Medellin Metro
The locals of Medellin are very proud to have the only Metro system in Colombia. The routes are straight-forward and easy to navigate. Costing only 2,000 COP one way, the Metro system is a reliable and fast way to navigate the city. The hours of the metro are Monday to Saturday: 4:30 AM – 11 PM and Sunday: 5 AM – 10 PM. Consult the Medellin Metro website for more information.
When you buy a ticket, you can either ask for a Univiaje (single metro journey) or an Integrado (Metro journey then an Integrado bus) which costs a little extra, but at 2,300 COP it's much cheaper than buying two tickets. Buying multiple tickets for several days use is also a great time-saving option as it will help you avoid unnecesary queues at the ticket office.
If you have limited Spanish you can just hold up one or more fingers to indicate the number of tickets you need, the international language of body language works well here.
Medellin Metro Map
Be sure to secure your valuables in your backpack or pockets so as not to entice pick-pockets. Wear your backpack on your front. Try to avoid using your phone.
There is more chance of being pick-pocketed whilst people are getting on and off the train, since there is a lot of commotion and distraction. Stay alert at all times and you'll be fine.
Medellin Metro Cable
The Metro Cable public transport system is a government funded and internationally recognized urban regeneration initiative. They were originally designed to allow the local residents to easily travel up and down the steep hills of Medellin - enabling easier access to jobs, medical care and generally making life a lot easier.
Although designed specifically for locals, the cable cars are now Medellin's no.1 tourist attraction, giving visitors a view of barrio populares (favelas) from an interesting and up-close perspective.
The following are the two main metro cable car routes in Medellin, one provides access to the west and the other to the east:
San Javier to La Aurora (west) - 12 minutes
Acevedo to Santo Domingo (east) - 9 minutes
When you arrive at Santo Domingo you can take an additional cable car that travels 15 minutes over the forest to the entrance to the Parque Arvi National Park. This cable car costs an additional 4,600 COP. A fourth cable car system is currently being built. Consult the Medellin Metro website for maps and more information.
Once you are on the metro system, there is no additional cost for the Metro Cable as long as you don’t leave the station.
For 2,000 COP could get on the Metro at Poblado Station, ride both cable cars as many times as you want, then return to Poblado. Just don't get off at any station or take the cable car to Parque Arvi.
