- Must visit
National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQVA)
Spain’s flagship museum for underwater archaeology, with Phoenician, Roman, and shipwreck finds from the Mediterranean. A top cultural stop on Cartagena’s waterfront.
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
11 h 50 m
Average duration
11 h 53 m
Buses per day
28
Distance
650 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Cartagena will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
Of the 28 buses that leave Bilbao for Cartagena on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 650 km distance in an average of 11 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 12 h 5 m 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.
BILMAN
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Supra Economy · Normal
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Normal · NormalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a flight costs an average of $18.
Distance: 403 miles (650 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$80 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price |
11h 34m Average total duration 11h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.9kg 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 Bilbao to Cartagena:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Cartagena costing on average $86 (€70).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 22m.
Bus takes on average 11h 4m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 16h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $98 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Cartagena buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:15 AM Bilbao | 12h45 | 7:00 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:15 AM Bilbao | 12h45 | 8:00 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
Normal · Normal | 1:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 12h50 | 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 1:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 12h50 | 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 1:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 12h50 | 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy · Normal | 2:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 11h50 | 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy · Normal | 2:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 11h50 | 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Supra Economy · Normal | 2:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 11h50 | 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 7:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 16h15 | 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 7:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 12h05 | 7:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 7:00 AM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 16h15 | 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare flight and bus 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 Bilbao to Cartagena run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 18:30. The fastest bus covers the 403 miles (650 km) distance in 12h 45m.
Distance 403 miles (650 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 45m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 6:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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, Roman, and shipwreck finds from the Mediterranean. A top cultural stop on Cartagena’s waterfront.
Museum and access complex for Cartagena’s spectacular Roman theatre, combining archaeological galleries with the restored ancient performance space.
A naval history museum with ship models, maritime collections, and the well-known Isaac Peral submarine exhibit, reflecting the city’s strong military port identity.
Cartagena’s principal historic shopping street, lined with Modernist architecture, balconies, and some of the city’s most photographed façades.
The regenerated waterfront promenade with marina views, cruise activity, museums, and easy access to several of the city’s top attractions.
The grand square by the city hall and port, ideal for appreciating Cartagena’s civic architecture and starting a walk through the old centre.
The area’s signature rice dish, cooked in fish stock with ñora pepper and traditionally served with fish and alioli. It is closely tied to nearby Mar Menor fishing culture.
A hearty stew of dried broad beans simmered with ham, chorizo and spices. It is a classic regional tapa in Cartagena and Murcia.
A very Murcian tapa made with a rusks-style bread ring topped with Russian salad and an anchovy. It is one of the most typical bar snacks in Cartagena.
A Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef María Gómez, known for refined contemporary cooking rooted in Cartagena and Murcia products. Elegant but welcoming atmosphere.
A famous old-school tapas bar known for authentic local snacks, marinera-style tapas and a bustling informal atmosphere. A strong choice for traditional Cartagena flavors.
An established traditional restaurant and tapas spot popular for Murcian dishes, seafood and hearty local specialties. Lively, classic dining room.
Moderate by Spanish standards. Meals and coffee are reasonable, while tourist-area dining and summer stays cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Small change for cafes is enough. Taxis are usually rounded up; hotel tips are optional.
Official public transport app
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses -> Cartagena City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao 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.

Most Bilbao to Cartagena buses use the Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses to Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Cartagena bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km), La Catedral (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need