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Medellin to Cartagena from $321: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Medellin, Colombia
to
Cartagena, Spain

How to Get from Medellin to Cartagena: 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.

$321 by busBest price
8275 kmDistance
17h 59m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Medellin to Cartagena 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
Bus
Average Duration
17h  59m
Estimated price
$422-1280
Recommended
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
21h  30m
Estimated price
$321-961
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 8275 km
Duration: 17h 59m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
18h  45m
Estimated price
$483-4220
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
33h 
Estimated price
$487-1273
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
20h  46m
Estimated price
$524-1059
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
18h  30m
Estimated price
$4221-4222
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
20h  25m
Estimated price
$4223-4224
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Medellin to Cartagena

Your journey from Medellin to Cartagena showcases the vibrant hustle of Medellin's urban scene contrasting with Cartagena's historic charm and coastal beauty.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cartagena

Cartagena offers diverse neighborhoods, each with a distinct atmosphere and charm.

Getsemani
• Vibrant street art and lively nightlife.
• Close to cultural attractions and local eateries.
Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada)
• Rich history with stunning colonial architecture.
• Picturesque squares filled with cafes and shops.
Bocagrande
• Modern high-rises overlooking beautiful beaches.
• Dining and shopping options along the waterfront.

Best Times To Visit Cartagena's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your experience in Cartagena's highlights.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
Plaza Santo Domingo
Enjoy evenings when the ambiance comes alive with music and lighting.
La Bocana Beach
Visit during weekdays for a quieter, more serene beach experience.

Cartagena Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cartagena enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, making it an attractive destination year-round. Visiting during spring or early fall can provide the ideal balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining in Cartagena: A Unique Culinary Experience

When in Cartagena, savor the fresh catch of the day at Restaurant La Perla, where the coastal flavors contrast sharply with Medellin's hearty dishes. The vibrant atmosphere, infused with Caribbean influences, showcases local ingredients like seafood and tropical fruits, offering you a delightful taste of the region's culinary identity.

Medellin - Cartagena operators

Explore transport companies operating between Medellin and Cartagena, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Alicante–Elche to Alicante–Elche

Average Duration
13h 40m
Estimated price
$12803-12804

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Valencia to Valencia

Average Duration
13h 40m
Estimated price
$12805-12806

Plane from Medellin Enrique Olaya Herrera to Alicante–Elche to Alicante–Elche

Average Duration
16h 30m
Estimated price
$12807-12808

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Granada-Jaén to Granada-Jaén

Average Duration
12h 40m
Estimated price
$1280190-3213

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Madrid to Madrid

Average Duration
9h 30m
Estimated price
$12805-3216
Website
latam.com

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Alicante–Elche to Alicante–Elche

Average Duration
13h 40m
Estimated price
$12803-12804

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Valencia to Valencia

Average Duration
13h 40m
Estimated price
$12805-12806

Plane from Medellin Enrique Olaya Herrera to Alicante–Elche to Alicante–Elche

Average Duration
16h 30m
Estimated price
$12807-12808

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Granada-Jaén to Granada-Jaén

Average Duration
15h 8m
Estimated price
$3211-3212
Website
vueling.com

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Alicante–Elche to Alicante–Elche

Average Duration
13h 40m
Estimated price
$12803-12804

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Valencia to Valencia

Average Duration
13h 40m
Estimated price
$12805-12806

Plane from Medellin Enrique Olaya Herrera to Alicante–Elche to Alicante–Elche

Average Duration
16h 30m
Estimated price
$12807-12808

Plane from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova to Granada-Jaén to Granada-Jaén

Average Duration
12h 40m
Estimated price
$1280190-3213
Train
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Valencia-Estacio Del Nord to Cartagena

Average Duration
4h 58m
Estimated price
$128018-9612

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Murcia Del Carmen

Average Duration
3h 35m
Estimated price
$9612-9613

Train from Murcia Del Carmen to Cartagena

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
$9614-9615
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Madrid-Chamartin to Murcia Del Carmen

Average Duration
2h 45m
Estimated price
$9616-9617
Bus
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Alicante Aeropuerto to Murcia

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$9618-9619

Bus from Granada to Cartagena

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$128018-9616

Bus from Aeropuerto Almeria to Vera

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$9614-9615
Contact phone
+34 91 652 00 11
Website
interbusmurcia.es

Bus from Murcia to Cartagena

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$5240-5241
Contact phone
+34 902 22 72 72
Website
busbam.com

Bus from Vera to Cartagena

Average Duration
2h 25m
Estimated price
$5242-5243

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

Traveling between Medellin and Cartagena 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.

Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: The train operator 'Renfe' offers a variety of catering services, including a food cart that sells snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. A more comprehensive dining option is available in First Class, where you can enjoy a meal service featuring local and international cuisine. Be sure to check their menu beforehand online.
• Seating Options: For the journey from Medellin to Cartagena, both Renfe and the newly introduced AVE train service provide several seating classes. You can choose from First Class (Preferente) with additional legroom and amenities, Business Class (Club) featuring priority boarding and enhanced services, and Economy Class (Turista), which is budget-friendly while still comfortable. Each seat offers power outlets, and Wi-Fi is also available on select services.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at 'Estación de Cartagena de Indias', be sure to check if there are luggage storage facilities available, as this can help you explore the area unburdened. The station does have public restrooms but does not provide shower facilities. Be prepared for a bit of a walk as you navigate outside the station to find transportation.
🛫 To travel from Medellin to Cartagena by plane, you will first fly from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport to Alicante–Elche Airport in Spain. There are no direct flights available, with the quickest option being an 11-hour and 55-minute journey with one stopover. Both Iberia and Air Europa operate flights on this route. 🌍 After arriving in Alicante–Elche Airport, you will then need to continue your journey to reach Cartagena. The total travel time from Medellin to Cartagena by plane is approximately 33 hours, factoring in the stopover and connecting flight. 💸 Prices for flights between Cartagena and Medellin can vary, typically ranging from $487 to $1273. It's important to check for deals and compare fares to find the best option for your travel budget when planning this international journey.
Departure Point
Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport
Arrival Point
Alicante–Elche Airport. The quickest flight takes 11h 55m and has one stopover

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Medellin to Cartagena.

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The distance between Medellín and Cartagena is approximately 8275.2 km. The typical travel time from Medellin to Cartagena by air and train is approximately 18 hours and 10 minutes. This involves taking a flight from Medellin's Jose Marie Cordova Airport to Alicante-Elche Airport in Spain, and then a train to reach Cartagena.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Medellin to Cartagena is to fly and take a train. This option typically takes 18 hours and 10 minutes and costs between $330 and $1,000, depending on the airline and train company chosen. This combination of transportation modes allows travelers to cover the 8275.2 km distance quickly and comfortably.
The flight duration from Medellin to Cartagena typically takes approximately 11 hours and 55 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight between Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport and Alicante–Elche Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability, but it usually ranges from $600 to $1500.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Cartagena. With over 1403 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for a stay in Cartagena start at $31, ensuring that there is something for every traveler's budget.