Why the Metro Changes Everything
Medellín's Metro is the only metro system in Colombia, and it's genuinely world-class. Clean, safe, efficient, and integrated with cable cars that float you over the valley. A single fare covers Metro + Metrocable + Tranvía + Metroplús with free transfers — no exit required. For ~$1 per ride, it's the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city.
2026 Fares (Effective January 10, 2026)
| Card Type | Fare per Trip (COP) | USD | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized Cívica | 3,820 | $1.03 | Saves COP 580/trip |
| Non-personalized Cívica | 4,400 | $1.19 | — |
| Urban buses | 3,800–3,900 | ~$1.03 | — |
Metro Lines
Line A (Green) — The Backbone
Runs Niquía ↔ La Estrella (north–south), 21 stations. This is the main artery you'll use constantly.
- Poblado — El Poblado neighborhood access
- San Antonio — Main transfer hub (Line A ↔ Line B)
- Parque Berrío — Plaza Botero, downtown
- Universidad — Botanical Garden, Parque Explora
Line B (Orange) — West Side
Runs San Antonio ↔ San Javier, 7 stations. Key stops: Estadio (stadium district, Laureles access) and San Javier (Comuna 13 graffiti tours).
Metrocable Lines — Floating Over the Valley
Medellín pioneered urban cable cars as mass transit. Six lines are integrated with the Metro system — same fare, same Cívica card.
| Line | Route | Fare | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| K | Acevedo → Santo Domingo | Standard | Original cable car line; city views |
| J | San Javier → La Aurora | Standard | Western hills access |
| L | Santo Domingo → Parque Arví | ~COP 13,700 ($3.70) extra | Nature reserve; closed Mondays |
| H | Oriente → Villa Sierra | Standard | Eastern neighborhoods |
| M | Miraflores → Trece de Noviembre | Standard | Connected to Tranvía |
| P | Acevedo → El Progreso | Standard | Northern hills |
Tranvía and Metroplús
Tranvía (Line T-A) runs from San Antonio eastward through the city center to Miraflores — same fare as Metro, same Cívica card.
Metroplús is Medellín's BRT (bus rapid transit) on dedicated lanes. Two lines serve the metropolitan area. Same fare, same card, free transfers from Metro.
EnCicla — Free Bike-Sharing
Register your personalized Cívica card at encicla.metropol.gov.co to unlock Medellín's free public bike-sharing system: 132 stations, 1,300+ bikes, 140,000+ users. Loans are 1 hour maximum. Available Mon–Fri 5:30 AM–9 PM, Sat 6:30 AM–4 PM. Laureles is pancake-flat and perfect for cycling.
Operating Hours
- Monday–Saturday: 4:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday & Holidays: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Safety on the Metro
Medellín's Metro is exceptionally safe and clean. Paisas (locals) take enormous pride in the system — eating, littering, and loud music are socially unacceptable and enforced. That said, keep your phone in your pocket during boarding (phone-snatching at doors exists), and be aware during rush hour crush loads. The Metro is significantly safer than city buses.
Frequently Asked Questions
COP 3,820 per trip (~$1.03) with a personalized Cívica card, or COP 4,400 (~$1.19) with a non-personalized card. A single fare covers Metro, Metrocable, Tranvía, and Metroplús with free transfers.
Get a free personalized Cívica at San Antonio, Niquía, Itagüí, or San Javier stations. Bring your passport. The personalized card saves COP 580 per trip and also activates EnCicla bike-sharing.
Yes. The Poblado station on Line A is the main access point. It's about 15 minutes from San Antonio (the central transfer hub). From Poblado station, you'll likely need to walk or Uber to your specific location in the neighborhood, as the station is at the bottom of the hill.
Yes. Take Line B to San Javier station, then walk or take a short taxi to the escalators and graffiti tour starting point. It's about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Need help finding a rental?
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll connect you with verified options in Medellín.
Get in Touch