The distance from Salento to Cali is about 239 km and takes about 4 hours on a car as per google maps. However, it takes much longer on a local bus but it’s much cheaper and more convenient than renting a car. See steps below on how to get to Cali from Salento on a local bus:
- Step 1: Walk to the Salento bus terminal.
Once you arrive there, just ask for the bus to Armenia. - Step 2: Bus to Armenia
The bus runs on first come first serve basis and the driver normally waits until the bus gets full. You pay the bus fare to the driver; no need to buy the ticket.
(My trip: 11.15am – 12.35pm)
(Duration: 1 hour 20 mins)
(Cost: 5,900 Colombian Peso ~ $1.91 CAD) - Step 3: Reach Armenia Terminal
Once you reach Armenia, get off the bus and walk inside the terminal building. You will see multiple booths with different bus companies. You’ll find someone yelling “Cali” or just ask “Cali” to anyone in the terminal and they will send you to a correct booth where you need to purchase the bus ticket to Cali. - Step 4: Bus to Cali
The ticket I purchased was “direct” but still the bus stopped few times to pick-up and drop-off other passengers. However, I assume it’s still less stops than “not-direct” bus thus still saving time.
(My trip: 12.45pm – 4.35pm)
(Duration: 3 hours 50 minutes)
(Cost: 38,000 Colombian Peso ~ $12.28 CAD)
I left Salento at 11.15am and arrived Cali at 4.35pm.
Total Duration: 5 hours 20 mins
Total Cost: 43,900 Colombian Peso ~ $14.19 CAD)
Happy Travels!