How to get from Medellin to Jerico

Medellín’s colorful streets and mountain views make the road to Jericó one of the most rewarding day or weekend trips in Antioquia, with easy options by bus, car, private transfer, or guided tour from the city.

At A Glance (Medellin to Jerico)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Bus (Terminal del Sur → Jericó)	~3–3.5h	Most travelers, budget-friendly & simple
🏷️ Cost: ~COP 32,000–40,000 one-way (buy at Terminal del Sur or via online ticketing)
🚗 Rental Car / Self-Drive (Medellín → Jericó)	~2–3h (route- & traffic-dependent)	Scenic freedom, side trips & flexible schedule
🏷️ Cost: small car from ~COP 180,000–300,000/day + fuel (share between 2–4 people). Compare rentals on Booking.com car rental.
🚕 Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door)	~2–2.5h	Comfort, groups with luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~COP 350,000–550,000 per car (1–3 pax typical). Check fixed-price options with GetTransfer or pre-book a city/airport ride with Welcome Pickups, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber, DiDi, Cabify or inDrive.
🎒 Organized Day/Overnight Tour (Medellín ↔ Jericó)	Full day (10–12h) or 2–3 days	Zero-planning, guided experience
🏷️ Cost: typically ~COP 450,000–850,000+ pp incl. transport & guide. Browse Jericó trips from Medellín on GetYourGuide.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & fairly easy: For most visitors, the direct bus from Terminal del Sur is the sweet spot between cost and convenience—no navigation stress, frequent departures, and you get dropped right in Jericó’s town center.
• Most flexible & scenic: Confident driver who loves stops for photos and coffee? Choose Option #2 — Rental Car / Self-Drive and combine Jericó with viewpoints or other pueblos in the Suroeste (like Támesis or Jardín).
• Most comfortable door-to-door: If you’re arriving late, traveling with family, or carrying lots of luggage, Option #3 — Private Transfer / Taxi saves transfers and walking, at a higher price but good value when shared.
• Best for hands-off planning: Prefer a guide, hotel pickup, and a curated route? Option #4 — Organized Tour is ideal, and you can compare full-day and multi-day Jericó tours on GetYourGuide.
• Arriving from elsewhere in Colombia: If you’re first getting to Medellín by long-distance bus (for example from Bogotá or Cartagena), you can compare bus routes and prices on 12Go, then connect onwards to Jericó.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Secure accommodations first: Jericó is a small Pueblo Patrimonio and can book out on weekends and holidays. Reserve hotels or guesthouses in Medellín and Jericó early via Booking.com hotels in Medellín and compare more options on Trip.com.
• Bus tickets: For most days you can just show up at Terminal del Sur 30–45 minutes before departure and buy a ticket at the Transportes Jericó Pueblorrico Tarso counter; on long weekends or holidays, use their online ticket system or check schedules on the company’s site.
• Guided tours & experiences: If you want a structured experience with a guide, coffee farm visits, or multi-day itineraries, look at Jericó trips on GetYourGuide from Medellín or broader Colombia tours (including Medellín and the coffee region) on Klook.
• Rental car or motorcycle: A car gives you total freedom, while a motorbike is popular with experienced riders used to mountain roads. Compare rental options and prices on Booking.com car rental or, for motorcycles, on BikesBooking in Medellín.
• Transfers & taxis: For stress-free city or airport pick-ups and longer transfers, you can pre-book a driver through Welcome Pickups Medellín or quote a custom route on GetTransfer. As a backup or cheaper alternative within the city, use local ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify, inDrive).
• Luggage solutions: Doing Jericó as a side trip between stays? Store heavy bags in Medellín with a service like Radical Storage Medellín so you can travel light on the mountain roads.
• Weather & safety: Mountain weather can change quickly; pack a light jacket, sun protection, and motion-sickness medicine if you get car-sick on curvy roads. Avoid traveling after dark if self-driving unless you’re very comfortable with Andean roads.

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Central drop-off Fixed schedule

• Overview: Regular buses run from Medellín’s Terminal del Sur directly to Jericó, usually every 1–1.5 hours from early morning to early evening. Expect about 3–3.5 hours of travel depending on traffic and stops.
• Operators: The main company is Transportes Jericó Pueblorrico Tarso, with timetables published on their official site. Buses depart from inside Terminal del Sur and arrive a short walk from Jericó’s main square.
• Typical schedule & duration: First buses often leave around 05:00 from Terminal del Sur, with services until early evening; travel time is typically around 3 hours in normal conditions.
• How to book (with price): One-way fares usually range from about COP 32,000–40,000. Buy directly at the company counter in Terminal del Sur, or pre-book via the company’s official online ticketing at Teletiquete (Transportes Jericó). For updated timetables and route variations, check the official page for fares and schedules.
• Pros: Cheapest option; frequent departures; no need to navigate; scenic views from the window; direct arrival close to Jericó’s center.
• Cons: Less legroom than a private car; you’re tied to the schedule; can feel bumpy and winding (mountain roads); limited luggage space on busy weekends.
• Good to know: Sit on the right-hand side leaving Medellín for better valley views, carry small change for snacks and bathroom stops, and keep a warm layer for air-conditioned buses.

Step-by-step: Direct Bus from Medellín to Jericó

1. Get to Terminal del Sur. From most central neighborhoods (Laureles, El Poblado, Centro), take a licensed taxi or ride-hailing app (Uber, DiDi, Cabify, inDrive). If you’re arriving from the airport, you can pre-book a transfer straight to the terminal with Welcome Pickups or book a city ride via GetTransfer.
2. Find the Transportes Jericó counter. Inside Terminal del Sur, look for the counters labeled for Jericó (often “Transportes Jericó Pueblorrico Tarso”). Confirm the next departure, route (via Bolombolo/Fredonia/Támesis), and travel time.
3. Buy your ticket. Purchase a ticket for the next available bus or a later one if you prefer. Keep your passport or ID handy in case it’s requested. If you booked online through Teletiquete, show your booking code or QR at the counter.
4. Wait in the boarding area. Follow signs to the assigned gate/“puerta” for Jericó. Use the restroom and grab snacks at the terminal shops while you wait.
5. Board the bus. When boarding is called, load larger bags in the luggage compartment and keep valuables with you. Sit in your assigned seat (if applicable) and make sure your ticket is handy for the onboard check.
6. Enjoy the ride. The bus will climb into the mountains with several curves and occasional short stops. Use this time to rest or enjoy the views—offline maps of Jericó and your accommodation can be useful if the signal drops.
7. Arrive in Jericó. The bus usually stops near the central area; from there, it’s an easy walk or short moto-taxi to most hotels and guesthouses.

Getting to the main embarking points (Terminal del Sur Medellín)

• By metro + short taxi: Ride the Medellín Metro to Poblado or Industriales station and take a short taxi/Uber from there to Terminal del Sur. This is often faster in rush hour than going by taxi all the way from northern neighborhoods.
• By taxi or ride-hailing: Ask the driver for “Terminal del Sur, por favor” and share your departure time. Apps like Uber, DiDi, Cabify or inDrive are widely used and convenient if you prefer paying by card or tracking your ride.
• From the airport: If you’re landing at José María Córdova (MDE) and going straight to Jericó, combine the airport bus or taxi to Medellín with a ride to Terminal del Sur, or book a direct airport–terminal transfer with Welcome Pickups airport taxi.
• Luggage storage in Medellín: If you’re coming back to Medellín the same day or next, consider leaving big bags at a partner near Laureles, El Poblado or Estadio via Radical Storage and traveling to Jericó with only a small backpack.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #2 — Rental Car / Self-Drive (Most Flexible & Scenic)

Split cost with friends Door-to-door Mountain driving

• Overview: Pick up a rental car in Medellín and drive yourself to Jericó via the southwest highway (usually through Bolombolo or alternative routes via Fredonia/Támesis). This option lets you choose your schedule and stop at viewpoints or cafés along the way.
• Driving time: Roughly 2–3 hours depending on traffic leaving Medellín and road works along the route. Weekend and holiday traffic can be heavier.
• How to book (with price): Small rental cars typically start around COP 180,000–300,000 per day before insurance and fuel; fuel to Jericó and back might add roughly COP 70,000–90,000 depending on your vehicle. Compare offers and pick-up locations via Booking.com car rentals.
• Pros: Maximum flexibility; easy to combine Jericó with other pueblos in the Suroeste; comfortable if traveling as a couple or group; choose your stops.
• Cons: Mountain roads with curves and occasional slow trucks; parking in Jericó’s center can be tight on busy weekends; designated driver needed if you plan to sample local drinks.
• Who it suits: Travelers comfortable driving abroad, digital nomads with flexible schedules, photographers and road-trip lovers.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive from Medellín to Jericó

1. Book your car. Reserve a vehicle in advance for busy dates using Booking.com, picking a pick-up location close to your hotel (El Poblado and Laureles are common).
2. Pick up the vehicle. Bring your passport, driver’s license (and International Driving Permit if required), and a credit card for the deposit. Check photos of the car’s condition before you leave the lot.
3. Set your route. Use offline maps (Google Maps, maps.me) with directions from Medellín to Jericó. You’ll usually take the road southwest out of the city toward Bolombolo and then climb up to Jericó.
4. Consider a motorcycle instead. Experienced riders sometimes prefer two wheels for flexibility and fun on the mountain curves. If that’s you, check options on BikesBooking in Medellín.
5. Drive with mountain conditions in mind. Expect tight curves, occasional fog or rain, and slower trucks. Allow extra time and avoid driving at night if possible.
6. Arrive and park in Jericó. Many accommodations have small parking areas; if not, your host can usually point you toward nearby paid or free parking spots.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental offices & city pick-up)

• From your hotel: Choose a rental location within a short taxi or walking distance, especially in El Poblado or Laureles, the most common areas for visitors to stay (you can find hotels in these neighborhoods on Booking.com or Trip.com’s El Poblado listings).
• By taxi or ride-hailing: Use Uber, DiDi, Cabify or inDrive to get to your rental office on time; share the pin directly from the rental provider’s confirmation email or app.
• From the airport: If you prefer to pick up your rental at José María Córdova (MDE), look for “Medellín Airport” car-rental pick-up options when searching on Booking.com car rental, then drive straight toward Jericó to skip Medellín city traffic.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚕 Option #3 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door Comfort)

Comfort Hotel pick-up Higher cost

• Overview: A private car or van collects you at your Medellín hotel or the airport and drives you directly to Jericó. This is the most convenient and comfortable option, especially for groups, families, or travelers with mobility issues.
• Duration: Usually around 2–2.5 hours door-to-door, depending on traffic leaving Medellín.
• How to book (with price): Expect prices from roughly COP 350,000–550,000 per car for a one-way transfer, depending on vehicle size and time of day. You can compare fixed-price transfers on GetTransfer or arrange an airport/city pickup with Welcome Pickups in Medellín. For shorter urban sections (e.g., hotel–Terminal del Sur), ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper.
• Pros: Easiest option with door-to-door service; no luggage hauling; flexible departure time; can request English-speaking driver through some services.
• Cons: Significantly more expensive than the bus unless you split the cost between 3–4 people; you still depend on road and weather conditions.
• Who it suits: Families with kids, older travelers, very early/late arrivals, or anyone who prefers comfort and simplicity over saving money.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer / Taxi Medellín → Jericó

1. Choose your provider. Compare quotes with GetTransfer, check airport and city transfer options on Welcome Pickups Medellín, or ask your Medellín hotel if they work with a trusted driver.
2. Confirm details in advance. Share your exact pick-up address, time, group size, luggage, and destination in Jericó. Screenshot the confirmation and driver contact details in case of connection issues.
3. Meet your driver. At the agreed time, meet the driver at your hotel lobby, apartment entrance, or airport arrivals area. Verify the vehicle and driver name/plate before getting in.
4. Ride to Jericó. Sit back and enjoy the views. If you want photo stops or a quick coffee break, agree on them with your driver ahead of time.
5. Arrive at your accommodation. You’ll be dropped directly at your hotel, hostel, or finca in Jericó—no need for an extra tuk-tuk or taxi from the bus stop.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel / Airport pick-up)

• From Medellín hotels: Most private transfers and Welcome Pickups rides will collect you directly from popular neighborhoods like El Poblado, Laureles and Envigado. Make sure your address is complete (including apartment number and building name).
• From José María Córdova Airport (MDE): If you’re landing and going straight to Jericó, set the airport as your pick-up point in the booking form, then Jericó as your destination—no need to enter Medellín first.
• Alternative apps: For shorter rides to bus terminals or rental offices, use Uber, DiDi, Cabify or inDrive, which are widely used in Medellín.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🎒 Option #4 — Organized Day or Overnight Tour (Guided & Hassle-Free)

Guided Hotel pickup Fixed itinerary

• Overview: Join a small-group or private tour from Medellín that includes round-trip transport, a local guide, and sometimes meals and activities, such as coffee farm visits, viewpoints, and town walking tours.
• Duration: Most day trips last 10–12 hours, while coffee-focused or multi-town itineraries may be 2–3 days.
• How to book (with price): Expect day tours from roughly COP 450,000–850,000+ per person depending on group size and inclusions. Compare options like full-day Jericó trips and coffee experiences on GetYourGuide’s Jericó listings. You can also look for multi-day Antioquia or coffee-region tours leaving Medellín on GetYourGuide Medellín or broader Colombia trips on Klook.
• Pros: No need to worry about routes or schedules; learn local history and culture from a guide; often includes coffee farm or nature stops; easy for solo travelers.
• Cons: More expensive than doing it yourself; fixed timetable; free time in Jericó may be limited depending on the tour.
• When it’s ideal: Short stays in Medellín, first-time Colombia visitors, or anyone who prefers to let someone else handle logistics.

Step-by-step: Organized Tour from Medellín

1. Browse tours. Check departures, inclusions and reviews for Jericó tours on GetYourGuide and Medellín-based multi-day trips on GetYourGuide Medellín or Klook Colombia tours.
2. Check pick-up points. Many tours include hotel pick-up from El Poblado and Laureles; some have a central meeting point instead. Double-check this before booking, especially if you’re staying elsewhere in the city.
3. Book and confirm. Reserve your spot online, check the cancellation policy, and note what’s included (lunch, entrance fees, coffee farm visits). Save your voucher or confirmation offline.
4. Prepare for the day. Pack layers, a rain jacket, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and cash for personal purchases. Let your hotel know you’ll be leaving early if breakfast times are limited.
5. Meet your guide. Be ready at the agreed time; the van or minibus will usually pick you up and then collect other participants before heading toward Jericó.
6. Enjoy Jericó. Follow your guide through the colorful streets, viewpoints and churches; if you want more time in Jericó later, you can always return another day by bus.

Getting to the main embarking points (Tour meeting spots)

• Hotel pickup zones: Most tours offer pick-up in El Poblado and Laureles; confirm your hotel’s address when you book. If your stay is outside these areas, the operator may suggest a nearby meeting point.
• Central meeting points: Some tours start from well-known areas like Parque El Poblado or shopping centers in El Poblado—easy to reach via taxi, Uber, DiDi, Cabify or inDrive.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Medellin to Jerico)

Is there a direct bus from Medellín to Jericó?
Yes. Direct buses to Jericó depart from Medellín’s Terminal del Sur, mainly operated by Transportes Jericó Pueblorrico Tarso. Services usually run from early morning until early evening, roughly every 1–1.5 hours, and take about 3–3.5 hours depending on traffic.

Do I need to book the bus in advance?
On regular weekdays, you can normally just buy your ticket at Terminal del Sur 30–45 minutes before departure. On long weekends, holidays and high season, it’s wise to arrive earlier or reserve via the company’s online platform so you don’t miss your preferred departure.

Is the road from Medellín to Jericó safe to drive?
Yes for most travelers, but it’s a curvy mountain road with changing weather, trucks and occasional works. Drive cautiously, avoid speeding, and if possible travel in daylight. If you’re not confident with mountain driving, the direct bus or an organized tour may feel more comfortable.

Can I visit Jericó as a day trip from Medellín?
Yes. Many visitors do Jericó as a long day trip with an early bus or tour from Medellín and a return in the late afternoon/evening. However, staying at least one night gives you time to enjoy the viewpoints, coffee culture and quiet evenings without rushing.

Where can I find official information about Jericó and the region?
For up-to-date information on events, attractions and responsible tourism in Jericó and the surrounding Suroeste region, consult the official municipal and departmental tourism pages listed below.