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Getting around Medellin: Top tips for public transport in 2026
While the metro system is the most popular way to get around Medellin, you can also take the bus, grab a taxi, or explore the city by bike.
Medellin has become one of the top tourist destinations in South America. And with plenty of places to visit and things to do in Medellin, it’s easy to see why. Thankfully, the City of Eternal Spring has a solid public transportation system that allows you to get around with ease.
Let’s take a look at some of the top options for getting around Medellin, complete with input from Francis Márquez, a Medellin local and a content manager at Holafly.
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Use the metro system
Medellin is home to the only metro system in Colombia, and it’s easily the most popular mode of public transport in the city. It’s an integrated system that includes two lines of metro, metro cable cars, trams, and metro buses. You can get your ticket at the ticket booths, which can be found at every metro station.
The system has metro stations within walking distance of Medellin’s top attractions, such as the Plaza Botero, Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, or the Botanical Gardens. Shopping centers, Downtown Medellín, or communities in the hills are also easily accessible.
Some trips may require you to switch to a different metro train or hop onto a cable car, but navigating the system is quite easy. The San Antonio station is a good starting point for exploration, as that’s where multiple metro lines meet.
Here’s what Francis Márquez had to say about using the metro in Medellin:
“The Medellin Metro and its integrated services, such as the Metrocable, tram, and metro buses, are punctual and reliable. Generally, their stations have screens that indicate the time of arrival for each train.”
Take the bus
On top of the metro buses that are incorporated into the metro system, Medellin has an intercity bus network, with multiple routes running within the city streets. The routes are clearly displayed on the front windshields of the buses, making it easy to find one that’ll take you where you need to go.
Notably, most buses only accept cash payment, with prices ranging from 1,600 COP to 2,150 COP (~US$0.40 to $0.60), depending on the route. Make sure to visit the money exchange before your trip to Colombia and have some cash handy at all times to avoid any inconvenience.
Use a taxi service
Taxi services are another popular way of moving within the city limits. Apps like Uber, DiDi, Cabify, and Indrive work in Medellin, making it easy to get a ride. While you can simply catch a taxi in the city, it might be more difficult, especially if you don’t speak Spanish and can’t communicate with the taxi driver.
Using apps makes it easy to select your destination and get a fixed price for your ride before your trip, so you avoid any tourist charges or communication issues.
Here’s what Francis Márquez had to add about using taxis in Medellin:
“In Medellín, you can use apps such as Uber, DiDi, Indrive, and Cabify. That said, avoid rush hours (6:00 AM to 8:30 AM, 12 PM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 6:30 PM). During these times, the traffic gets bad, so apps like Uber take longer to pick up passengers, and fares increase considerably.”
Rent a bike
Bikes are a popular form of transportation in Medellin, with plenty of bike and e-bike rental options throughout the city. It gives you the option to move around the city at your own pace, enjoying the street art, people-watching, or stopping by the street vendors to enjoy some of the best food in Medellin.
There’s even a free, government-owned bike-sharing system called EnCicla, which is mostly used by local residents. That said, tourists can apply for a membership, with approval typically taking up to three days. If you want to explore the city further, you can also hop off the bike and join one of several free walking tours in Medellin.
Holafly: Unlimited data to get around Medellin with ease
Holafly’s eSIM for Colombia lets you get online before you even see the airport exit upon landing. This ensures a stable connection throughout your stay. Use taxi apps, bike rental apps, check bus or metro schedules, or simply stay in touch with friends or family without ever running out of data.
All eSIMs offer unlimited data and 24/7 customer support. Simply pick a plan duration that matches your trip and make sure you have an eSIM-compatible phone before purchase. Prices range from $3.21 to $7.90/day, depending on the duration of your plan.
If you need long-term coverage, Holafly Plans has got you covered. It’s a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 160+ destinations worldwide, including Colombia. Travel the world with ease without getting a new plan every time you cross an international border and simply cancel the plan when you no longer need it.
Connectivity made easy
Activate your eSIM for Colombia in a few simple steps and manage your plan through our dedicated app.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
