5 Best Ways to get from Medellin to Peñol, Colombia

You can get from Medellin to Peñol by bus, private transfer, rental car, taxi, or guided tour.

The cheapest option is by bus, which costs USD 9 and takes 2 hours.

The most popular option is the transport + tour, which offers a convenient transport alternative and a guided tour in Peñol for one price!

The fastest way is by private transfer, taxi, or rental car, which takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes!

Traveling through Colombia has taught me a practical lesson about its varied transportation options. In this article, I’m focusing on the most efficient ways to get from Medellin to Peñol, making your Colombian travel hassle-free!

Getting to Peñol from Medellin

1. Coach Bus

Journey Duration: 2 hours

Head to Medellin’s North Terminal (Terminal Norte), where companies like Sotrasanvicente have you covered!

Buses leave roughly every 2 hours from 06:45 AM to 08:00 PM, but double-check the schedule as it might change. 

A two-hour scenic ride will only set you back about USD 9, the cheapest alternative for this trip! 

A word to the wise – it gets busy during holiday periods and weekends, so arrive a little earlier than planned. No worries about your bags either, as there’s space for luggage. 

Once in El Peñol, the bus drops you at the central bus station, a stone’s throw from the town center. 

Medellin to Peñol Coach Bus Schedule

The table below displays the coach bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DEP	ETA	DUR	PX
06:45am	08:45am	2h	$9
08:30am	10:30am	2h	$9
10:00am	12:00pm	2h	$9
12:00pm	02:00pm	2h	$9
02:00pm	04:00pm	2h	$9
03:00pm	05:00pm	2h	$9
05:00pm	07:00pm	2h	$9
06:00pm	08:00pm	2h	$9

2. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: Custom Time

For those looking for a more comfortable and hassle-free option, booking a private transfer is the way to go!

Multiple companies in Medellin offer this private door-to-door service. And the best part? You can choose your pick-up time and location in Medellin and travel in style with a professional driver. 

The price for a private transfer to Peñol ranges from USD 124 to USD 159 per vehicle, depending on the number of passengers. 

This option also shaves some time off the journey, clocking in at around 1.5 hours. The vehicle options are typically modern and have air conditioning – a definite bonus for the sometimes warm and humid Colombian climate. 

Travelers highly recommended coordinating with the driver for possible stops along the way, like a quick photo-op or a coffee break. 

To ensure availability, booking in advance is advised, especially during peak seasons. Just remember to confirm all the details with the transfer service for a smooth ride to the wonderful Peñol!

Prices for a private transfer:

• 1-3 passengers: USD 124
• 4-10 passengers: USD 159

3. Rental Car

Journey Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes

If you’re the type who loves the freedom of the open road, renting a car is your ticket to an epic journey from Medellin to Peñol!

Major rental companies like have outlets in Medellin, and the rental process is pretty straightforward. Expect to shell out around USD 40 per day for a standard car, and don’t forget that insurance is usually extra. 

Grab a GPS, and you’re set for an approximately 1.5-hour drive to Peñol. The route is quite scenic, and having your own wheels means you can stop whenever you fancy. 

Take the route via El Retiro for an even more picturesque drive. Fellow travelers noted that it’s wise to fill up the gas tank before leaving Medellin, as gas stations become scarce as you approach Peñol. 

With your own ride, Peñol is just a fun drive away!

4. Uber or Taxi

Journey Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes

For a direct and convenient ride to Peñol, hopping into a taxi or booking an Uber from Medellin is a solid choice. 

Taxis are available 24/7, and you can usually hail one on the street or ask your hotel to call one for you. With Uber, simply set your pick-up location and destination in the app. 

The trip to Peñol is usually around USD 70 one-way. A tip from seasoned travelers: if you’re taking a taxi, it’s a good idea to agree on the fare before hopping in to avoid misunderstandings. 

The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and if you have a preferred route or want to make a quick stop, don’t hesitate to let the driver know – most are accommodating. 

With a taxi or Uber, you’ll have the advantage of door-to-door service, making this option a breeze for those who prefer to avoid the logistics of buses or rentals. 

Just kick back and enjoy the ride to the beautiful Peñol!

5. Transport + Tour

Tour companies offer packages that include transportation and guided tours of the town and the iconic El Peñol rock. 

The cost of these packages starts at around USD 30-USD 45, depending on the company and type of tour you choose. 

We recommend joining this Guatape El Peñol with Boat, Breakfast & Lunch, which offers a day packed with fun, food, and exploration!

Most tours kick off early, around 8:00 AM, and get you back to Medellin by late afternoon.

You’ll usually travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or coach; some packages even include lunch and entrance fees. 

Booking your spot in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Opting for a Transport + Guided Tour package means you’ll get from Medellin to Peñol effortlessly, gain insights, and have an enriching experience exploring this spectacular region!

Best day tours in Peñol

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Frequently Asked Questions