- Must visit
Museo del Teatro Romano
Top archaeological museum built around the Roman theater discovery, explaining excavation, architecture, and Cartagena’s ancient past.
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$55
Fastest journey
6 h 5 m
Average duration
6 h 17 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
389 km
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 $55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 6 buses that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Cartagena on Sun, Aug 02, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 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, Aug 02 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.
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Supra Economy
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NormalBuses 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.
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 |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena buses for today, Saturday, August 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
| Sunday, August 2 | |||||
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 | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Cartagena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cartagena trip today.
Top archaeological museum built around the Roman theater discovery, explaining excavation, architecture, and Cartagena’s ancient past.
Major museum of Roman Cartagena with forum remains, baths, and sacred spaces that reveal daily life in Carthago Nova.
Excellent naval museum featuring submarine history, maritime heritage, and the famous Isaac Peral submarine prototype.
Elegant pedestrian street lined with modernist façades, shops, and key landmarks; the classic route through central Cartagena.
Redeveloped waterfront promenade with harbor views, sculptures, and access to boats, museums, and the city’s maritime atmosphere.
Central square near the old town and port, surrounded by notable buildings and often used as a practical meeting point.
Caldero del Mar Menor is the area’s signature rice cooked in rich fish broth, traditionally served with alioli and local lagoon fish.
Michirones are slow-cooked fava beans with ham, chorizo and spices, a hearty tavern staple in Cartagena and the wider Murcia region.
Marinera is a classic Murcian tapa: a crisp breadstick ring topped with Russian salad and an anchovy, loved in bars across Cartagena.
Refined seafood and rice restaurant with polished service near the port. Known for Mediterranean cuisine and elegant dining.
Well-known casual venue for tapas, seafood and local favorites in the city center, with a lively and approachable atmosphere.
Historic, traditional restaurant popular for regional Murcian dishes, tapas and classic Cartagena specialties in a formal setting.
Moderate for Spain: dining and stays are usually cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, while local buses and coffee remain affordable for tourists.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafes; taxis usually just round up.
Official public transport app
Cartagena Estación de Autobuses -> Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 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.

Most Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) 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.
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