Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

MEDColombiaTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Jose Maria Cordova International Airport

Medellin, Colombia

Drop-off

Medellín Centro (Parque Berrío / San Diego area)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Combuses Aeropuerto – Centro Medellín (Metro Exposiciones / San Diego)

bus · 15-30m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Combuses Aeropuerto – Centro Medellín (Metro Exposiciones / San Diego)
Headway: 15-30
Backup: Combuses Aeropuerto – Centro Medellín (Nutibara / Parque Berrío) · 15-30m

Note

Direct airport bus operated by Combuses linking José María Córdova Airport with Medellín via the Túnel de Oriente, running 24 hours a day between the airport and the Exposiciones area/San Diego near central Medellín; electronic payment with Metro de Medellín Cívica card or QR is accepted and the route does not make intermediate stops in the city. Services typically depart every few minutes at busy times and up to around every 30 minutes in quieter periods. cite

Budget focus

Medellin: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likemedellin airport busandmed to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: Combuses Aeropuerto – Centro Medellín (Nutibara / Parque Berrío)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-30m
Note: Official airport minibuses (busetas) operated by Combuses connect José María Córdova with central Medellín, stopping at Centro Comercial San Diego and the downtown area near Hotel Nutibara/Parque Berrío, which is next to the main metro hub. Typical frequency is about every 15 minutes during the day, with journey times of 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. cite

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Combuses Aeropuerto – Centro Medellín (Metro Exposiciones / San Diego)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-30m
Note: Direct airport bus operated by Combuses linking José María Córdova Airport with Medellín via the Túnel de Oriente, running 24 hours a day between the airport and the Exposiciones area/San Diego near central Medellín; electronic payment with Metro de Medellín Cívica card or QR is accepted and the route does not make intermediate stops in the city. Services typically depart every few minutes at busy times and up to around every 30 minutes in quieter periods. cite

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.