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José María Córdova Airport Guide
Medellín is served by José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), located in the municipality of Rionegro, approximately a 45-minute drive from the city center. The airport is modern and serves as the main gateway to Colombia's Antioquia region.
José María Córdova Airport (MDE)
MDE
Location: Rionegro, 35 km southeast of Medellín city center
Best for: International travel, domestic connections, business travel
Transport: Buses, taxis, private transfers, rental cars
Airlines: Avianca, LATAM, Copa, American, Spirit
Features: Modern facilities, good shopping and dining options
Alternative Airport in Medellín
- Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH): Located within Medellín city, serving regional and domestic flights only
- Important Note: Most international flights arrive at MDE, while EOH handles shorter domestic routes
Transport from José María Córdova Airport to Medellín
- Airport Buses: Comfortable buses to San Diego Mall and city center (approx. 45-60 minutes)
- Taxis: Official airport taxis available with fixed rates to different zones
- Private Transfers: Pre-booked services for convenience and comfort
- Rental Cars: Available at the airport for exploring the region
- Rideshare: Uber and other apps operate in Medellín
Best Time to Book Flights to Medellín
When to Book for the Best Prices
- Book international flights 2-4 months in advance for optimal pricing
- For peak seasons (December-January, June-July), book 3-6 months ahead
- For regional flights within South America, book 1-2 months in advance
- Consider flying on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for lower fares
- Set price alerts to monitor fare changes for your preferred travel dates
- Be flexible with your travel dates by 3-5 days to find better deals
Best Time to Visit Medellín
- Dry Season (December-March): Less rainfall, pleasant temperatures, peak tourist season
- Flower Festival (July-August): Famous Feria de las Flores, vibrant cultural events
- Shoulder Seasons (April-June, September-November): Good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices
- Year-Round: Medellín's "Eternal Spring" climate means pleasant temperatures throughout the year
Airlines That Fly to Medellín
Medellín is served by several international carriers and domestic airlines, with good connections throughout the Americas.
Major International Airlines
- Avianca (Colombia's flag carrier with extensive network)
- American Airlines (Direct flights from Miami and Dallas)
- Spirit Airlines (Low-cost carrier with flights from Florida)
- Copa Airlines (Connections via Panama City)
- LATAM Airlines (Connections throughout South America)
- Air Europa (Direct flights from Madrid)
- Air Canada (Seasonal flights from Toronto)
- JetBlue (Flights from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando)
Domestic and Regional Airlines
- EasyFly (Domestic Colombian carrier)
- SATENA (Colombian regional airline)
- Wingo (Low-cost Colombian carrier)
- Aeromexico (Connections via Mexico City)
- KLM (Connections via Amsterdam and Bogotá)
- Turkish Airlines (Connections via Istanbul and Bogotá)
Medellín Flight Travel Tips
Before You Fly
- Check Colombia visa requirements based on your nationality (many countries get 90 days visa-free)
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity
- Consider travel insurance for flight delays or cancellations
- Download airline apps for mobile boarding passes
- Check baggage allowances and fees for your specific airline
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for easier communication
At José María Córdova Airport
- Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours for domestic
- Have boarding passes and travel documents ready
- Use the official airport buses for affordable transportation to the city
- Take advantage of airport facilities including lounges and shopping
- Use the free WiFi available throughout the airport
- Be prepared for immigration and customs procedures
Medellín-Specific Travel Tips
- Purchase a Civica card for Medellín's metro system
- Use the metro cable cars for amazing city views and access to hillside communities
- Try local dishes like bandeja paisa and arepas
- Visit Comuna 13 to see incredible street art and learn about the city's transformation
- Explore El Poblado neighborhood for dining and nightlife
- Take day trips to Guatapé and its famous rock formation
- Carry both cash (Colombian Pesos) and cards
- Be mindful of altitude - Medellín is at 1,495 meters (4,900 feet)
Frequently Asked Questions About Medellín Flights
How far is José María Córdova Airport from Medellín city center?
The airport is located approximately 35 km (22 miles) southeast of Medellín city center. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Medellín?
April, May, September, and October typically offer the lowest airfares to Medellín, as these are the shoulder seasons with fewer tourists.
How early should I arrive at Medellín Airport for international flights?
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. During peak travel seasons, consider arriving 3.5 hours early.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Medellín from the US?
American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue offer direct flights from various US cities including Miami, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.
What is the best way to get from Medellín Airport to the city?
The airport buses are the most economical option, taking about 45-60 minutes to the city. Taxis and private transfers are more convenient but more expensive.
Do I need a visa to visit Medellín?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and many other countries receive 90 days visa-free entry for tourism. Always check current Colombian immigration policies.
What is the flight time from Miami to Medellín?
The flight from Miami to Medellín takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Is Medellín safe for tourists?
Medellín has transformed significantly and is generally safe for tourists who take normal precautions. Stick to tourist areas, avoid displaying valuables, and use registered taxis or rideshare services.
What currency is used in Medellín?
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it's good to carry cash for smaller purchases and markets.
What is the weather like in Medellín?
Medellín is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" with average temperatures around 22°C (72°F) year-round. Mornings are typically sunny with possible afternoon showers.