If you’re looking for the smartest way to get around Medellin, public transport is your best choice to get an authentic and efficient city experience. Medellin’s world-class urban network offers big advantages over relying on taxis or ride apps, being both affordable and sustainable and giving you a real taste of local life.
Medellin’s transit system is famous throughout Latin America for its efficiency. Designed to move millions of people every day, it helps you avoid the city’s notorious traffic jams and gets you where you need to go quickly and smoothly. But it’s more than just a way to get from point A to B. Using public transport lets you experience the city’s daily rhythm and connect with the friendly Paisa culture.his is where you’ll really feel the heartbeat of Medellin.
Worried about language barriers? Don’t be. Medellin’s public transport is very user-friendly, even if your Spanish isn’t perfect. You’ll find clear signage, easy-to-understand maps, and intuitive ticketing systems. Plus, the city takes great pride in keeping its transport network safe and clean, making it a leader in sustainable urban mobility across the region.
In short: if you want to explore Medellin with confidence and a dash of local flavor, public transport is the way to go.
Understanding the Medellín Transit System
To truly master public transportation around the city, it helps to understand how its various parts work together. Medellin boasts an innovative and well-integrated transit network that combines several modes of transportation, each serving different areas and needs.
Metro
The Metro is the backbone of Medellín’s public transport system and the only metro system in Colombia. It features two main rail lines—Line A (north to south) and Line B (center to west)—with a total of 27 stations connecting key areas across the city and the Aburrá Valley. The metro is renowned for its speed, reliability, and cleanliness, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Trains run frequently from early morning until late at night, and stations are clearly marked with maps and signage. To ride, you’ll need a Cívica card, or you can pay for single rides at the station. However, the card is cheaper and more convenient. The system is fully integrated with other transit modes, so you can easily transfer to Metrocable, Tram, or Metroplús lines without leaving the station.
Metrocable
Metrocable is Medellín’s innovative cable car system, designed to connect the city’s steep hillside neighborhoods to the main metro network. These cable cars glide above the city, providing not only practical transport but also stunning views of Medellín and its mountains. There are currently six lines, with Line K and Line L being the most popular for visitors—Line L takes you directly to the lush Parque Arví. Metrocable has been transformative for the city, making previously isolated communities accessible and reducing travel times dramatically. You can transfer seamlessly from the metro to the cable cars using your Cívica card, but note that Line L to Parque Arví has a separate fare.
Tranvía (Tram)
The Tranvía de Ayacucho (Ayacucho Tram) is a modern, rubber-tyred tram that runs along a 4.3 km route through the eastern part of Medellín. With nine stations, the tram connects San Antonio in the city center to the Oriente neighborhood, passing through areas like Buenos Aires and Miraflores. The tram is fully integrated with the metro and Metrocable, with easy transfers at key stations. All trams are low-floor and air-conditioned, offering a comfortable and eco-friendly way to travel. Stops are frequent, and the system is easy to use for first-timers—just tap your Cívica card at the entrance and enjoy the ride.
Metroplús
Metroplús is Medellín’s bus rapid transit (BRT) system, running on dedicated lanes to avoid traffic and provide fast, reliable service. There are two main lines covering 26 km, with 27 stations, many of which are fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. Metroplús connects with the Metro and other transit systems at several points, making transfers simple. Buses are modern, comfortable, and run frequently, especially during peak hours. You’ll use your Cívica card for payment, and the system is especially useful for reaching areas not directly served by the metro or tramo.
Buses and Feeder Services
Beyond the main rail and BRT lines, Medellín’s public transport network is completed by hundreds of smaller buses and feeder routes. These buses reach deep into neighborhoods and suburbs, connecting residents to the Metro, Metroplús, and other transit hubs. Operated by various companies like TPC, these routes cover a huge area with over a thousand stops, so you’re never far from a bus connection. Schedules, routes, and real-time updates can be checked using apps like Moovit. Fares vary by route, but most accept the Cívica card, making it easy to transfer between different types of transport on a single journey.
Your Key to Mobility: The Cívica Card
The Civica card is your all-in-one ticket for Medellin’s public transport, making it super easy to hop on the metro, buses, cable cars, and more. Tourists can grab the simple “Al portador” version at any metro station for about $6,000 COP without any hassle. If you’re staying longer, you might want a personalized card, which you can get at customer service points by showing your ID or passport. Reloading your card is a breeze at metro stations, some supermarkets, or via the Cívica app. Using the card saves you money with transfer discounts and helps you skip lines, making your Medellín travels smooth and affordable.
| Profile | Fare (COP) | Fare (USD) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Al portador (Bearer Card) |
$4,580 |
$1,11 |
Ideal for most tourists. This is the general fare for occasional users. |
|
Personalized Civica (Frequent User Profile) |
$ 4.110 |
$1 |
Content |
|
Metro- Metrocable Transfer |
Included |
Included |
Transfers between Metro lines and integrated Metrocable lines (J, K, H, M) are free with your Cívica card |
|
Parque Arví (Metrocable line L)
|
$24.500 |
$6 |
This line (connecting from Santo Domingo station) has a separate, higher fare for most users, as it’s considered a tourist/recreational line. This cost is in addition to your regular Metro fare to Santo Domingo |
| Bus Type | Typical Fare (COP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Buses (feeder routes) |
Same as Metro fare |
These routes connect directly to Metro stations and require a Cívica card. The fare is integrated into your Metro journey. |
|
Non-Integrated (Traditional) Buses |
$3.400 |
These are the familiar colorful buses that crisscross the city. Payment is typically cash-only to the driver. |
Safety Tips for Expats Using Public Transportation in Medellin
Medellin’s public transport is generally safe and reliable, but a little common sense goes a long way to keep your trips worry-free. Here are some easy tips to help you stay secure.
With these tips, you’ll navigate Medellín’s transit like a pro—safe, smart, and ready to enjoy the city!
Where Can Medellin’s Public Transport Take You?
Medellín’s public transport system makes exploring the city’s top spots easy and affordable. Want to visit Plaza Botero and the Museum of Antioquia? Just take the Metro Line A to Parque Berrío station, then enjoy a short walk to the sculptures and museums. For nightlife and dining in El Poblado, Metro Line A takes you straight to El Poblado station, right below Parque Lleras.
For a little adventure, take Metro Line A to Acevedo station, then transfer to Metrocable Lines K and L to reach Parque Arví, a lush nature reserve with stunning views. To explore the vibrant street art and history of Comuna 13, ride Metro Line B to San Javier station, then walk or join a guided tour to see the famous outdoor escalators and murals.
Other attractions, like Jardín Botánico and Parque Explora, are near Universidad station on Line A, while Pueblito Paisa is accessible from Estadio or Alpujarra stations and a taxi ride. Thanks to Medellín’s integrated transit network, you can easily mix metro, cable cars, trams, and buses to reach nearly every corner of the city with ease and at a low cost.
Using Medellin Metro tourist spots as your navigation points makes exploration incredibly simple. Here’s a quick guide to popular destinations.
| Destination | Metro Line & Station | Public Transport Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Plaza Botero / Museo de Antioquia |
Metro Line A: Berrio Station |
Short walk from station. |
|
Pueblito Paisa (Cerro Nutibara) |
Metro Line A: Estadio or Alpujarra Station |
Requires to take a taxi from the station |
|
El Poblado / Parque Lleras |
Metro Line A: El Poblado Station |
Central access to dining and nightlife |
|
Comuna 13 (Graffiti Tour) |
Metro Line B: San Javier Station |
Connects to outdoor escalators. Tours start nearby. |
|
Jardín Botánico / Parque Explora |
Metro Line A: Universidad Station |
Direct access to science museum and botanical gardens |
|
Museo de Arte Moderno (MAMM)/Ciudad del Rio
|
Metro Line A: Industriales Station |
An easy walk to a modern art museum and urban park space with green areas. |
|
Centro Comercial Santa Fe |
Metro Line A: Aguacatala Station |
The easiest way to get there is to take the integrated bus or the metro, which will take you directly to the Mall. |
|
Estadio Atanasio Girardot (Sports Complex) |
Metro Line B: Estadio Station |
Direct access to the city’s main stadium for sports events and concerts. |
|
Mercado del Río |
Metro Line A: Industriales Station |
Metro Line A: Industriales Station
A popular gourmet food hall, a short walk from the station.
|
The Bottom Line: Public Transport in Medellin- Getting Around the City Like a Local
So, there you have it! Navigating Medellín’s incredible Public Transport system isn’t just about getting around Medellín efficiently; it’s about unlocking the very heart of the city and experiencing its vibrant pulse firsthand. With this comprehensive Medellin mobility guide and a trusty Cívica card in hand, you’re now ready to confidently explore every corner—from the sprawling reach of the Medellin Metro guide to the breathtaking heights of the Medellín Metrocable—all while keeping Public Transport safety in mind. Ditch the ride-share apps for a day or two and dive into the authentic Medellín transit system–we promise, it’s an adventure you won’t regret!
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One thought on “Public Transport in Medellin: Getting Around the City Like a Local”
Just left Medellin. Was there for two months and the Metro station was right by my place. Can get very crowded, but fast and cheap.