How to get from Medellin to Cali

How to Get

Apr 17

About traveling from Medellin to Cali

Medellin and Cali are two of Colombia’s most unique cities, from dancing to innovation, you will be impressed by both! Medellin is a newly innovative city whose rebirth has given the city much to love, from the cultural aspects, to surrounding nature, it’s one of a kind. While Cali is known as the salsa capital of the world, and the rumba capital in Colombia, so you better bring your dancing shoes!

If you decide to take a car transfer from Medellin to Cali, you can also enjoy some exceptional sights, including Rionegro, Jardin, Manizales, Pereira, Hacienda El Paraiso, and Palmira.

How to get from Medellin to Cali

If you’re travelling from Medellin to Cali, you have several travel options. For travellers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Medellin to Cali. The fastest, but most expensive way to travel from Medellin to Cali is by plane. The most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Medellin to Cali is by car, therefore a car is of course the best way to travel from Medellin to Cali since it’s so convenient.

Medellin to Cali by bus

To travel from Medellin to Cali by bus, you will first go to the Medellin Terminal de Sur, there you will buy a ticket to Cali. Please note that you will most likely have to buy your ticket on the day of your trip, as some companies do not take reservations. The first bus leaves at about 5:00 AM and the last departure time is at about 11:00 PM. Buses leave early in the morning or late at night, as the trip takes 8 hours, so the night bus is a popular choice. The bus from Medellin to Cali is run by Expreso Bolivariano, Empresa Arauca, and Expresso Palmira, with bus tickets from Bogota to Villa de Leyva costing around 20 EUR for the about 8 hour trip. The distance from Cali to Medellin is about 420 kilometers.

All options offer direct service from Medellin to Cali.

Medellin to Cali by bus

First/Last Departure

5:00 AM/11:00 PM

Avg. Price

€20

Distance

~420 km

Duration

~8 hr

Operating Companies

Expreso Bolivariano, Empresa Arauca, and Expresso Palmira

Cali to Medellin by Flight

To travel by plane, you need to get to the Medellin International Airport (MDE). As usual with flights, you’ll want to buy your tickets in advance. A few airline companies offer direct flights that last about 1 hour.

The plane tickets cost around €40-200 (depending on the company) for the approximate 1 hour flight from Medellin to Cali. It’s recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the flight, making this the slowest and most expensive option.

Cali to Medellin by Flight

Departure times, earliest / latest

~7:30 AM / 8:30 PM

Avg. Price

€40-300

Distance

420 km

Duration

~1 hr

Operating Companies

Avianca, Easyfly, Viva Air

Medellin to Cali Car Transfer

For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Medellin to Cali. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Medellin, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Cali, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!