- Must visit
Museo Histórico de Cartagena de Indias
Museum inside the former Palace of the Inquisition with colonial architecture and exhibits on Cartagena’s political and social history.
Cheapest price on 30 Oct
£46
Average ticket price on 30 Oct
£55
Fastest journey on 30 Oct
12 h
Average journey duration on 30 Oct
12 h 35 m
Buses on 30 Oct
12
Distance
461 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Medellín to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Medellín to Cartagena will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £46.
On Fri 30 Oct, we found 12 buses from Medellín to Cartagena, including 12 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 461 km distance in an average of 12 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h .
The slowest buses will take 13 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Rey Dorado - Lo máximo
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Rey Dorado de Primera* [VIP]
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Buses from Medellín to Cartagena run on average 8 times per day, taking around 13h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £13 by flight.
There are 8 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 06:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 461 km distance in 9h 15m.
Distance 461 km |
Average bus duration 13h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 9h 15m |
First bus 6:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Medellín to Cartagena.
The table below shows live departures for Medellín to Cartagena coaches for today, Thursday 29 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 16:30 Medellín | 13h10 | 5:40 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
Rey Dorado - Lo máximo | 17:30 Medellín | 15h40 | 9:10 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 18:30 Medellín | 13h10 | 7:40 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
Rey Dorado - Lo máximo | 19:30 Medellín | 13h00 | 8:30 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
Rey Dorado de Primera* [VIP] | 20:15 Medellín | 12h00 | 8:15 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 21:30 Medellín | 14h00 | 11:30 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
Rey Dorado - Lo máximo | 22:30 Medellín | 12h10 | 10:40 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 22:45 Medellín | 13h00 | 11:45 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 23:45 Medellín | 12h45 | 12:30 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 30 October | |||||
Rey Dorado - Lo máximo | 5:30 Medellín | 13h00 | 18:30 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 8:30 Medellín | 13h10 | 21:40 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
0 | 11:00 Medellín | 13h10 | 0:10 Cartagena | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Cartagena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cartagena trip today.
Museum inside the former Palace of the Inquisition with colonial architecture and exhibits on Cartagena’s political and social history.
Set in a colonial house by Plaza de Bolívar, this museum presents pre-Hispanic goldwork and ceramics from Caribbean cultures.
Modern art museum in a restored customs building, showing Colombian and Latin American works in a compact and central setting.
Cartagena’s walled old town is packed with plazas, balconies, churches and colourful streets. Ideal for walking, photos and historic atmosphere.
Lively historic neighbourhood with street art, music, colonial houses and busy squares. A favourite for evening walks and local character.
An open wall-top promenade along Cartagena’s fortifications, popular for breezes, sea views and a scenic walk around the old city.
Coconut rice cooked with sweetened coconut milk, often served with fish or seafood. A defining Caribbean side in Cartagena with a sweet-savoury flavour.
Whole fried mojarra, usually served with patacones, salad and coconut rice. A classic coastal meal prized for fresh local fish and simple seasoning.
Crunchy fried green plantain discs, commonly eaten as a side or snack with coastal dishes. They are a daily staple across Cartagena and the Caribbean coast.
Stylish restaurant and bar focused on Colombian ingredients and creative plates. Good for cocktails, seafood and a contemporary night out in the old town.
Refined Caribbean Colombian cooking in an elegant colonial setting in the walled city. Good choice for a polished dinner centred on local ingredients.
Popular casual seafood spot serving generous Caribbean plates, fried fish and coconut rice. Lively, straightforward and well suited to a traditional lunch.
Moderate for Caribbean Colombia; hotels in the walled city cost more, but local dining and taxis remain fairly affordable for tourists.
A 10% service charge is often added in restaurants and can be declined; extra tip is optional. Round up in cafés. Taxis do not require tipping, but rounding up is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Medellín to Cartagena by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cartagena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Medellín to Cartagena buses use the to Cartagena station pair. Use this guide to compare Medellín and Cartagena bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cartagena is 3 km from Cartagena city centre. Public transport options include:
Cartagena has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cartagena. ATMs are available at Cartagena.
Ticket office support is available at Cartagena.
Available at Cartagena: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena: Wheelchair access provided.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need