three-hour trip a bit more enjoyable. Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms on board, but the bus stops for a snack and toilet break.
Rápido Ochoa buses pick passengers up in central Jardin and drop you off at Terminal del Sur, right next to Olaya Herrera International Airport in Medellin.
There are several departure times per day to choose from.
You can change your ticket for free. However, if you cancel (up to 24 hours in advance), they’ll keep a 20% fee.
Pro Tip: Rápido Ochoa has assigned seats, so book your seat early. Sitting in the back of these buses can feel quite cramped, especially on a three-hour trip – book towards the front to avoid getting squashed in the back row with too many people.
The other company you can book with is Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño. These tickets are $11 per person. They have similar benefits to Rápido Ochoa, but the buses are a bit larger and therefore more comfortable. However, because the bus is bigger, it’s a little bit slower as well.
The internet connection is more reliable on these buses.
Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño picks up passengers in central Jardin and also drops you off at Terminal del Sur in Medellin.
A disadvantage with booking with them is that you cannot cancel or change your ticket once you book.
Renting a Car
The other way to get from Jardin to Medellin is to rent a car and drive yourself.
Renting a car in Colombia is relatively straightforward. All you need is your passport, a credit card, and an international driving license.
The roads between Jardin and Medellin are mostly well-kept and safe to drive. However, it isn’t advised to go at night if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Don’t forget, you’ll need to pay for petrol and tolls on top of the car rental fee. This obviously makes renting a car much more expensive than taking the bus.
With any car rental, it is recommended that you thoroughly check the car for scratches and dents before signing and taking the car off the property. It’s not a bad idea to take pictures as well.
This is especially important in Colombia.
Charging foreigners for damage they didn’t cause is a common scam at many car rental companies. However, it can easily be avoided by checking the car over when you first receive it and noting down all damage.
The only issue with renting a car would be ensuring their availability in Jardin. Because it is a smaller colonial town, you may struggle to find a car. So, make sure to book early or rent your vehicle in Medellin for a return journey if you are dead-set on a road trip.
Since there are really only two methods of transport from Jardin to Medellin, the best way to choose is based on your budget. If things are tight, take the bus. If you feel like splashing out, go for the car. Regardless of what option you choose, you are bound to enjoy your time in Medellin.
