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Medellin to Santa Marta (Magdalena) from $24: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Medellin, Colombia
to
Santa Marta (Magdalena), Colombia

How to Get from Medellin to Santa Marta : Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$24 by busBest price
493.7 milesDistance
3h 1m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Medellin to Santa Marta (Magdalena) with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  1m
Estimated price
$59-192
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
16h  28m
Estimated price
$24-47
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 493.7 miles
Duration: 3h 1m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
15h  55m
Estimated price
$25-50
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
11h  29m
Estimated price
$40-60
Company
various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
4h  14m
Estimated price
$69-218
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Medellin to Santa Marta (Magdalena)

Your journey from Medellin to Santa Marta reveals a captivating shift from the vibrant, bustling city life to the serene coastal landscapes and rich Caribbean culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Marta (Magdalena)

Santa Marta boasts diverse neighborhoods offering unique experiences for visitors.

Rodadero
• Popular beach destination with vibrant nightlife.
• Great dining options and local shops.
Historic Center
• Charming colonial architecture and cultural sites.
• Close proximity to artisanal markets and plazas.
Taganga
• Laid-back vibe favored by backpackers and divers.
• Stunning sunsets and fresh seafood restaurants.

Best Times To Visit Santa Marta (Magdalena)'s Attractions

Planning your visit around peak times can enhance your experience in Santa Marta.

Parque Tayrona
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Rodadero Beach
Go in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and quieter beach atmosphere.
Historic Center
Explore early in the day or late afternoon for a more relaxed stroll.

Santa Marta (Magdalena) Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Marta enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a tempting getaway anytime. The dry season from December to April offers the best conditions for outdoor activities and beach relaxation.

Dining in Santa Marta (Magdalena)

Savor the fresh flavors of the Caribbean at El Rodadero, famed for its ceviche de camarón, offering a refreshing contrast to Medellin's heartier dishes. The relaxed seaside atmosphere paired with locally-sourced ingredients creates a dining experience that celebrates the coastal heritage and vibrant culture of the region.

Medellin - Santa Marta (Magdalena) operators

Explore transport companies operating between Medellin and Santa Marta (Magdalena), with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane
Website
latam.com

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE) to Santa Marta (SMR)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$50-140

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE) to Barranquilla (BAQ)

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$45-140
Website
avianca.com

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE) to Santa Marta (SMR)

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$50-180

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE) to Barranquilla (BAQ)

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$40-170
Website
jetsmart.com

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE) to Santa Marta (SMR)

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$30-80
Website
copaair.com

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova (MDE) to Santa Marta (SMR)

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$23-180
Bus
Contact phone
01 800 051 8001
Website
expresobrasilia.com

Bus from Terminal Norte to Santa Marta

Average Duration
15h 55m
Estimated price
$28-50
Contact phone
+57 604 44448888
Website
rapidoochoa.com.co

Bus from Terminal Norte to Santa Marta

Average Duration
15h
Estimated price
$25-50

Bus from Yarumal to Santa Marta

Average Duration
12h
Estimated price
$21-40
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+57 5342 7102

Other from Barranquilla to Santa Marta

Average Duration
1h 32m
Estimated price
$27-35

Medellin to Santa Marta : Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Medellin and Santa Marta (Magdalena) offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Medellín to Santa Marta, covering a scenic driving distance of 795.0 km. 💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options with prices ranging from $40 to $60 for a trip by car from Medellín to Santa Marta. 🏖️ Arrive in Santa Marta after approximately 11 hours and 29 minutes of driving, ready to unwind on the picturesque beaches, indulge in delicious seafood, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this coastal city.
Average price
$40 - $60
🛫 Flying from Medellin to Santa Marta is quick and convenient, with direct flights taking only 1 hour and 15 minutes. Airlines such as AeroRepública, Avianca, JetSMART, and LATAM Chile operate this route from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport to Santa Marta Airport. 🌴 The journey by plane from Medellin to Santa Marta lasts around 3 hours and 1 minute, offering travelers a comfortable and fast way to reach this beautiful coastal city in Magdalena. 💸 Prices for flights between Santa Marta and Medellin can range from $59 to $192, depending on the airline, time of booking, and travel dates.
Departure Point
Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport
Arrival Point
Santa Marta Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• To maximize your experience, consider booking your flight with Avianca or LATAM Chile, as they often include better in-flight services and wider luggage allowances—an important factor for luggage-heavy travelers heading to the Magdalena region.
• Upon arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta, head to the designated taxi area outside the terminal to avoid unlicensed operators; expect to pay around 20,000 to 30,000 COP (approximately $5-$8 USD) to reach the city center, with a travel time of around 30 minutes.
• Be mindful of your flight times, especially if you are planning to explore the surrounding natural parks; frequent morning flights can be less congested, and it’s wise to check local transport schedules for connections to popular destinations like Tayrona National Park post-arrival.
🕰️ The trip takes approximately 15 hours and 55 minutes, making it a long journey but a scenic one as you travel across Colombia's diverse landscapes. 💰 Prices for the bus ticket range from $24 to $47, offering a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful coastal city of Santa Marta from the vibrant city of Medellin.
Departure Point
Terminal Norte station
Arrival Point
Santa Marta station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Medellin to Santa Marta (Magdalena).

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The distance between Medellín and Santa Marta is approximately 577.8 km if you travel by air. The quickest way to reach Santa Marta from Medellin is to take a flight, which takes around 3 hours and 1 minute. Alternatively, if you prefer to travel by road, the distance is 792.1 km, and it takes approximately 11 hours and 28 minutes by car or 15 hours and 55 minutes by bus.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Medellin to Santa Marta is by bus. It takes approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $25 to $50. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the fastest option, taking just 3 hours and 1 minute. Flight costs range from $55 to $210.
The prices for a bus ticket from Santa Marta to Medellin range from $20 to $50.
To get from Medellin to Santa Marta without using public transportation, you can consider renting a car and driving the distance. The driving distance is approximately 791.8 km, which takes around 11 hours and 28 minutes. Rental prices for a car to Santa Marta from Medellin can range from $40 to $60 on average.
To travel from Medellín to Santa Marta without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey usually involves a transfer in Yarumal and takes approximately 15 hours and 20 minutes. The cost of the bus ticket can range from $25 to $50.
Yes, there is a direct link between Medellin and Santa Marta through bus services. The journey takes approximately 15 hours and 55 minutes and there are four trips available each day. The bus services, operated by companies like Coonorte and Rapido Ochoa, depart from Medellin and arrive at Santa Marta.
The flight between Medellin and Santa Marta typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary between $59 and $202.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Santa Marta. With over 1417 hotels available, you have a wide range to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $119, but they can vary depending on the location and amenities.