Bus from Medellín to Cartagena

Long-distance coach · ~13h · $30–45 USD · Several daily incl. overnight

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The road from Medellín to Cartagena runs roughly 640 km and takes about 13 hours, linking the City of Eternal Spring with the Caribbean's most famous colonial port. Expreso Brasilia and Rápido Ochoa are the main operators, both running comfortable air-conditioned coaches from the Terminal del Norte. The route descends out of Antioquia's mountains and crosses the hot interior savanna before reaching the coast, with both daytime and overnight departures available.

Many travelers split the difference between speed and cost: flights are about an hour and often cheap, but the bus saves money and avoids airport hassle for those traveling overland through Colombia. An overnight service lets you sleep through much of the trip and wake on the coast, while a daytime bus shows off the dramatic descent from cool mountains to tropical lowlands. Bring layers, snacks and pesos for stops along the way.

Route details: Medellín to Cartagena

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 Medellín

Terminal del Norte (Terminal de Transportes del Norte, the main hub for northbound coastal departures, near the Caribe metro station)

Drop-off at Cartagena

Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena (Crespo sector, near the airport, about 8 km from the walled Old City)

About the journey

Connecting the Aburrá valley with the Caribbean coast, this route leaves Medellín's spring-like mountain climate and descends through the rugged Antioquian cordillera toward the lowlands. From the Terminal del Norte, buses climb out of the valley and wind north through steep, green mountain country before dropping into the hot tropical plains of Córdoba and Sucre. The highway crosses the savanna and wetland regions of the Caribbean interior, passing cattle towns and river crossings as the air turns thick and humid. The final stretch flattens into coastal Bolívar before arriving at Cartagena's colonial port. Travelers should expect a marked change from cool mountain switchbacks to baking lowland straights, two-lane sections through small towns, military and police checkpoints, and stops for meals and restrooms. At about 13 hours, many take an overnight departure to sleep through the journey, though daytime buses reward you with the dramatic descent from the Andes to the sea.

Travel tips for Medellín → Cartagena

Use the Terminal del Norte in Medellín, which handles northbound coastal routes and is easy to reach via the Caribe metro station.
Decide between day and night — overnight buses let you sleep through the 13-hour run, while daytime services reveal the descent from the Andes.
Bring a layer for the cabin because the air conditioning runs cold even as the climate outside shifts from mountain cool to Caribbean heat.
Carry pesos in small bills for the meal and restroom stops in the interior towns, where cards are often not accepted.
Plan your Cartagena arrival since the terminal is in the Crespo sector near the airport, about 8 km from the walled Old City.
Stick with Brasilia or Rápido Ochoa and buy from the official counters for a reliable long-distance trip.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the bus from Medellín to Cartagena?

Plan on around 13 hours for the approximately 640 km, including the descent from the Antioquian mountains. Real travel time varies with traffic, checkpoints, road works and weather, so treat schedules as estimates.

How much does the bus from Medellín to Cartagena cost?

Fares generally run about $30 to $45 USD one way, depending on the operator, the seat class and how early you book. Tickets are priced in Colombian pesos, so the dollar figure moves with the exchange rate.

What time do buses leave Medellín for Cartagena?

Departures run from roughly 6:00 AM through to about 9:00 PM, including overnight services. Many travelers pick a night bus to sleep through the trip. Confirm exact times at the Terminal del Norte.

Which terminal in Medellín serves Cartagena buses?

Coastal and northbound services, including Cartagena, depart from the Terminal del Norte (Terminal de Transportes del Norte), which is conveniently next to the Caribe metro station.

Should I fly or take the bus from Medellín to Cartagena?

Flights take about an hour and are often inexpensive booked ahead. The roughly 13-hour bus is the better pick if you want to save money, are traveling overland, dislike flying, or are moving heavier luggage.

Going the other direction?

Bus from Cartagena to Medellín

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Explore the cities on this route

Origin

Medellín

Bus tickets, accommodation, and what to do in Medellín →

Destination

Cartagena

Bus tickets, accommodation, and what to do in Cartagena →

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