How to go from Medellin to Jardin

Jardin was one of my favorite places in Colombia.  And we didn’t know much about it before we arrived, which made it all the more special.  We hiked, we saw waterfalls, we drank coffee, and we sat in a banana plantation serenaded by a couple of old guys.  We rode in a cable car masquerading as a garden shed.  It was magical. Most people come to Jardin from Medellin.  And so here’s our guide on getting to Jardin from Medellin.  You don’t have many options, and it’s pretty straightforward, here’s how to go from Medellin to Jardin.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

The biggest challenge you’ll likely have on this journey is getting across Medellin to the right bus station because, like any other big city, there are different bus stations depending on where you want to go.  Don’t worry I’ll cover that.

Where is Jardin?

Jardin is about 135 kilometers (83 miles) southwest of Medellin, which sounds pretty close.  And it is as the crow flies.  However, there are mountains and lots of bends between the two places.  Mind you, this makes for some amazing views, so long as it’s a clear day!  The road might not be great, but this isn’t a long trip in the bigger scheme of things. 

How to Go from Medellin to Jardin – Transport Options

In this guide on how to go from Medellin to Jardin, I’ll cover which bus station you need to go to, and where you’ll end up in Jardin.  This is a simple route and your options are limited (but easy), it takes between 3 and 4 hours to go from Medellin to Jardin.  Our guide on the best things to do in Jardin is here.

How to get to Jardin from Medellin

For transport from Medellin to Jardin, it’s overland transport.  And you can either take a taxi or a bus.  For a taxi, you’ll want to ask around, or contact the taxi companies that I’ve listed below, or start with your hotel or hostel, for buses, keep reading.

Buses from Medellin to Jardin

There are two bus companies that run from Medellin to Jardin.  These are

• Rapid Ochoa
• Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño

Buses to Jardin from Medellin leave from the south bus terminal in Medellin – Terminal Sur.  There are NO buses from Terminal Norte to Jardin.  You cannot book the bus with Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño online, you need to buy tickets from the terminal.  However, you can book tickets online with Rapid Ochoa.  Check times and bus prices with Rapid Ochoa to Jardin here.

You can buy tickets with Rapid Ochoa at the bus terminal too, but bear in mind that the buses only have 19 seats.  And there are only 7 buses a day from Medellin to Jardin with them.  So if the bus is full you’re waiting for another one.  Buy a ticket now.  There are allocated seats on Rapid Ochoa, so buy early and avoid the bouncy back seat!

Getting to Terminal Sur in Medellin

The first step of your journey to Jardin from Medellin is to get to the southern bus terminal, which is not connected to the Medellin Metro.  However, it’s just a 10-15 minute walk from the Poblado metro stop.  (Google Maps works well), or you’ll need to either take a city bus or a taxi, Uber or Cabify to the bus terminal.  City buses 304 and 313 run to the Southern Bus Terminal.

If you’ve already bought your ticket you just need to arrive 15 minutes before the bus departs and make your way to the gate, load your bags, and get on the bus.  Easy. 

Buying tickets from Medellin to Jardin

If you arrive at a bus station without a ticket, then head to the ticket windows and buy a ticket, then head down to the departure gate.  You’ll need to pay cash for your bus tickets.  Or you can buy a ticket online here.

The bus companies that go from Medellin to Jardin sell tickets at windows 33 and 34 and there’s a sign up saying “Jardin”. 

You’ll pay 27,000 COP with Rapid Ochoa in cash to go to Jardin.  Minibusses with Transportes Suroeste Antioqueño, which take a little less time, and tickets cost 30,000 COP.

Buying tickets for the bus from Medellin to Jardin

You can also prebook and prepay for transport from Medellin to Jardin.   Want to book your seat in Jardin?  Here are the times of the buses from Medellin to Jardin.

04:45 arrives 07:45

08:50 arrives 11:50

13:00 arrives 16:00

15:00 arrives 18:00

16:25 arrives 19:25

18:45 arrives 21:45

The price is the same for all the departure times.  And you can see seat availability here.

You don’t need to print a ticket for buses from Medellin to Jardin, you can use an electronic ticket from your online booking from Medellin to Jardin.

There’s WiFi at Terminal Sur in Medellin, and there are seating areas too.  You’ll need to go through a security check while you’re at the terminal (pass your bags through the scanner etc)

Arriving in Jardin

Jardin is a pretty small place, so you’ll be able to easily walk to your accommodation when the bus drops you off.  The bus drop-off is on a street just off the main square in Jardin.

Taxi from Medellin to Jardin

Taking a private taxi to Jardin from Medellin is the fastest way to go to Jardin.  It is the most comfortable way to travel.  It will also cost you around US$100. 

Where next after Jardin? Why not Salento? Our guide to getting there is here.

Travel Tips for Exploring Colombia

• Read our guide to travel insurance for Colombia
• Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.
• Our Colombia Travel check list is here
• Get online immediately in Colombia with an eSIM
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Colombia > discount coupon here
• Arriving by air? Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
• Make sure you have the right travel adapter for Colombia
• Book the best Colombia tours and guides on GetYourGuide and Civitatis
• Read about ATM fees in Colombia
• Save money in Colombia with a Wise debit card
• Book Buses in Colombia with Bookaway
• Book accommodation in Colombia with Booking.com

Final Words on How to Go from Medellin to Jardin

And there you have it.  Easy isn’t it?  There’s not much to this route.  Get yourself to the southern bus terminal in Medellin, preferably with a bus ticket in hand, then hop on a bus.  In four hours you’ll be in Jardin ready to enjoy this glorious little Colombian pueblo.

ASocialNomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, and amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.