Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) Stands at Rionegro, about 35 km by Road Southeast of Medellín, and Is Colombia’s Second-Busiest Airport, with One Terminal and 19 Boarding Gates
| IATA / ICAO | MDE / SKRG |
|---|---|
| Serves | Medellín, Colombia |
| Coordinates | 6.1645° N, 75.4231° W |
| Elevation | 6955 ft |
| Number of Terminals | 1 Terminal, 19 Gates |
| Airport Opening Hours | Open 24/7 |
| Recommended Arrival Time | 2h Domestic, 3h International |
Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport at a Glance
A Single Terminal on Three Floors Takes Every Flight. Arrivals, the Car Rental Desks and the First Banks Sit on Floor One; Check-In Halls A and B and Most of the Shops on Floor Two; the Restaurants and the Five Lounges on Floor Three. Medellín Also Keeps a Small In-Town Airport, Olaya Herrera, for Regional Flights Only
Is There Free WiFi at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport?
The Airport Runs a Free Wi-Fi Zone across the Whole Terminal, Reaching the Check-In Halls, the Shops and the Boarding Lounges Alike, and It Sets Aside Charging Points for Phones. The Building Is Open around the Clock, so the Service Is There Whenever You Land
Where Can I Buy a SIM Card at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport?
Airport WiFi
| Connection Speed | Slow / Unstable |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free, Often Time-Limited |
| Activation Time | Login / Ads / Forms |
| Documents Needed | Yes (eMail / ID / Login) |
| Coverage | Only inside Airport |
| Security | Public Network (Risk) |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | No |
| Local Phone Number | No |
| Can Pay in Cash | Not Applicable |
| Where You Get It | At the Terminal, Once You Land |
Local SIM Card
| Connection Speed | Fast 4G/5G Speeds |
|---|---|
| Cost | Counter Price, Varies by Desk |
| Activation Time | Queue and Paperwork at the Desk |
| Documents Needed | Passport Often Required |
| Coverage | Works across Entire Country |
| Security | Private Secure Connection |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | No |
| Local Phone Number | Yes |
| Can Pay in Cash | Yes |
| Where You Get It | A Desk or Kiosk in the Terminal |
Roaming Options
| Connection Speed | Fast, Depends on Your Plan |
|---|---|
| Cost | Your Operator Rate, Can Be High |
| Activation Time | Instant Connection |
| Documents Needed | None |
| Coverage | Works across Entire Country |
| Security | Private Secure Connection |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | Yes |
| Local Phone Number | Keeps Your Own Number |
| Can Pay in Cash | No |
| Where You Get It | Already Active on Your Phone |
travelData.shop eSIM
| Connection Speed | Fast 4G/5G Speeds |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free Trial, Then from 1.99 $ |
| Activation Time | Instant Connection |
| Documents Needed | None |
| Coverage | Works across Entire Country |
| Security | Private Secure Connection |
| Can Be Set Up before You Fly | Yes |
| Local Phone Number | On Selected Plans |
| Can Pay in Cash | No |
| Where You Get It | Online, before You Leave Home |
Why Use eSIM Instead of Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport WiFi?
Skip the Login Portals — Land, Tap Once, and You Are on a Fast Private Connection That Keeps Working Far beyond the Terminal
Instant Connection
Get Online the Moment You Land — No Searching for WiFi, No Waiting, No Login Screens
Works beyond the Airport
Stay Connected across the Entire Colombia — From the Airport to Your Hotel, City Center, or Road Trip
No Public WiFi Risks
Avoid Slow, Unsecured Public Airport Networks & Stay on Your Own Private Mobile Connection Instead
Perfect for Travel Essentials
Use Maps, Book a Ride, Check-In to Your Hotel, or Message Instantly after Arrival
How to Get Internet at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
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- 01
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Best Way to Get Internet at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
Compare Free WiFi vs Mobile Data & Choose What Works Best for You
FAQs about Internet at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
Everything You Need to Know about Getting Online at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
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First Time at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport? Here’s What You Should Know
Where Can I Park at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport?
See Practical Airport Parking Options, Walking Time to Terminals, Typical Price Guidance, and Booking Tips before You Drive to the Airport
Public Car Park
- Typical Price
- COP 9,500 for 1 Hour, COP 30,600 for 24 Hours
- Location
- Directly in Front of the Passenger Terminal, Serving Both the Arrivals and the Departures Doors
- Best For
- Anything from a Drop-Off to a Fortnight Away
Public Car Park, Motorcycles
- Typical Price
- COP 2,200 an Hour, COP 13,700 a Day
- Location
- The Same Car Park in Front of the Terminal, in the Marked Two-Wheeler Bays
- Best For
- Riders Leaving a Bike While They Fly
Cargo Terminal Car Park
- Typical Price
- COP 6,400 for the First 13 Hours
- Location
- Beside the Cargo Terminal, a Separate Building from the Passenger One
- Best For
- Freight Business Rather than Departing Passengers
What Facilities Does Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport Have?
Lounges at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
Priority Pass Members Enter Free, and the Digital Card Is Accepted at the Door
Avianca, GOL and Star Alliance Passengers on a Domestic Departure, by Cabin and by Frequent-Flyer Status
The Lounge Medellín Nacional
Harmony Lounge Nacional
The Lounge Medellín International
Harmony Lounge Internacional
Avianca Lounge
Lounges, Food, ATMs and Storage
Check Practical Terminal Services While Waiting, Arriving or Departing: Food, ATMs, Storage, Charging, Accessibility Support and More
Where Can I Sleep at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport?
Find On-Airport and Nearby Hotel Options, How to Reach Them from Arrivals, Expected Nightly Rates, and Practical Booking Tips for Late Arrivals or Early Departures
The Dream Box
- Airside, past Customs and Duty Free, by the Lift between Gates 10 and 11
- A Couple of Hours Flat between International Flights
Movich Las Lomas
- The José María Córdova Airport Roundabout, Rionegro
- A Comfortable Night without Going Down to Medellín
Hotel Santiago de Arma
- Rionegro, a Short Drive from the Terminal on the Road into Town
- An Early Departure You Do Not Want to Drive To
How Do I Get from Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport to Medellín?
Bus & Train at Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
See Exact Route Options, Departure Points, Schedule Windows and Ticket Tips for Getting to the Center after Landing
Bus Connection
Combuses Airport Coach, Paradero San Diego Route
Combuses Airport Coach, Hotel Nutibara Route
Combuses Airport Coach, Metro Exposiciones Route
Public Bus, Santa Elena Route to Terminal del Sur
Buses and Colectivos to Rionegro Town
Taxi, Ride Apps and Car Rental
Compare the Main Door-To-Door Options after Landing, Including Official Taxi Pickup Points, Ride-Hailing Availability and On-Airport Rental Counters
Regular Taxi
- Official Operators
- Rápido Medellín Rionegro, Flota Córdova, Transportes Unidos La Ceja, Aerotaxi
- Pickup Point
- The Signposted Taxi Lane outside Arrivals, Where Airport Dispatchers Assign the Cars
- Travel Time to Center
- About 40 min, Up to an Hour in Traffic
- Payment Methods
- Carry Cash; Cards Are Not Guaranteed in Every Vehicle
Ride Apps
Uber
DiDi
inDrive
Car Rental
SIXT Rent a Car
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Unit L1023
Equirent
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Unit L1024
Europcar
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Unit L1025
Tattersall Rent a Car
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Unit L1026
Localiza Rent a Car
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Units L1027 and L1028
Alamo
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Unit L1029
Enterprise
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Unit L1029
National
- Terminal Floor One, Public Area, Unit L1029
Frequently Asked Questions about Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport
Travel Tips & Essential Information for Colombia
Colombia is a diverse South American destination known for Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Andes cities, coffee regions, and Amazon rainforest. Visitors commonly split time between Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, and smaller nature destinations. Travel is generally straightforward, but security awareness and sensible transport choices matter.
Official Languages: Spanish
English is limited outside tourist areas. In major tourist zones, airports, larger hotels, and some restaurants, basic English is commonly available, but many everyday interactions are in Spanish.
Mobile Network: Mobile coverage is generally good in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali, and other major towns. Coverage can weaken on mountain roads, in national parks, in parts of the Amazon, and in remote coastal or border regions. 4G is common, and 5G is limited but expanding in some urban areas.
Roaming/SIM/eSIM: For short stays, roaming is the easiest option but can be expensive unless your home plan includes Latin America. For most visitors, a local SIM usually gives the best value for data and local calls, though registration rules and passport identification may apply. eSIM is convenient if your phone supports it and is often the best balance between setup ease and price, especially for arriving connected at the airport. If you plan to visit remote areas, download offline maps and transport details in advance because coverage can drop outside main cities.
Cards are widely accepted in major cities, airports, chain hotels, upscale restaurants, and many supermarkets. Cash is still important for taxis, small shops, markets, rural areas, and some intercity bus terminals. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted.
Tipping is common but not always mandatory. In many sit-down restaurants, a voluntary service charge of around 10 percent is commonly added or offered, and staff may ask whether you want to include it. Check the bill before adding extra. For taxis, people typically round up rather than tip heavily. In hotels, small tips for porters and housekeeping are appreciated. For guides and drivers, tipping is customary when service is good.
Plug Type: Type A and Type B
Voltage: 110V, 60Hz
Adapter: Visitors from countries using Type A or Type B plugs usually do not need an adapter. Visitors from most of Europe and many other regions typically need a plug adapter. Devices designed only for 220V may need a voltage converter.
Tourist travel is common in Colombia, but safety conditions vary by city and region. Petty theft such as phone snatching and bag theft is a practical concern in urban areas. Some border, rural, and remote areas may have higher security risks, so checking current government travel advice before intercity or remote travel is important.
- Use registered taxis, ride-hailing apps where locally permitted, or hotel-arranged transport, especially at night.
- Avoid displaying phones, jewelry, watches, cameras, or large amounts of cash in public.
- Keep your phone away from the street edge when walking or sitting near roads to reduce snatch theft risk.
- Use ATMs inside banks, malls, or supermarkets during daytime if possible.
- Do not resist during a robbery; personal safety is more important than belongings.
- Ask locals or hotel staff which neighborhoods to avoid after dark.
- Be cautious with nightlife, drinks, and invitations from strangers; drink spiking can occur.
- Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original secured unless needed for travel or official checks.
Do
- Carry small cash for taxis, tips, and small purchases.
- Confirm taxi or car details before entering the vehicle.
- Use hotel safes or secure luggage storage for valuables.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases; it helps significantly.
- Check altitude and climate for each stop, especially if combining Bogota with coastal destinations.
- Book reputable operators for trekking, jungle trips, and adventure activities.
Avoid
- Do not walk alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, even in popular cities.
- Do not leave bags or phones visible on cafe tables or hanging on chair backs.
- Do not assume every area within a city is equally safe for tourists.
- Do not carry all your bank cards and cash in one place.
- Do not take unofficial transport from airports or bus stations.
- Do not use your phone openly in crowded streets if people around you are warning against it.
Local Cultural Tips
- A polite greeting matters. Say hello and goodbye in shops, hotels, and small businesses.
- People commonly address others with courtesy, especially in formal settings. A respectful tone is appreciated.
- Casual clothing is fine in many places, but people in major cities often dress neatly, especially for evenings out.
- Weather varies strongly by altitude, so pack by region rather than season alone.
- Punctuality is more expected for tours, transport, and business than for some social situations.
- Football is widely followed and can be a good topic for friendly conversation.
- Greet people before asking for help or service.
- Use polite forms such as senor or senora when appropriate.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in markets or Indigenous communities.
- Keep your voice moderate in churches and religious sites.
- Swimwear is for the beach or pool, not for walking around town.
- Respect local advice about where not to go, even if a map makes it look nearby or convenient.
Get Online without Medellín Jose Maria Córdova International Airport WiFi. Activate Your Free eSIM Trial When You Land
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