- Must visit
Museo del Teatro Romano
Top archaeological museum built around the Roman theater discovery, explaining excavation, architecture, and Cartagena’s ancient past.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 01
- Cheapest price on Nov 01
- €42
- Average ticket price on Nov 01
- €45
- Fastest journey on Nov 01
- 6 h 5 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 01
- 6 h 17 m
- Buses on Nov 01
- 6
- Distance
- 389 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid Barajas 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena will cost around €45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €42.
Fast buses
On Sun, Nov 01, we found 6 buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena, including 6 direct services.
On Sun, Nov 01 the direct buses cover the 389 km distance in an average of 6 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .
On Sun, Nov 01 the slowest buses will take 6 h 45 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.
Normal11:45 PM 6h05 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 5:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers- Normal
11:45 AM 7h20 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 7:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers - Normal
4:50 PM 6h25 Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers - Normal
7:45 AM 6h05 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers - Normal
4:30 PM 6h45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers
- Supra Economy
3:45 PM 6h05 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 9:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €59 1 One-way 0 transfers - Normal
11:45 PM 6h05 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 5:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers - Normal
7:45 AM 6h05 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers - Normal
4:50 PM 6h25 Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers - Normal
4:30 PM 6h45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses €42 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €41 but you can travel from only €13 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:45, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 241 miles (389 km) distance in 6h 5m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €13
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance241 miles (389 km)
- Average bus duration6h 27m
- Cheapest ticket price€41
- Buses per day5
- Direct buses5
- Fastest bus6h 5m
- First bus9:45 AM
- Last bus10:45 PM
- Cheapest MonthDec
- Cheapest DayTue
- High SeasonJan - Mar
- Low SeasonOct - Dec
- Busiest DaySat
- Least Busy DaySun
- Best time to book1 day
Understand & plan this route
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €13
Frequently asked questions about your Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
Cheap bus tickets from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena can start from as little as €41 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena is €46 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena leaves at 9:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with Alsa. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €42 |
Live departures
Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena buses for tomorrow, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 7:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 1:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 11:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h20 | 7:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Supra Economy | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 9:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 4:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h45 | 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 4:50 PM Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) | 6h25 | 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 5:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena buses with Omio?
Alsa operates all buses services from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
Bus companies
Bus companies from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with Alsa. Overnight buses available on this route with Alsa. Regional buses available on this route with Alsa. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alsa Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Alsa Price
€41
Alsa frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Madrid Barajas Airport and Cartagena
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena, you can count on Alsa for the best way to get you to Cartagena. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Madrid Barajas Airport and Cartagena and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena for bus company Alsa.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena depends on the bus companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with the following bus company: Alsa
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with the following bus company: Alsa.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with the following bus company: Alsa.
Complete guide to Cartagena
Things to do in Cartagena
Discover the best of Cartagena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cartagena trip today.
- Must visit
Museo del Foro Romano Molinete
Major museum of Roman Cartagena with forum remains, baths, and sacred spaces that reveal daily life in Carthago Nova.
- Recommended
Museo Naval de Cartagena
Excellent naval museum featuring submarine history, maritime heritage, and the famous Isaac Peral submarine prototype.
- Must visit
Calle Mayor
Elegant pedestrian street lined with modernist façades, shops, and key landmarks; the classic route through central Cartagena.
- Must visit
Paseo Alfonso XII
Redeveloped waterfront promenade with harbor views, sculptures, and access to boats, museums, and the city’s maritime atmosphere.
- Recommended
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Central square near the old town and port, surrounded by notable buildings and often used as a practical meeting point.
- Gluten-free
Caldero
Caldero del Mar Menor is the area’s signature rice cooked in rich fish broth, traditionally served with alioli and local lagoon fish.
- Gluten-free
Michirones
Michirones are slow-cooked fava beans with ham, chorizo and spices, a hearty tavern staple in Cartagena and the wider Murcia region.
Marinera
Marinera is a classic Murcian tapa: a crisp breadstick ring topped with Russian salad and an anchovy, loved in bars across Cartagena.
Magoga
Refined seafood and rice restaurant with polished service near the port. Known for Mediterranean cuisine and elegant dining.
La Uva Jumillana
Well-known casual venue for tapas, seafood and local favorites in the city center, with a lively and approachable atmosphere.
Rincón De Pepe
Historic, traditional restaurant popular for regional Murcian dishes, tapas and classic Cartagena specialties in a formal setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: dining and stays are usually cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, while local buses and coffee remain affordable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menu.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-2.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafes; taxis usually just round up.
Cartagena Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Cartagena Estación de Autobuses -> Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Cartagena
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Buy tickets on board; having small change helps on local buses.
- Contactless card payment is not reliably published for Cartagena city buses, so carry cash or confirm with the driver.
Plan your visit to Cartagena
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cartagena.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Cartagena, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded areas like the Old City and public transportation. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and unofficial guides offering tours at inflated prices. It's advisable to use authorized taxis, avoid displaying valuables, and stay vigilant in busy tourist spots to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas 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.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid Barajas Airport and Cartagena including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Most Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Barajas Airport and Cartagena bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Madrid
Arrival bus stations in Cartagena
Cartagena, Estación de AutobusesCalle Doctor Gomez Ulla, s/n, 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses from Cartagena city centre
Bus2, 4, 6 Train: C-1
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km), La Catedral (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Madrid Barajas Airport
Most popular buses to and from Cartagena and Madrid Barajas Airport
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
