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Tell us your flight, the date, how many people and bags you have, and where you are staying. We answer with the price and agree the details with you there.
Medellín Airport Transfer: Private Ride Between MDE and Your Hotel
More comfortable than a taxi, safe and reliable: a private car between José María Córdova airport and your door, with the pickup scheduled before you fly.
Airport transferExample plan
- Duration
- About 45 to 60 minutes each way to El Poblado, depending on traffic
- Pickup
- José María Córdova airport (MDE) or your hotel or Airbnb in Medellín
- Languages
- English or Spanish
- Group
- Private: only your group
Price for your groupAsk us on WhatsApp
- 5.0Google23 reviews
- 5.0Tripadvisor52 reviews
- PrivateOnly your group
- English or SpanishYour choice
- Hotel pickupAnywhere in Medellín
How the ride from MDE to Medellín works
- By road
- About 40 km
- Usual drive
- 45 to 60 min
Where the airport is
Sources give different distances, but the airport sits roughly 40 km from El Poblado by road. The Túnel de Oriente shortened the trip a lot. Plan on about 45 to 60 minutes to El Poblado, and allow more at rush hour or in rain.
Where we take you
We drop you at your hotel, Airbnb or apartment anywhere in Medellín: El Poblado, Laureles, the city centre and beyond. Just send us the address when you message.
Arrival day with kids or a lot of luggage
Guests have told us the vehicle is comfortable and fits a group of five. Tell us how many people and bags you are bringing and we will plan the right vehicle.
How the day goes
We arrange the pickup
For arrivals, we agree on WhatsApp where and how we meet you at the airport. For departures, we agree a pickup time at your hotel or Airbnb.
The drive
The road from the airport in Rionegro down to Medellín is about 40 km to El Poblado and takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes, more in heavy traffic. You can rest, ask questions about the city or just look out of the window.
Drop-off at your door
We take you to the exact address, whether that is a hotel in El Poblado, an apartment in Laureles or a place near the centre.
What makes this day
- More comfortable than a taxi: a private car just for your group
- Safe and reliable: a known local team you can trust
- Schedule your pickup ahead, for arrival or departure
- Driver who speaks English and Spanish
- Room for families and luggage
- Drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb anywhere in Medellín
What is included
Included
- Private vehicle and driver
- Transfer between MDE airport and your hotel or Airbnb in Medellín
- English or Spanish speaking driver
- Details agreed with you on WhatsApp
Not included
- Flights
- Tips (optional)
- Stops not agreed in advance
Bring
- Your flight details
- Your hotel or Airbnb address
- A phone with WhatsApp
Photos from our tours
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Questions travellers ask
Anything else, ask us on WhatsApp. We answer with details for your dates and group.
Ask on WhatsAppCan you Uber from Medellín airport?
Ride apps work in Medellín, but airport pickups can be awkward and may need a walk or a call to the driver. Many travellers prefer a pre-arranged transfer after a long flight. If you want that, message us on WhatsApp.
How do you do an airport transfer?
You book ahead, tell us your flight and address, and we agree the pickup details with you on WhatsApp. A driver then takes you from the airport to your door, or from your hotel to the airport on the way home.
What is the closest airport to Medellín?
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro is the main airport for international flights. There is also the smaller Olaya Herrera airport inside the city, which is used for some domestic flights. Check which one your ticket uses.
How long is the drive from the airport to El Poblado?
About 45 to 60 minutes by car in normal conditions, roughly 40 km. Rush hour and rain can add time.
How much is a taxi from Medellín airport?
A taxi from José María Córdova airport to Medellín costs about COP 140,000. A private transfer with us is more comfortable, safe and reliable, and you schedule the pickup ahead. Ask us on WhatsApp for our price.
How much does the transfer cost?
The price depends on your group, luggage and drop-off address. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you.
Can I schedule the pickup in advance?
Yes, and we recommend it. Send us your flight number and address on WhatsApp and we agree the pickup time, so someone is expecting you when you land.
Do you also take me to the airport when I leave?
Yes. Tell us your flight time and hotel address and we agree a pickup time with you on WhatsApp.
Can you take a family with kids and luggage?
Yes. Tell us how many people and bags there are, and the ages of the kids, so we plan the right vehicle.
What is the best way to get around Medellín after I arrive?
The Metro is cheap and useful for the centre. For day trips and areas outside the Metro, a private driver is simpler. We also offer private tours with the same team.
Medellín airport transfer: what it is
A Medellín airport transfer is a pre-arranged private ride between José María Córdova airport (MDE) and your accommodation. The airport is in Rionegro, in the mountains above the city, so you cannot simply walk or take a short taxi ride into town.
With PH Tours you book on WhatsApp, we agree the details, and a driver takes only your group. Felipe and the team also run private tours, so many guests simply start their trip with us at the airport.
Why a private transfer instead of a taxi
A taxi from José María Córdova airport to Medellín costs about COP 140,000. For a similar trip, a private transfer gives you more: it is more comfortable, it is just for your group, and it is booked before you fly.
- More comfortable: a clean private vehicle with room for your luggage, instead of the next car in the taxi line.
- Safe and trustworthy: you travel with a known local team, not a stranger, which matters after a long flight or at night.
- Reliable: we schedule the pickup with you on WhatsApp, so someone is expecting you when you land or at your hotel door when you leave.
- No surprises: the price and the drop-off address are agreed in advance.
Ask us on WhatsApp for the price of your transfer. Tell us your flight, the number of people and bags, and your address.
Can you Uber from Medellín airport? Other ways into town
Travellers ask this a lot. Uber and similar apps are used in Medellín, but airport pickups can be confusing, and you may have to message the driver and find a meeting point after a long flight. Check the current situation in the app when you land.
Other options are the official airport taxis, which you pay for at a counter, and public buses or shared vans to the city. They work, but you handle the luggage, the language and the unknown drop-off. A private transfer removes those questions.
Practical tips for your transfer
- Send your flight number and your hotel address so we have everything in one message.
- If your flight is delayed, message us on WhatsApp so we can adjust.
- Save our WhatsApp number before you fly, in case your phone has no data at arrivals.
- For the return, tell us your departure time and we will agree when to leave your hotel.
- Traffic between El Poblado and the tunnel is slower in the morning and late afternoon. Leave extra margin for international flights.
Who this transfer is for
It suits first-time visitors who want to arrive without stress, families with young kids, groups with several suitcases, and anyone landing late. It also works for solo travellers who prefer a known driver to a street negotiation.
If you also want to see the city, you can add a private tour on the same trip. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will plan it around your flights.
Pair it with
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Tell us your dates. We plan the rest on WhatsApp.
We reply with the price for your group and agree the plan with you before the day.