1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ 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 to Cartagena
Showing times and prices for Nov 25
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
4 h 10 m
Average duration
4 h 40 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
391 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid 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 to Cartagena will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
Fast buses
Of the 15 buses that leave Madrid for Cartagena on Tue, Nov 25, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Nov 25 the direct buses cover the 391 km distance in an average of 4 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
On Tue, Nov 25 the slowest buses will take 5 h 20 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.
04:00PM4h10
Madrid08:10PMCartagena
$281One-way
0 transfers
05:30PM5h20
Madrid10:50PMCartagena
$311One-way
0 transfers
04:30PM4h20
Madrid08:50PMCartagena
$391One-way
0 transfers
08:00PM5h10
Madrid01:10AMCartagena
$451One-way
0 transfers
10:50AM4h20
Madrid03:10PMCartagena
$471One-way
0 transfers
04:00PM4h10
Madrid08:10PMCartagena
$281One-way
0 transfers
04:30PM4h20
Madrid08:50PMCartagena
$391One-way
0 transfers
10:50AM4h20
Madrid03:10PMCartagena
$471One-way
0 transfers
08:00PM5h10
Madrid01:10AMCartagena
$451One-way
0 transfers
05:30PM5h20
Madrid10:50PMCartagena
$311One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Madrid to Cartagena
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €7, and a flight costs an average of €30.
Distance: 242 miles (391 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€41 Average price | €31 Average price Cheapest | €146 Average price |
6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Madrid to Cartagena Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator iryo | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 12h17 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Live departures
Madrid to Cartagena bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena buses for today, Monday, November 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 2:43 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supra Economy | 2:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 8:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Supra Economy | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 8:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h30 | 10:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 4:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h45 | 10:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 10:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 4:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 4:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 25 | |||||
| Normal | 6:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 12:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 7:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 12:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 10:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h20 | 6:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 11:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h35 | 6:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid 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.
Mon
Nov 24
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07
Dec 07
Mon
Dec 08
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14
Dec 14
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Cartagena
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid to Cartagena run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by train.
There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 242 miles (391 km) distance in 5h 20m.
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 $9 (€7)
Distance 242 miles (391 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 00:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
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 $9 (€7)
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus from Madrid to CartagenaYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Cartagena with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus for as low as $9 (€7). 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
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
$39 (€32)
Alsa frequency
8 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
5h 20m
Cheapest Price
$88 (€71)
Alsa Supra frequency
2 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.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
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
FAQs: Bus from Madrid to Cartagena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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 to Cartagena can start from as little as $32 (€26) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Madrid to Cartagena is $47 (€38); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Madrid to Cartagena bus time is 5 h 20 min covering the 242 mile (390 km) long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 6: 45AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last bus from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 10: 45PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Madrid to Cartagena without having to change trains with Alsa or Alsa Supra. There are 12 direct buses from Madrid to Cartagena each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Madrid to Cartagena bus to book, you can travel safely and comfortably with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar or Infobus. However, it's always good to check all possible bus companies with services from Madrid to Cartagena to compare what amenities they may offer.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses, which is located around 3.1 miles (5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses, located 1.1 miles (1.7 km) away from the city centre.
The cheapest month to travel from Madrid to Cartagena by bus is January.
You have options as you can travel from Madrid to Cartagena 2 different ways: bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madrid to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madrid to Cartagena for bus companies Alsa, Alsa Supra and Infobus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers Alsa, Alsa Supra and Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madrid to Cartagena depends on the bus providers:
- 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.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Madrid to Cartagena, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Madrid to Cartagena.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madrid 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.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madrid to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Madrid 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.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- Larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madrid to Cartagena with the following bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra and Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madrid to Cartagena with the following bus companies: Alsa, Alsa Supra and Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madrid to Cartagena with the following bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra and Infobus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid to Cartagena
Madrid
Cartagena
The major bus station for departures in Madrid is Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses for your trip from Madrid to Cartagena.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
3 km
Car connection
Calle de Méndez ÁlvaroWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
- La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
- Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Cartagena is Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses for your trip to Cartagena from Madrid.
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
More options for your journey from Madrid to Cartagena
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cartagena and Madrid
Most popular bus connections to Cartagena
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.
