Salento is well connected with Medellín. You can get from Medellín to Salento by bus, bus + shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
Nestled within the verdant embrace of the Coffee Triangle, Salento, Colombia, is a caffeine lover’s El Dorado!
As you wander through the quaint, colorful streets, you’ll be greeted by the unmistakable aroma of rich Colombian coffee wafting through the air.
Beyond the coffee plantations, the Cocora Valley beckons with its iconic wax palm trees and cascading waterfalls, serving as a playground for adventure enthusiasts.
Don’t just take my word for it; treat yourself to a journey through the rustic charm of Salento and find out why it’s quickly brewing up to be a hotspot for travelers worldwide! Book a tour here and dive into this idyllic paradise!
Traveling between Medellín and Salento is easy, and you can choose between a bus, bus + shared van shuttle, private transfer, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Medellín to Salento.
How far is Salento from Medellín?
The distance from Medellín to Salento is 153.3 miles or 246.7 kilometers.
It takes about 6 hours to travel from Medellín to Salento by car.
Transportation Options from Medellín to Salento
The following table outlines all transportation options from Medellín to Salento:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Bus from Medellín to Salento | 8 hours | USD 37 |
| Coach Bus + Shared Van Shuttle from Medellín to Salento | 7 hours 30 minutes | USD 67 |
| Private Transfer from Medellín to Salento | Custom Time | – |
| Rental Car | ~6 hours | – |
Getting to Salento from Medellín
1. Coach Bus from Medellín to Salento
Journey Duration: 8 hours
Taking a coach bus from Medellín to Salento is cost-effective and an excellent way to soak in the stunning landscapes of the Colombian countryside!
You’ll begin your journey at Terminal del Sur in Medellín, where companies like Flota Occidental currently have regular direct services to Salento.
The buses run three times a day, with the last bus leaving in the late evening. Tickets are priced at USD 37; the journey takes roughly 8 hours.
While the buses are comfortable and often equipped with reclining seats and air conditioning, they typically don’t make stops for food, so packing snacks and a bottle of water is a good idea.
Upon arriving in Salento, you’ll be dropped off at the small bus terminal in the town center. Salento is quite compact, so you can either walk to your accommodation or take one of the readily available taxis.
To secure your seat, especially during peak seasons like holidays and weekends, it’s wise to book your ticket in advance!
Medellín to Salento Coach Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:15 AM | 05:15 PM | 8 hours | USD 37 |   |
| 01:30 PM | 09:30 PM | 8 hours | USD 37 | |
| 08:30 PM | 04:30 AM | 8 hours | USD 37 | |
This option is quite popular among travelers, so if you don’t manage to secure a seat, other buses are available that don’t make it all the way to Salento but rather drop you off in the nearby city of Armenia.
These buses make the trip in 7 hours and 30 minutes and leave Medellin on a different schedule.
The bus tickets cost USD 34, but consider any additional costs for transportation to Salento.
Check out the schedules and book your tickets from Medellín to Salento online here!
Medellín to Armenia Coach Bus Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:30 AM | 02:00 PM | 7 hours 30 minutes | USD 34 | |
| 09:30 PM | 05:00 AM | 7 hours 30 minutes | USD 34 | |
| 11:00 PM | 06:30 AM | 7 hours 30 minutes | USD 34 | |
2. Coach Bus + Shared Van Shuttle from Medellín to Salento
Journey Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
Another reliable option to reach Salento from Medellín is to take a coach bus followed by a shared van shuttle.
First, you’ll need to catch a bus from Medellín’s Terminal del Sur to Armenia, one of the major cities near Salento. The same company, Flota Occidental, operates the bus to Armenia.
The trip takes around 6 hours, and buses generally have air conditioning and comfortable seats.
Once you arrive in Armenia, head to the bus terminal and look for shared van shuttles from Armenia to Salento. These shuttle rides are included in the bus ticket price, which costs USD 67.
The whole trip takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, and the most significant advantage of this option is that the shuttle will drop you off directly in front of your hotel in Salento!
It’s worth noting that this option may allow for a bit more flexibility regarding departure times. It can also be a good alternative during peak travel seasons when direct buses to Salento might be fully booked.
We recommend saving your seats on the coach bus and shuttle from Medellín to Salento online in advance!
Medellín to Salento Coach Bus + Shared Van Shuttle Schedule
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:30 AM | 02:00 PM | 7 hours 30 minutes | USD 67 | |
| 09:30 PM | 05:00 AM | 7 hours 30 minutes | USD 67 | |
| 11:00 PM | 06:30 AM | 7 hours 30 minutes | USD 67 | |
3. Private Transfer from Medellín to Salento
Journey Duration: Custom Time
For those seeking convenience and comfort, booking a private transfer is an excellent option to get from Medellín to Salento!
Private transfers can be arranged through various companies or your accommodation and offer door-to-door service, eliminating the need to navigate bus terminals. The journey typically takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Prices for private transfers can vary, depending on the vehicle and number of passengers.
The vehicles used for private transfers are usually modern and well-maintained, often including amenities such as air conditioning and the option to request stops along the way.
While this option is significantly more expensive than taking a coach bus or a combination of bus and shared van, it provides a stress-free and flexible alternative, especially for groups or families where the cost can be split among passengers.
Remember to book your private transfer at least a day in advance, and ensure that the company or driver you choose has good reviews for safety and reliability!
4. Driving with Rental Car from Medellín to Salento
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
Renting a car to travel from Medellín to Salento offers your journey’s ultimate freedom and flexibility!
There are many affordable car rental deals that you can get in Medellin, making this choice affordable and worthwhile! Rental rates for a standard car typically range from USD 40-USD 65 per day.
The drive from Medellín to Salento takes around 6 hours, covering a distance of approximately 250 kilometers.
The route mainly follows the Autopista del Café, which is in good condition, but be prepared for winding roads as you approach the mountains near Salento.
Check if the rental includes unlimited mileage and verify the fuel policy. Having a GPS for directions is also a good idea, as road signs might not always be clear.
Renting a car can be an excellent option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas of Salento in-depth, like the coffee plantations and Cocora Valley.
Moreover, having a car will enable you to set your schedule and make impromptu stops for photographs or meals!
Ensure to book your rental in advance, especially during peak seasons, and always drive cautiously.
Best day tours in Salento, Colombia
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Salento, Colombia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Medellín to Salento?
Yes, there are currently direct buses operated by companies like Flota Occidental. They usually have several departures daily from Medellín’s Terminal del Sur.
How much does it cost to travel from Medellín to Salento by bus?
A bus ticket from Medellín to Salento for a direct trip costs only USD 37!
Is it safe to drive from Medellín to Salento?
Generally, the roads are in good condition, but some sections can be winding and narrow. It’s advisable to drive cautiously and avoid driving at night.
Can I rent a car in Medellín and drop it off in Salento?
Some rental companies may offer one-way rentals, but it’s best to check with the rental company beforehand as this service might have additional fees.
Is there an airport in Salento?
No, Salento does not have its own airport. The nearest major airport is El Edén International Airport in Armenia, about an hour’s drive from Salento.
What are some things to do in Salento?
Salento is famous for its coffee plantations, vibrant colonial architecture, and the Cocora Valley, home to the tallest palm trees in the world. You can also enjoy hiking and tasting local cuisine.
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