# Jose Maria Córdova International Airport (MDE)

> Medellín, CO · 20 km (12 mi) south-east of Medellín

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/mde
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/mde.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: MDE
- **ICAO**: SKRG
- **Timezone**: America/Bogota
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: >10 million/yr
- **Hub for**: Avianca
- **Official site**: https://www.aeropuertorionegro.co

## Overview

## Welcome

José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) feels more like a high-altitude highway rest stop than your typical city airport. Perched 40–60 minutes away from Medellín in the mountains, the airport is embraced by dramatic valley views which are as much a talking point as its lounges or dining. With one terminal (T1) and surrounded by rugged terrain, getting here can be an adventure in itself, with traffic or night fog often dictating travel stories more than anything else.

## At a glance

Nestled 20 km southeast of Medellín, MDE serves over 10 million passengers annually. It's Colombia's second-busiest airport outside Bogotá, functioning primarily as a hub for Avianca. With T1 as its sole terminal, the airport focuses more on utility than luxury, housing all major Colombian carriers like Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Viva Air Colombia.

## Terminals & layout

T1 is your primary landing spot, managing both domestic and international flights. The terminal maintains a slightly utilitarian appearance but recently developed a greater variety of VIP spaces. There's a unique mix that contrasts with the straightforward layout, such as the striking sleeping pods in "The Dream Box" for international travelers.

## Getting to and from the city

Passengers frequently talk about the 40–60-minute drive via the Túnel de Oriente. Effective travel times vary dramatically based on traffic, weather, and time of day. To reach Medellín, consider the cost-efficient colectivos and shared buses which hit major routes like San Diego and Bogotá. Taxis and rideshare options like DiDi and InDrive are available but can be pricier, especially when hopping directly at arrivals.

## Traveller essentials

The "AeropuertoRionegro-JMC" network offers free Wi-Fi but can slow during peak hours, so tethering to a Colombian SIM is strongly recommended for reliable connectivity. While ATMs are present, they sometimes face service issues, so it’s best to grab cash in Medellín if needed. Parking is extensive with options ranging from $30,600/day public lots to more specific areas like Parqueadero VIP.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Food at MDE isn’t Medellín's highlight. While options like Juan Valdez Café offer authentic Colombian coffee, and a 24-hour deli satisfies late-night cravings, most shops close early. As such, passengers are advised to eat before arriving for late-night flights. When it comes to shopping, Dufry Duty Free and local outlets like Totto provide a retail fix, though real shopping enthusiasts will find Medellín more rewarding.

## Lounges

The airport offers a handful of lounges, appreciated for their respite amidst a sparse airport scene. Harmony Lounge, Copa Club, and the Avianca Sala VIP in particular elevate the experience, especially during congested early morning US departures. For those without lounge access but seeking privacy, The Dream Box offers sleeping pods at a fee.

## Insider tips

- **Time:** Build 30–60 minutes extra for the drive from Medellín due to potential traffic delays, especially during rush hours or after mountain rain showers.

- **Money:** Use shared buses or colectivos for a cheaper ride to Medellín, costing only a few dollars compared to the more expensive taxi fares.

- **Insider:** Ride-hailing services like InDrive can often be cheaper than airport taxis, but you might need to coordinate pickups outside the main terminal area.

- **Quiet:** For a peaceful nap, try the domestic wing as it tends to be quieter. Bring an eye mask and earplugs for overnight stays, as no dedicated quiet zones are available.

- **Local:** For authentic Colombian coffee, grab a cup at Juan Valdez Café rather than international chains.

- **Avoid:** The public areas are bright and busy overnight, not ideal for rest. Consider grabbing a hotel in Rionegro if you need quality sleep.

- **Time:** Secure yourself inside the terminal with ample pre-flight time; check into the airport 3 hours in advance for international flights to buffer any unexpected delays.

- **Local:** Enjoy the scenic Túnel de Oriente when traffic allows. It’s a faster path with stunning views that many find worth the trip.

## Terminals (1)

- **Pasajeros** — Avianca, Latam Colombia, Viva Air Colombia
  The terminal is a key hub for cargo transport in Colombia.

## Dining (19)

- **Àgora Café** — landside · $$
- **Beer Pub** — airside · $$
- **Burger King** — domestic · $
- **Crepes & Waffles** — landside · $$
- **Dunkin'** — $
- **El Patio** — landside · $$
- **Hermosa Pizza** — $
- **Juan Valdez Café** — T1 · $
- **Kokoriko** — landside · $
- **La Express** — landside · $$
- **Mimo's** — $
- **Oriente Deli** — $$
- **Pizza Hut** — landside · $$
- **Presto** — $
- **Sándwich Cubano**
- **Sarku Japan** — $
- **Sr. Wok** — $
- **Subway** — $
- **Tostao** — $

## Lounges (8)

- **American Express Select Lounge Agreement** — Domestic · International, Amex access
- **Avianca Sala VIP** — Domestic, airline lounge
- **Copa Club** — International, airline lounge
- **Harmony Lounge** — Domestic · International, airline/VIP · complimentary day beds
- **The Dream Box** — International · Main terminal, sleep pods, Priority Pass · fee for sleeping pods
- **The Lounge Medellin International** — Domestic · International, Priority Pass
- **VIP International Lounge** — International, independent lounge
- **VIP National Lounge** — Domestic, independent lounge

## Shops (15)

- **Arturitos**
- **Attenza Duty Free**
- **Bocadeli**
- **Bosi**
- **Cromantic**
- **Dufry Duty Free**
- **Éxito Express**
- **Farmatodo**
- **Gef**
- **Librería Nacional**
- **Mora Mora**
- **Roa**
- **Studio F**
- **Totto**
- **Velez**

## Parking (10)

- **Parqueadero Empleados** — Staff parking
- **Parqueadero Motos** — Motorcycle parking
- **Parqueadero Patio Azul** — Long stay · $ 5.300/hr · next to terminal
- **Parqueadero Patio Azul Corto Plazo** — Short‑stay
- **Parqueadero Público** — Long stay · $ 30.600/day, $ 9.500/hr · next to terminal
- **Parqueadero Público Cubierto** — Covered parking
- **Parqueadero Público Descubierto** — Outdoor parking
- **Parqueadero Terminal de Carga** — Long stay · $ 6.400/hr · next to terminal
- **Parqueadero Terminal de Carga Larga Estadia** — Cargo terminal long‑stay
- **Parqueadero VIP** — Premium parking

## Ground transport (17)

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- **Airport Taxi Rionegro** — Taxi service · . ,
- **Public Bus to Medellín** — Bus · 24 hours
- **Airport Taxi** — Taxi · 24 hours
  Taxis are identified with airport credentials.
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- **DiDi Medellín Airport** — Rideshare
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- **InDrive Medellín Airport** — Rideshare · .603—Bergen,
- **Alto de Palmas** — Bus · .00, · 24 hours
- **Autopista Medellín-Bogotá** — Bus · .04h
- **Sandiego-Palmas** — Bus · 24 hours
- **Rionegro Taxi** — Taxi · .etInput dIn Trusthe ernNormal FCl Mi, components j- inpts ekcs
- **Taxi Aeropuerto Medellín** — Taxi service · .441900u's (features sesToE30Leave DoorsOmTruckeLms C.

## Insider tips

- _Time_: Build 30–60 minutes extra for the drive from Medellín due to potential traffic delays, especially during rush hours or after mountain rain showers.
- _Money_: Use shared buses or colectivos for a cheaper ride to Medellín, costing only a few dollars compared to the more expensive taxi fares.
- _Insider_: Ride-hailing services like InDrive can often be cheaper than airport taxis, but you might need to coordinate pickups outside the main terminal area.
- _Quiet_: For a peaceful nap, try the domestic wing as it tends to be quieter. Bring an eye mask and earplugs for overnight stays, as no dedicated quiet zones are available.
- _Local_: For authentic Colombian coffee, grab a cup at Juan Valdez Café rather than international chains.
- _Avoid_: The public areas are bright and busy overnight, not ideal for rest. Consider grabbing a hotel in Rionegro if you need quality sleep.
- _Time_: Secure yourself inside the terminal with ample pre-flight time; check into the airport 3 hours in advance for international flights to buffer any unexpected delays.
- _Local_: Enjoy the scenic Túnel de Oriente when traffic allows. It’s a faster path with stunning views that many find worth the trip.