A Guide to Medellín’s International Airport: José Maria Córdova

TLDR? José Maria Córdova is Medellín’s international airport and arrival point for most Casacol guests. 

Medellin is one of the most lovable cities in Colombia. Tourists are fascinated with the number of attraction spots and scenic views worth visiting. But most neglect just how exceptional the Medellin airport is. 

Let’s say you need to spend several hours in the airport before or after your flight. You would want to know everything you can do inside the Medellin Airport, wouldn’t you? 

In this guide, learn all about what’s inside and nearby Medellin Airport to keep you entertained, especially when you have a long layover. Let’s get started. 

Introducing the Medellin Airport

The airport in Medellin is formally known as the Medellin Jose Maria Cordova International Airport. Jose Maria Cordova is a respected member of the renowned Colombian Armed Forces. This airport is in Rionegro City, 18 miles from Medellin in the southeastern region. 

This main airport is different from Olaya Herrera Airport. It’s another Medellin airport but mainly for domestic and regional flights. 

Key Features of the Airpot

Getting lost inside the airport is easy if you’re a first-time traveler to Medellin. This airport is the second busiest one in Colombia, receiving at least 8 million travelers every year. You would also notice that this airport has signs in various foreign languages. So yes, it can get confusing. 

The Medellin Airport has three floors for its passenger terminal. And one of those levels is filled with food stations and restaurants. 

Arrival and Departure Area

The airport’s arrival and departure areas serve international and domestic flights. You will find the arrival hall on the ground floor and the departure area on the second. As mentioned, you can go to the third level if you wish to grab a bite before or after a long flight. 

Other Airport Amenities

Aside from the arrival and departure halls, other airport amenities include the following:

• Currency exchange counters
• Duty-free shops
• Luggage wrapping
• Wheel-chair renting services
• Public telephones
• Smoking areas
• Police services
• WiFi services

You would also find several coffee shops selling drinks and sandwiches. Burger King is one of the newest fast food chains opened in this Medellin airport. 

The Lounges at Medellin Jose Maria Cordova International Airport

The Medellin Airport has three lounges accessible to economy class travelers. But the catch is you either need to pay an annual membership, a day pass, or pay straight at the door. 

Avianca Sala VIP

The Avianca Sala VIP is one of the three lounges you can find in the Medellin airport. You can only gain access to this lounge if your flight is domestic. The Avianca Sala VIP is located in the airside departure area of the airport. 

The lounge is open daily, from 5 am to 9:30 pm. If you don’t have a day pass or an annual membership, you can pay as a walk-in guest. As long as there are available seats, the lounge can accept you. The rate for walk-ins is $25 per person. 

The following are the services and amenities you will find in this lounge:

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Air-conditioning
• Disabled access
• Conference facilities
• Flight information monitor
• Fax machine
• Internet connection
• Telephone
• Magazines and newspapers
• Televisions

The Avianca Sala VIP, however, does not have sleeping facilities. 

The Lounge Medellin by Global Lounge Network

Another lounge for travelers on domestic flights is The Lounge Medellin. You can find it on the third floor, in the airside domestic departure area. To get there, locate the Security Control. Turn left and head towards Gate 1. When you get to Gate 1, ride the elevator to the third floor. 

The Lounge Medellin is open daily with the following schedules:

• Mondays to Fridays: 5 am to 11:30 pm 
• Saturdays and Sundays: 5:30 am to 10:30 pm

This lounge also accepts walk-in guests at $38 per person. But this is still subject to availability. You can also purchase lounge passes for convenience. You can secure a spot in The Lounge Medellin when you buy one, regardless of your airline. 

The main benefit of getting a lounge pass is a secured seat within your preferred time frame. You can also make changes to your schedule or get a refund 24 hours before arriving. The online rate for the lounge pass is around $25, and it grants you a three-hour stay. 

The following are the services and amenities you will find in this lounge:

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Air-conditioning
• Disabled access
• Conference facilities
• Flight information monitor
• Fax machine
• Internet connection
• Telephone
• Magazines and newspapers
• Televisions

The Lounge Medellin International

The Lounge Medellin International is the only lounge for transit and international passengers. You can find it in the airside international departure area on the second floor. It’s between Gates 10 and 11. 

Unlike the first two lounges, The Lounge Medellin International is open 24 hours daily. If you wish to stay here but don’t have a lounge pass, you can pay $38 for the walk-in rate. Like The Lounge Medellin, you can also buy a lounge pass for your own comfort and convenience. 

The following are the services and amenities you will find in this lounge:

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Air-conditioning
• Disabled access
• Conference facilities
• Flight information monitor
• Fax machine
• Internet connection
• Telephone
• Magazines and newspapers
• Televisions

Restaurants Near the Medellin Airport

If you have a long layover, you can get food from the airport’s food court on the third floor. But you should be aware that your options are not many. And if you’re looking for a particular cuisine, visiting famous nearby restaurants is best. Let’s name a few. 

Simon Grill Rionegro

If you want authentic Colombian cuisine, try Simon Grill Rionegro. It’s right next to the airport, and it’s one of the best restaurants for eating breakfast dishes. You can also secure a reservation online.

Tourists and locals love this restaurant because of the friendly staff, affordable food, and huge servings. You should try out this restaurant’s steak, salads, and grilled chicken. 

Pizzas Piccolo

If you’re craving pizzas or other Italian food, visit Pizzas Piccolo. It’s only a hundred meters from the airport, so you can try this restaurant on your layover. You can also squeeze in some work in this place because there’s WiFi. 

Pizzas Piccolo has a wide range of pizza flavors, including vegetarian options. It’s also a famous place for alcoholic drinks if you want to unwind before your next flight. 

Welcome to Medellín via the Medellín International Airport

Even though Medellin’s main airport is small, unlike other airports, it’s packed with the right amenities you need. 

You can also check out the lounges inside, where you can relax as you wait for your flight. And if you want unique dishes to try, restaurants nearby offer different cuisines to satisfy your palate. 

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