A Quick Guide to Medellín’s MetroCables

Hi friends. This was originally not meant to be its own post — I thought I could contain it in the MetroCable section of my post about the best things to do in Medellín. But I forgot how wordy I can be when I write. Especially when I feel like I’m addressing a gap in knowledge that exists on the internet. So this one goes out to all the travelers planning trips to Medellín and feeling confused about the whole MetroCable thing.

Because a lot of the information out there just isn’t very clear. A lot of it is outdated, too.

I was feeling confused, too, until I got to Medellín to experience it for myself. And now I’m ready to share what I learned with this quick little post.

About the Medellín MetroCable

I’ve ridden teleféricos and funiculars, but the MetroCable in Medellín is an entirely different type of experience. And that’s because it’s actually used for public transportation — it’s not just a way of getting from point A to point B. It’s a way of getting from point A to B to C, and then maybe at C you change to another line to get to point F and point G. The MetroCable is the metro… by cable.

As of February 2022, Medellín has two traditional metro lines, two tram/electric bus lines, and six MetroCable lines. So, when I was researching what to do in Medellín, I heard about the MetroCables. But I didn’t really understand which one(s) we should take, or even how to get there. Nothing I read was super clear. So I’m here to share what I learned.

First, decide which MetroCable you want to take by deciding what you want to see. Here’s a little summary of what you are likely to find with each line:

Line H: One of the city’s newer lines, Line H opened in December 2016. It will take you out to the east of the city to the neighborhoods of La Sierra, Villa Turbay, and San Antonio de las Torres. Line H helps these communities access the city center much faster than they were able to before.

Line J: If you find yourself in Comuna 13 on a tour, you’re likely to come across its famous escalators. Not far from here is San Javier station, where Line J starts. Taking it to the end of the line (La Aurora) is a good place for paragliding.

Line K: A relatively short ride on Line K can connect you from the Medellín valley up the steep hills to access Comunas 1 and 2, giving you an up-close view of urban life. You’ll need to start with Line K in order to get to Line L.

Line L: The only destination at Line L is Parque Arví, a nature reserve and Pre-Columbian archaeological site way up high on one of the slopes surrounding Medellín. The journey on Line L takes nearly 20 minutes each way, and you’ll be treated to forest views most of the way. Parque Arví has more than 54 miles of walking trails, and you can also partake in other outdoor activities.

Line M: Want to get off the beaten path? This is the line for you. Mostly used by locals, taking Line M can lead you to some fantastic urban hiking and panoramic views.

Line P: This line opened less than a year ago, in June 2021. Its purpose is to serve the northwestern communities, some of which are “considered” to be the among the most “dangerous” in Medellin — Comuna 5 and Comuna 6. At least, that’s what I’ve read. I can’t tell you whether that’s actually true or not.

How To Access the Medellín MetroCable

You can access the MetroCable lines by taking any traditional metro line to a station that has an interchange with a MetroCable line. Here are the stations with MetroCable interchanges and which line they get you to.

Oriente Station (Tram Line T): Line H MetroCable

San Javier Station (Metro Line B): Line J MetroCable

Acevedo Station (Metro Line A): Line K

Santo Domingo Station (MetroCable Line K): Line L MetroCable.
Note: in order to get to Line L, you have to take Line K and then continue on.

Miraflores Station (Tram Line T): Line M MetroCable

Acevedo Station (Metro Line A): Line P MetroCable

So after you decide which MetroCable you want to take, figure out the best way for you to get to the station you need. For example, we wanted to take Line L and Line K to Parque Arvi. That means that, first, we needed to get to Acevedo Station. Since we were staying in El Poblado, we took Line A about 11 stops from Poblado Station to Acevedo Station. Then, we got off the metro train and followed the signs to change to the MetroCable line.

Please, if you’re reading this, tell me if it isn’t clear. I will re-write it until it is!

Paying for Your MetroCable Journey

If you’re only in Medellín for a few days, you may not use the metro system (trains and trams) for transport. We took taxis almost everywhere — faster, more comfortable, safer, and not too expensive, either.

Normally, it cost 2,750 Colombian Pesos ($0.70 USD) for a single metro ride. With most of the MetroCable lines, you aren’t even leaving the metro system. So if you hopped on the metro train and then went to the MetroCable, or you went straight to the MetroCable, you wouldn’t pay more than your 2,750 COP per ride.

However, if you want to go to Parque Arví on Line L, you will have to pay more. The fare is the regular price of 2,750 COP each way (assuming you aren’t staying up there in Parque Arví) and an additional 10,600 COP ($2.68) each way. That means, in total for one person, you’re paying 26,000 COP, or about $6.76.

So, how do you actually buy your ticket? When you enter a metro station, you’ll see little machines that you might think can help you buy your tickets. Unfortunately, that’s not the case — those are only for those with existing metro cards. You’ll need to wait in the line to see the ticket attendant. (The line we got in was long, but it moved fast.)

I recommend telling the attendant exactly where you are planning to go, so they can ensure you have enough money on your transit card. We told him we were going to Parque Arví, so he told us how much we needed to pay in order to get there and back. Keep in mind that you’re also paying the cost of them issuing you a new transit card, so it might be a little more than you’re expecting. Interestingly, Matt and I were able share just one transit card between the two of us.

Also, don’t worry if you run out of money on your card when you’re partway through your trip. You can always re-load it in any metro station.

Plan Your Time in Medellín

Book the Best Hotels in Medellín: Medellín Hotels

Things to Do in Medellín: Medellín City Tour; Paragliding in Medellín; Medellín Food Tour; Private Tour to Guatape from Medellín

 

Taking the MetroCable can seem confusing, but the views are definitely worth it! Let me know what questions you still have, and I will do my very best to answer them.

Thanks for stopping by!

–Cathy

Medellín MetroCable Accident June 2024

July 2024 Note: Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago, one person was killed and 20 were injured as a Medellín MetroCable car fell and landed on the sidewalk below. It’s currently unclear whether the person killed was a passenger in the cable car or was a bystander — but either way, it certainly doesn’t reflect will on the MetroCable system… In fact, it seems to have been the same line we took out to Parque Arví a couple of years ago.

As travelers, we have to decide for ourselves what risks we’re comfortable taking, while knowing that no experience in the world is 100% safe. Always trust your intuition, especially if something doesn’t look or feel right. Safe travels. ❤️‍🩹

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Originally Published on March 9, 2022.