José María Córdova International Airport serves Medellín, located in Rionegro, approximately 35 km east of the city center, at a higher altitude than the valley where Medellín is situated.
It is the main international gateway to the city, known for its year-round spring-like climate and urban transformation.
How to get to Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MDE
Parking near Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
The official parking lot (operated by AeroValet) is a large open area in front of the terminal, with over 1,000 parking spaces, open 24 hours a day.
Tiered fare based on length of stay: approximately 7,000 COP for short stays up to 26,000 COP for extended stays within the same day. Automated payment at the cashier before vehicle pickup.
How to get to Medellín from MDE
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Medellín: 1-Way Transfer From José María Córdova Airport
Private Airport Transfer in Medellín: Arrival Service
Medellín: José María Córdova Airport Private Transfer
Transfer from Medellin - Airport or from Airport - Medellin
Car rental at Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
Major international car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the Coffee Axis in the surroundings.
Rental requires a driver's license, passport, and credit card, plus the IDP in most cases.
Hotels near Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
Rionegro and Llanogrande
A few minutes by car or taxi, staying on the Rionegro plateau; some accommodation in the area offers its own shuttle on request.
Best for: Overnight layovers, dawn departures and late arrivals: staying on the airport side avoids crossing the Túnel de Oriente or the Las Palmas road twice.
- Check-in is minutes away, without depending on the traffic down into the Medellín valley
- Llanogrande has its own restaurants, nurseries and shopping malls, useful for an evening without going down to the city
- Outside this area there is no urban life: Medellín's points of interest stay 30-60 minutes away depending on the route
- The supply consists of small hotels and country houses such as the Med Llanogrande or the Casa Grande Hotel PH, without the big international chains found in El Poblado
El Poblado (Medellín city)
About 30 minutes and 22 km via the toll Túnel de Oriente; on the old, toll-free Las Palmas road, the trip rises to 50-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those with more than one night who prefer the life of Medellín over the convenience of departure, accepting 30-60 minutes of transfer.
- El Poblado holds nearly all of Medellín's international hotel chains, with restaurants and nightlife within walking distance
- Parque Lleras, Provenza and the big shopping malls are minutes away on foot or by taxi from the area's hotels
- Every trip to or from the airport still takes half an hour or more, toll on the tunnel included
- At rush hour the old Las Palmas road can take over an hour
Recommended hotels
- NH Collection Medellín Royal 135 soundproofed rooms with blackout curtains in the financial heart of El Poblado, half an hour from the airport; outdoor pool, jacuzzi and spa. View availability
- Medellín Marriott Hotel On the so-called Milla de Oro in El Poblado, among shopping malls, restaurants and venues; among the most liked 5-star hotels in the area for cleanliness and service. View availability
- InterContinental Medellín - Movich A semi-Olympic outdoor pool, tennis courts and large green spaces rarely found in a city hotel; minutes from El Tesoro and Parque del Poblado. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, modern, requires approximately 10-15 minutes on foot from check-in to gate.
In case of traffic peaks, customs and security can slow things down: for international flights, 3 hours of buffer are advised.
Map of Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is it better to land at Rionegro or Olaya Herrera for Medellín?
Rionegro (José María Córdova) handles almost all international flights; Olaya Herrera, much more central, is dedicated to domestic and regional flights.
Q. Can you pay in dollars or euros in Medellín?
No, almost everything is paid for in Colombian pesos: it's better to withdraw cash from an ATM or pay by card, avoiding informal street money changers.
Q. Is it worth trying the Metrocable in Medellín?
Yes, the urban cable cars connect the hillside neighbourhoods to the centre with panoramic views: a symbol of the city's urban transformation.
Q. Is El Poblado the safest neighbourhood in Medellín?
It's generally considered among the safest and most touristy, with the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
