How to reach the meeting point of the Free Tour

Medellin Metro to reach the meeting point of the Free Tour

Updated: May 19, 2026

The Medellín Metro is easily one of the things locals are most proud of. It is the only metro system in Colombia and is widely recognized for being clean, safe, efficient, and easy to use. For many travelers visiting Medellín, riding the Metro quickly becomes part of the experience of discovering the city itself. Today, Medellín’s integrated transportation network includes Metro trains, Metrocable cable cars, the Tranvía tram system, and Metro buses, allowing both locals and tourists to move around the city quickly and affordably.

Also see A practical guide to Medellin’s cable cars

One of the best things about the Metro is its simplicity. The system uses flat fares, meaning the ticket price does not depend on the number of stations you travel or the time of day you use it. For most visitors, using the Metro is often easier and faster than dealing with traffic, expensive taxis, or long Uber rides during rush hour.

To use the system, you can either buy an occasional card (called an “Eventual” card) or use a rechargeable Cívica card. As of 2026, the occasional tourist fare costs approximately 4,400 COP. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station using Colombian pesos, and most stations have staff available to help travelers if needed.

Steps to use the Medellin Metro:

Using the Metro is relatively simple, even if you do not speak Spanish.

1. Step 1: Go to the Ticket Booth (“Taquilla”)

   When you arrive at the station, head to the ticket booth and tell the employee you need:

   “Una tarjeta Cívica Eventual”

   This is the rechargeable card most tourists use.

2. Add Credit (“Recarga”)

   Tell the employee how much credit you would like to add to the card.

   As of 2026:

   • The card itself costs approximately 11,500 COP
   • Each Metro ride costs approximately 4,400 COP
     

   The fare is flat, meaning the price is the same no matter: how many stations you travel, which station you enter or exit or what time of day you use the Metro. Unlike some other cities, Medellín does not currently offer daily or multi-day tourist passes.

3. Step 3: Pay in Colombian Pesos

   Ticket booths primarily accept Colombian pesos (cash).
   Travelers are advised to bring some cash.

4. Step 4: Enter Through the Turnstiles

   Proceed to the entrance gates and hold the card against the green scanner. Once the screen turns green, push through the turnstile and enter the system.

5. Step 5: Sharing One Card With Multiple People

   One Cívica Eventual card can be shared between several travelers. If you are traveling with friends or family:

   • Simply scan the same card multiple times
   • One person enters after each scan

   This makes it very convenient for groups and short-term visitors.

Medellin Metro table of prices for 2026:

The meeting point of the free tour in Medellin is the north ticket booth of Alpujarra station of the Medellin metro system, you can see it in the map.

For example, if a couple knows they will need 2 trips each (i.e. to the tour and back), then they need 4 trips in total, so they would pay COP 29,100 including the card.

Unfortunately the Medellin Metro system has not defined yet a policy to return the plastic card in order to get back the 11,500 COP. That’s why we strongly encourage travelers leaving the city, passing the card to other travelers in order to decrease the usage of plastic.

The Medellín Metro is considered one of the safest, cleanest, and most organized public transportation systems in Latin America. Like in any large city, travelers should still keep an eye on their belongings, avoid displaying expensive items, and be extra careful during rush hour.

Locals also take great pride in Metro culture, so basic etiquette is important. Let passengers exit before entering, avoid eating inside the trains, and offer seats to elderly people or pregnant women whenever possible.

See you at the station! 🚇