Bus from Cartagena to Medellín
Long-distance coach · ~13h · $30–45 USD · Several daily incl. overnight
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The inland run from Cartagena to Medellín covers about 640 km in roughly 13 hours, climbing from the Caribbean coast into the mountains of Antioquia. Expreso Brasilia and Rápido Ochoa are the established operators, with departures from Cartagena's terminal arriving at Medellín's Terminal del Norte, which links straight to the metro. Both daytime and overnight services are available, crossing the hot interior savanna before the long ascent into the cordillera.
Flights between the two cities are short and often cheap, so the bus is mainly for travelers who want to save money, are moving overland through Colombia, or prefer to skip airports. An overnight coach lets you sleep through the lowland leg and arrive in Medellín's mild climate by morning. Pack a warm layer for the cool valley and the air-conditioned cabin, plus snacks and pesos for the roadside stops.
Route details: Cartagena to Medellín
Travel time
13 h
Distance
640 km
Typical fare
$30 – $45 USD per person
Frequency
Several daily incl. overnight
First departure
Approx. 6:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 9:00 PM
Operators on this route
Expreso Brasilia · Rápido Ochoa
Pickup at Cartagena
Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena (Crespo sector near the airport; allow travel time from the Old City)
Drop-off at Medellín
Terminal del Norte (Terminal de Transportes del Norte, connected to the Caribe metro station for onward travel into the city)
About the journey
Heading inland from the Caribbean, this route trades coastal heat for the cool spring-like air of the Aburrá valley, climbing from sea level into the Antioquian Andes. Buses leave Cartagena's Crespo terminal and roll south across the flat tropical plains of Bolívar, Sucre and Córdoba, crossing savanna, wetlands and cattle country in the hot interior. As the road nears Antioquia it begins a long, winding ascent into steep green mountains, climbing through switchbacks toward Medellín's valley. The temperature drops steadily as you gain elevation, and the landscape shifts from humid lowland flats to misty coffee-and-cattle highlands. The final descent into the Aburrá valley reveals Medellín spread below. Expect checkpoints, several meal and restroom stops, and two-lane mountain sections in the later hours. At roughly 13 hours, the overnight option is popular, though a daytime departure lets you watch the country change from coast to cordillera.
Travel tips for Cartagena → Medellín
- Leave the Old City with time to spare as Cartagena's terminal sits out near the airport in the Crespo sector and traffic can be heavy.
- Choose overnight or daytime deliberately — a night bus lets you sleep through the lowlands, while a day bus shows the climb into Antioquia.
- Bring a warm layer for both the chilly cabin and Medellín's mild evenings once you reach the valley.
- Carry small-denomination pesos for the interior meal and restroom stops, which generally don't accept cards.
- Use the metro from Medellín's terminal since the Terminal del Norte connects directly to the Caribe metro station for easy onward travel.
- Book with Brasilia or Rápido Ochoa through official channels for a dependable long-haul ride.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Cartagena to Medellín?
Expect around 13 hours for the approximately 640 km, including the long climb into the Antioquian mountains. Actual time depends on traffic, checkpoints, road conditions and weather, so any schedule is an estimate.
How much does the bus from Cartagena to Medellín cost?
One-way fares typically run about $30 to $45 USD, depending on operator, seat class and how early you book. Prices are set in Colombian pesos, so the dollar equivalent shifts with the exchange rate.
What time do buses leave Cartagena for Medellín?
Departures run from roughly 6:00 AM to about 9:00 PM, including overnight services that many travelers prefer. Confirm current times at the Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena.
How do I get into Medellín from the bus terminal?
Buses from Cartagena arrive at the Terminal del Norte, which is connected to the Caribe metro station. From there the metro makes it quick and cheap to reach most parts of the city, including El Poblado and the center.
Is it better to fly or take the bus from Cartagena to Medellín?
Flights take about an hour and are often inexpensive booked ahead, so most people fly. The roughly 13-hour bus is the better choice for budget travelers, overland trips, those avoiding airports, or anyone carrying bulky luggage.
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