- 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
$95
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
11 h 25 m
Average duration
11 h 38 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
500 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Barcelona to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Barcelona to Cartagena will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
It's difficult to get from Barcelona to Cartagena without transferring at least once.
Normal · Normal
Normal · Normal
Normal · Supra Economy
Normal · Supra Economy
Normal · Supra Economy
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Normal · Supra Economy
Normal · NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Barcelona to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.5 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $33, and a bus costs an average of $95.
Distance: 310 miles (500 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$109 Average price | $96 Average price Cheapest |
7h 19m Average total duration 6h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Barcelona to Cartagena:
A flight is $13 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Barcelona to Cartagena costing on average $109 (€88).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 49m.
Train takes on average 8h 37m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:25AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
The table below shows live departures for Barcelona to Cartagena buses for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Supra Economy | 10:00 AM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 11h50 | 9:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Supra Economy | 10:25 AM El Prat de Llobregat, Aeroport de Barcelona-El Prat (T1 Arribades - La planta 0) | 11h25 | 9:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 6:00 PM Barcelona, Estació d'Autobusos Nord | 11h50 | 5:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 6:25 PM El Prat de Llobregat, Aeroport de Barcelona-El Prat (T1 Arribades - La planta 0) | 11h25 | 5:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight 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 Barcelona to Cartagena run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $95 (€76) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 21:00. The fastest bus covers the 310 miles (500 km) distance in 11h 25m.
Distance 310 miles (500 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $95 (€76) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 25m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 Barcelona 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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