Home/Airports/Medellin arrival

José María Córdova International Airport to Medellin City Center

Every transport option from MDE — cost, journey time, and which one to pick. Updated for 2026 travellers arriving in Colombia.

Airport
MDE
Country
Colombia
Fastest
45-60 min
Cheapest
COP 3,000-5,000

How to get from MDE to Medellin

OptionCostJourney time
Airport bus (Combuses to San Diego)COP 15,000 (~USD 4)45-60 min
Metroplus / feeder busCOP 3,000-5,00075-90 min
Uber / CabifyCOP 60,000-95,000 (USD 15-24)35-55 min
Airport taxi (fixed rate)COP 75,000-105,000 (USD 20-27)35-55 min

MDE (José María Córdova) is 35km SE of centre in Rionegro — the airport bus (Combuses to San Diego) is the cheapest tourist option at COP 15,000. Uber is standard at COP 60-95k. Medellín city itself has excellent Metro + Metrocable — cheapest large-Latin-American metro network. For 12+ hour layovers: Comuna 13 tour + El Poblado dinner. Note: EOH is Medellín's smaller city airport (closer, but domestic only) — MDE is the international.

Skip the queue — pre-book an arrival transfer

A fixed-price transfer meets you inside arrivals with a name-board. No haggling, no cash, no scam risk after a long flight into MDE.

Getting out of Medellin (MDE)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

Pre-book a fixed-price transfer

Our pick

Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

Check transfer prices
Renting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.

Where to stay near Medellin

Comparing hotels across Medellin — filter by neighbourhood, price, and distance from José María Córdova International Airport.

Common questions

How much does a taxi from José María Córdova International Airport to Medellin cost?

COP 60,000-95,000 (USD 15-24) — expect the higher end during rush hour or bad weather. Pre-book a fixed-price transfer if you want price certainty.

What's the cheapest way from MDE to Medellin?

Airport bus (Combuses to San Diego) at COP 15,000 (~USD 4)45-60 min to central Medellin.

Do I need to buy a visa on arrival in Colombia?

Same as Bogotá — visa-free for 100+ nationalities up to 90 days. Check current Colombian government requirements before travel.