Is Medellín's metro safe for tourists?

Yes, the metro is very safe with security guards at every station and cameras throughout. It's actually safer than most city streets. Just keep your belongings secure and stay alert like you would anywhere.

Can I use cash instead of the Civica card?

No, the metro only accepts the Civica card. You cannot pay with cash directly. Buy and load the card at any station - machines accept bills and some take cards.

How do I get to Comuna 13 by metro?

Take Line A north to Acevedo station, then transfer to Metrocable Line K (the orange cable car). Ride it up to Santo Domingo, then take the outdoor escalators and follow signs for the graffiti tour area.

What if my Civica card stops working?

Go to any ticket booth in a metro station. Staff can check your card balance, transfer credit to a new card if needed, or help troubleshoot. Keep your receipt from when you loaded money as proof.

How to use Medellín's metro system efficiently

Medellín's Metro is clean, safe, and connects the city center to most neighborhoods you'll visit. Buy a Civica card at any station, load it with money, and tap in/out. The system runs 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM with trains every 3-5 minutes during peak hours.

Get a Civica card. Buy the reloadable card at any metro station from machines or ticket booths for 5,000 COP (about $1.25). Load it with at least 20,000 COP to start - single rides cost 2,650 COP.
Learn the two main lines. Line A runs north-south through the city center. Line B runs east-west and connects to the cable cars (Metrocable). The lines intersect at San Antonio station downtown.
Navigate the stations. Follow color-coded signs - blue for Line A, green for Line B. Stations have clear maps and announcements in Spanish. Download the Metro de Medellín app for real-time info and route planning.
Use proper metro etiquette. Stand right on escalators, let passengers exit before boarding, and give priority seats to elderly and pregnant women. Keep your bag in front of you during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
Connect to cable cars and buses. Your Civica card works on Metrocable (cable cars) and city buses. Transfer to Line K at Acevedo for Comuna 13, or Line J at San Javier for western neighborhoods. No additional fee for transfers within 2 hours.
Plan for crowds and timing. Avoid rush hours if possible. Trains run every 3-5 minutes peak times, 5-8 minutes off-peak. Last trains leave around 10:45 PM - check the posted schedule at each station.

Is Medellín's metro safe for tourists?: Yes, the metro is very safe with security guards at every station and cameras throughout. It's actually safer than most city streets. Just keep your belongings secure and stay alert like you would anywhere.
Can I use cash instead of the Civica card?: No, the metro only accepts the Civica card. You cannot pay with cash directly. Buy and load the card at any station - machines accept bills and some take cards.
How do I get to Comuna 13 by metro?: Take Line A north to Acevedo station, then transfer to Metrocable Line K (the orange cable car). Ride it up to Santo Domingo, then take the outdoor escalators and follow signs for the graffiti tour area.
What if my Civica card stops working?: Go to any ticket booth in a metro station. Staff can check your card balance, transfer credit to a new card if needed, or help troubleshoot. Keep your receipt from when you loaded money as proof.