San Diego–Las Palmas bus for toll-avoiders headed to MDE

If you’re already near San Diego Mall or El Poblado and want the cheap Aeropuerto–San Diego bus without paying the tunnel toll, the Sandiego–Palmas routing is the one locals talk about in expat threads. Buses on this line run 24 hours a day between Medellín and José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), using the older Las Palmas road instead of the Autopista Medellín–Bogotá or the new tunnel.

Expect basic intercity-style buses with luggage tossed in the aisle or overhead, not underfloor holds, and very little English spoken; conductors usually shout “San Diego–Las Palmas” at the curb rather than post a clear sign. Fares are low compared with taxis or private cars (ask for the current “Aeropuerto – San Diego” price when you board, in pesos), and everything runs to/from T1 since MDE has just the one passenger terminal.

From Medellín, regulars recommend boarding at the San Diego Mall stop on Calle 33 rather than trying your luck further up Las Palmas, because buses often fill completely there and then run straight toward Rionegro without stopping. In the opposite direction, buses from MDE towards the city may go either via San Diego/Las Palmas or via the Autopista, and you often only find out by listening for the driver yelling the routing as you approach the curb outside arrivals at T1.

Las Palmas can be a bit quicker in rush hour than the Autopista section past Guarne, especially when heavy trucks clog the highway, but it’s also more winding with extra curves and downhill braking. Reddit users compare night runs on Las Palmas to a “roller coaster,” with aggressive driving and spots where guardrails feel too sparse, so motion-sickness-prone travelers usually aim for a front seat or wait for an Autopista bus instead.

What regulars do: expat forum threads say to ask clearly, “¿San Diego–Las Palmas o Autopista?” before you sit down, and if the answer isn’t what you want, just step back and wait for the next bus. Commuters who ride several times a month also mention that during tunnel accidents or closures, more buses divert to the older Las Palmas road, which adds extra curves and minutes but keeps the service running 24/7.

How to ride Sandiego–Palmas step by step

1. In Medellín, walk to the bus stop by Centro Comercial Sandiego on Calle 33 and look for airport-labelled buses.
2. Before boarding, ask the driver or conductor: “¿Aeropuerto – San Diego–Las Palmas?” and listen for them to confirm that routing.
3. Confirm the current fare in Colombian pesos, pay in cash as you board, and keep small bills ready.
4. Stow luggage where the driver indicates, then grab a seat near the front if you’re prone to carsickness on curvy roads.
5. At MDE, the bus drops you outside T1; walk straight into the terminal for check-in and security.
6. For the return to Medellín, exit T1 arrivals, find the city buses, and again ask “¿San Diego–Las Palmas o Autopista?” before you get on.
7. Ride back down to Medellín and get off at the San Diego Mall stop, then connect by taxi, Metro, or on foot to your final address.

One last tip: if your flight lands very late and you’re tired, factor in that this route can feel longer and more intense at night; on those arrivals, some frequent flyers just pay extra for a taxi from T1 and save Las Palmas for daytime trips.