- Must visit
National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA)
Spain’s flagship museum for underwater archaeology, with Phoenician and Roman finds from the Mediterranean. A top cultural stop on Cartagena’s waterfront.
Cheapest price
$4
Average price
$6
Fastest journey
20 m
Average duration
46 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
84 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena will cost around $6 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.
Of the 5 buses that leave Alicante Elche Airport for Cartagena on Wed, May 27, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct buses cover the 84 km distance in an average of 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 20 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest buses will take 1 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $20.
Distance: 52 miles (84 km)
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price |
2h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 31m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 08:02AM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 09:02AM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 06:02PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 07:02PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $8 |
The table below shows live departures for Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:10 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 0h30 | 5:40 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1h00 | 8:30 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:10 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1h00 | 4:10 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1h00 | 6:00 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 0h20 | 5:50 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:15, the last at 16:15. The fastest bus covers the 52 miles (84 km) distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 52 miles (84 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 2h 47m |
First bus 5:15 AM |
Last bus 4:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Cartagena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cartagena trip today.
Spain’s flagship museum for underwater archaeology, with Phoenician and Roman finds from the Mediterranean. A top cultural stop on Cartagena’s waterfront.
Excellent museum entrance to Cartagena’s restored Roman theatre, combining modern architecture with major remains from the Roman city.
Air-raid shelter museum explaining Cartagena’s Civil War history through preserved tunnels and interpretation displays beneath the city center.
Cartagena’s grand modernist main street, lined with elegant facades, shops, and some of the city’s best architectural details.
Ceremonial square facing the city hall and close to the Roman theatre, ideal as a starting point for sightseeing.
Walkable historic core combining Roman archaeology, military heritage, modernist architecture, and lively public spaces.
Traditional rice dish from nearby Mar Menor, cooked in fish broth with ñora peppers and usually served with local fish. It is one of Cartagena's signature coastal dishes.
Hearty stew of dried broad beans simmered with ham, chorizo and spices. A classic Murcian tapa commonly found in Cartagena bars.
A famous local tapa made with a Russian salad topping on a breadstick ring, traditionally finished with an anchovy. It is strongly associated with the Murcia-Cartagena area.
Michelin-starred restaurant led by María Gómez, known for refined Murcian cuisine, seasonal tasting menus and polished contemporary dining.
Long-established regional restaurant recognized for quality grilled meats, Murcian dishes and professional service in a more formal setting.
Well-known traditional venue popular for tapas, local specialties and a lively classic atmosphere in the old town.
Moderate by Spanish standards. Daily costs are usually lower than Madrid or Barcelona, with good-value local bars and mid-range restaurants.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change is fine in cafes. Taxis are usually rounded up, but tipping is not required.
Official public transport app
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses -> Cartagena City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cartagena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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