Getting Around Medellín Safely: Private Driver, Uber and Metro

Getting around Medellín is easy once you know which option fits each moment. Our rule of thumb: a private driver you trust for the airport, nights out and day trips; Uber for short rides; and the metro and Metrocable to explore by day.

Private driver: the safest option

For the airport, a night out, a match at the stadium or a full day of sightseeing with several stops, a private driver booked in advance is the most comfortable and safest way to move around. You know who picks you up, the price is fixed per vehicle, and your driver waits for you, which matters most at night and for families and groups.

Uber for short rides

For short rides during the day, Uber is the best app option: you see the driver, the car and the price before you get in. Ride-hailing still has no clear legal framework in Colombia, so the driver may ask you to sit in front. Prices go up at busy times.

Metro and Metrocable

The metro is clean, cheap and a source of local pride. It has two rail lines (A, running north–south along the river, and B, running west from San Antonio) connected to Metrocable cable cars, a tram and Metroplús buses. In 2026 a single ticket costs COP 4,400 (≈ US$2), and frequent users with a rechargeable Cívica card pay COP 3,820 (≈ US$1) per trip.

• Useful stations for visitors: Poblado (El Poblado), Estadio (Laureles), Parque Berrío (downtown and Plaza Botero), San Javier (Comuna 13 and Metrocable Line J).
• Ride a Metrocable for some of the best views of the city; Line L to Parque Arví is a tourist line with its own fare.
• Use it by day and avoid rush hours (roughly 6–8 am and 5–7 pm), especially with luggage. Keep your bag in front of you.