- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Showing times and prices for Jun 17
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
6 h 5 m
Average duration
6 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
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 $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Cartagena on Wed, Jun 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 389 km distance in an average of 6 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 5 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 6 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.
10:45 PM6h05Madrid Barajas Airport4:50 AMCartagena$501One-way0 transfers- 9:45 PM6h05Madrid Barajas Airport3:50 AMCartagena$581One-way0 transfers
- 10:45 PM6h05Madrid Barajas Airport4:50 AMCartagena$501One-way0 transfers
- 9:45 PM6h05Madrid Barajas Airport3:50 AMCartagena$581One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $39.
Distance: 241 miles (389 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price |
5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration 4h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena is a train with an average price of $32 (€26).
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena:
A train is $21 (€17) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena costing on average $53 (€43).
A train is $66 (€54) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena costing on average $99 (€80).
The fastest way to travel from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 15m.
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 25m.
Bus takes on average 4h 37m.
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.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena among Omio's users.
Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $51 |
Live departures
Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. 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 | |
| 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 | 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
Compare prices and tickets Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Wed
Jun 17
Jun 17
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Jun 19
Jun 19
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Jun 23
Jun 23
Why should you book Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena buses with Omio?
Alsa as well as Alsa Supra offer 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra to find the best option for your trip from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
- 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra to find the best option for your trip from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by train.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 21:45, 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 $16 (€13)
Distance 241 miles (389 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 6h 5m |
First bus 9:45 PM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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 $16 (€13)
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar from Madrid Barajas Airport to CartagenaYou can travel by bus between Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar for as low as $16 (€13). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
Alsa frequency
4 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.
Alsa Supra
About
Alsa Supra is a premium service offered by Alsa, a leading Spanish bus company. It provides a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers, aiming to make each journey a unique experience. Key features of Alsa Supra buses include reclining leather seats with footrests, individual seating rows, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and an "Ociobus" on-board entertainment system with films, documentaries, and music. Passengers can also enjoy daily newspapers and a food and drink service, with a special menu available in the Premium class. Alsa Supra also offers services for people with reduced mobility, including reserved seating and wheelchair spaces. These services are available on various national and international routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Price
$74 (€60)
Alsa Supra frequency
1 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. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; prior reservation required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
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
Roman Theatre Museum of Cartagena
Museum and access complex for Cartagena’s spectacular Roman theatre, combining archaeological galleries with the restored ancient performance space.
- Recommended
Cartagena Naval Museum
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.
- Must visit
Calle Mayor
Cartagena’s principal historic shopping street, lined with Modernist architecture, balconies, and some of the city’s most photographed façades.
- Must visit
Puerto de Cartagena
The regenerated waterfront promenade with marina views, cruise activity, museums, and easy access to several of the city’s top attractions.
- Recommended
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
The grand square by the city hall and port, ideal for appreciating Cartagena’s civic architecture and starting a walk through the old centre.
- Gluten-free
Caldero del Mar Menor
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.
- Gluten-free
Michirones
A hearty stew of dried broad beans simmered with ham, chorizo and spices. It is a classic regional tapa in Cartagena and Murcia.
Marinera
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.
Magoga
A Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef María Gómez, known for refined contemporary cooking rooted in Cartagena and Murcia products. Elegant but welcoming atmosphere.
La Uva Jumillana
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.
El Soldadito de Plomo
An established traditional restaurant and tapas spot popular for Murcian dishes, seafood and hearty local specialties. Lively, classic dining room.
Euro
Moderate by Spanish standards. Meals and coffee are reasonable, while tourist-area dining and summer stays cost more.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 8-15 for tapas, menus, or fast food.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-90 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Cartagena Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.50 EUR
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses -> Cartagena City Center
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Most local urban bus tickets are bought on board; carry small change in EUR in case card payment is not available.
- For routes and timetables, use the official operator website or app before traveling, especially on Sundays and holidays.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena can start from as little as $50 (€41) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena is $53 (€43) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena is 6h 5m to travel the 241 miles (389 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena leaves at 9:45 PM. 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 8 direct buses a day from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena, you can count on Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar 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.
A trip to Cartagena from Madrid Barajas Airport is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena is May.
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.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena for bus company Alsa, Alsa Supra.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Cartagena are:
- Roman Theatre Museum, an ancient Roman theater with a museum showcasing archaeological finds
- Cartagena Naval Museum, a museum highlighting the city's naval history and maritime heritage
- Concepción Castle, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city and its harbor
- National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a museum dedicated to underwater archaeological discoveries and maritime history
- Calle Mayor, a bustling pedestrian street lined with modernist architecture, shops, and cafes.
The best things to do in Cartagena include:
- Explore the ancient Roman city of Carthago Nova, with guided tours revealing its historical significance
- Enjoy a boat tour of Cartagena's harbor, offering unique views of the city's coastline and landmarks
- Attend a local festival or cultural event, experiencing the vibrant traditions and community spirit of Cartagena
- Visit the Regional Park of Calblanque, a natural park with beautiful beaches and hiking trails
- Discover the local cuisine with a tapas tour, sampling traditional Spanish dishes in various eateries.
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.
- Alsa Supra
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa, Alsa Supra.
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.
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.
- Alsa Supra
- 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.
- Alsa Supra
- 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.
- Alsa Supra
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with the following bus company: Alsa, Alsa Supra
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with the following bus company: Alsa, Alsa Supra.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena with the following bus company: Alsa, Alsa Supra.
Since both Madrid Barajas Airport and Cartagena are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena among Omio's users.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Madrid
Cartagena
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Calle Doctor Gómez UllaWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km)
- La Catedral (0.7 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses
- Bus: 2, 4, 6 Train: C-1
Most popular bus connections from Madrid Barajas Airport
More options for your journey from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cartagena and Madrid Barajas Airport
Most popular bus connections to Cartagena
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