Traveling around Colombia can come across as complicated and it takes some planning and research beforehand. If you’re planning a trip from Medellin to Jardin and not sure what’s the best way to get there, I’ve got you covered! I did this exact same route while traveling solo in Colombia, so keep on reading as will tell you all you need to know on how to get from Medellin to Jardin.
About Jardin
Tucked away in the Colombian coffee region, this cozy little town is surrounded by lush greenery, coffee farms and still has an authentic feeling to it. Unlike its famous neighbor Salento, Jardin isn’t on everyone’s radar when first coming to Colombia. In the center of town, you’ll find a big lively square, which was one of my favorite places in Jardin! The whole town gathers here in the evening and grabs a drink together with friends and family.
Distance between Medellin and Jardin
The distance between these two is pretty short, only 128km, making it the perfect weekend getaway from the bustling city of Medellin.
Transport Options
Option 1: from Medellin to Jardin by Public Bus
By bus is the best and cheapest option to travel from Medellin to Jardin. Buses are leaving Medellin around 6 times a day with the first bus leaving at 04:45 AM and the last one at 6:45 PM.
Step 1: from Medellin Center to Medellin Del Sur Station
The buses to Jardin leave from Medellin del Sur Station and taking an Uber is the best way to get there. It’s only a short 10 min drive coming from El Poblado. And as it’s only 1,7km away, with the nearest metro station of El Poblado halfway, it’s impossible going by metro. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend walking either.
Coming from Laureles I suggest doing the same and taking an Uber. From there it’s a somewhat longer journey which will take around 20 minutes.
Note: Be at the station at least 20 minutes before departure.
Step 2: from Medellin del Sur to Jardin
From Medellin del Sur Station, you take the 4-hour bus that brings you directly to Jardin. It’s a comfortable drive, with often a short stop halfway to buy some snacks or go to the toilet.
Solo Travel Tip: Always share your location with loved ones and optionally share the bus license plate.
Step 3: Jardin Bus Stop to Accommodation
Jardin is very small so most accommodation is within walking distance. The bus drops you off at their bus stop, which is only one block away from the main square.
Bus companies
Rapido Ochoa is the only bus company operating direct between Medellin and Jardin. Their buses are not the most luxurious but they’re reliable and their seats are comfortable with AC and power sockets to charge your phone. I’ve used Rapido Ochoa twice and everything went super smoothly!
How to book a bus ticket
Bus tickets are easily booked online with Busbud or Redbus. Another option to book your tickets from Medellin to Jardin is at Medellin del Sur station at the Rapido Ochoa counter. When booking at the bus station, you may risk the bus being fully booked and forcing you to take the next which will be in a few hours.
Busticket Price: 38.000 COP (€9)
Option 2: from Medellin to Jardin by private transfer
Taking a taxi from Medellin to Jardin is the fastest but most expensive option of the two and can easily cost €100. Therefore, I would opt for the bus!
You may also like..
How to get from Bogota to Salento – A Comprehensive Transport Guide
How to get from Jardin to Medellin
To get from Jardin to Medellin you can use the same route as above. However with some slight chances.
Unlike Medellin, Jardin doesn’t have an official bus station. Make sure to have your bus ticket booked beforehand. This is the location of the bus stop wherefrom the buses to Medellin leave. Jardín isn’t big so it should be within walking distance of your hostel or hotel.
Tips for Medellín, Colombia
The bustling city of Medellin is one of those cities where travelers tend to stick a bit longer than usual. One of the best things to do in Medellin is visiting Comuna 13 with ZippyTours!
I’ve written a complete blog post about Medellín, click the link below to read all the best things to do!
You may also like..
10 Best Things to do in Medellín, Colombia
Where to stay in Medellín
El Poblado is the most popular neighborhood to stay for travelers and my all-time favorite hostel was Los Patios! If you want to meet fellow travelers, join parties, but at the same time have a good night’s sleep in comfortable beds. This is your place. Almost every day they organize activities or parties, they have 2 buildings with rooftops on both and one with a pool overviewing Medellin (pff I’m getting homesick thinking about that place 💛).
Tips for Jardin, Colombia
Surrounded by lush green nature, hiking is therefore one of the best things to do in Jardin. To make the most out of your time, hike to the nearby Cerro Cristo Rey viewpoint with incredible views over the town and extraordinary landscape, and if you’re lucky you can take the old cable car up! Next to the viewpoints, you’ll find many waterfalls in the surrounding area, worthwhile a full day hiking trip.
Food tip: There’s an incredible Italian place, called Bon Appétit, which has a delicious menu! We even came back twice during our time in Jardin! A must-visit!
But honestly, the best part of Jardin is to soak up the atmosphere in town, wander around the colorful streets, grab a beer at the main square, or simply watch the locals living their day-to-day lives. The atmosphere in Jardin is nowhere else to be found in the touristy spots. We absolutely loved walking around town all day here!
Where to stay in Jardin
I spend my time in Jardin at Sgt Pepper’s Hostel, which was super cheap but very basic so don’t expect any luxury. It is however clean, has a warm homey feeling, and the host is super sweet and helpful!
Summary of how to get from Medellin to Jardin
- The distance is 127km and roughly takes 4 hours by bus.
- Taking the bus is the best and cheapest option to get from Medellin to Jardin.
- Easily book your bus tickets in advance with Busbud.
- Rapido Ochoa is a reliable bus company operating between Medellin and Jardin with comfortable seats.
From Laurelles you can also take the metro to Poblano and walk to the terminal if it isn’t raining or night time and you have a walkable backpack. 900 meters.