4 Best Ways to get from Medellín to Salento, Colombia

You can get from Medellín to Salento by bus, bus + shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.

The cheapest option to travel from Medellin to Salento is by bus, which costs USD 37. The journey takes about 8 hours.

The most popular option is the bus + shared shuttle, which requires a vehicle switch in Armenia, which is included in the price of one ticket.

The fastest way to travel to Salento from Medellin is by private transfer, or rental car, which takes about 6 hours!

Colombia’s roads have been my canvas, painting a picture of diverse cultures and landscapes.

This article is your ultimate guide for getting from Medellín to Salento, breaking down each transportation option and most effective ways to travel, , ensuring a journey as dynamic as Colombia itself!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Medellín to Salento.

Transportation Options from Medellín to Salento

The following table outlines all transportation options from Medellín to Salento:

Method	Time	Price
Bus from Medellín to Salento	8 hrs	$37
Medellín to Salento Bus + Shuttle	7.5 hrs	$67
Medellín to Salento Private Transfer	~6 hrs	–
Rental Car	~6 hrs	–

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.

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

The table below displays the coach bus timetable for trips from Medellin to Salento, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
09:15am	05:15pm	8h	$37
01:30pm	09:30pm	8h	$37
08:30pm	04:30am	8h	$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

The table below displays the coach bus timetable for trips from Medellin to Armenia, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
06:30am	02:00pm	7h 30m	$34
09:30pm	05:00am	7h 30m	$34
11:00pm	06:30am	7h 30m	$34

2. Coach Bus + Shared 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 Shuttle Schedule

The table below displays the coach bus + shared shuttle timetable for trips from Medellin to Salento, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
06:30am	02:00pm	7h 30m	$67
09:30pm	05:00am	7h 30m	$67
11:00pm	06:30am	7h 30m	$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.

Here, you can find some of the best tours in Salento, Colombia

Frequently Asked Questions