- 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
$44
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 27 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
391 km
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 $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 12 buses that leave Madrid for Cartagena on Wed, Aug 26, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 391 km distance in an average of 5 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 5 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.
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Supra Economy
Normal
Normal
NormalOmio 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 $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 $16, and a flight costs an average of $41.
Distance: 242 miles (391 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$48 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $121 Average price |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cartagena:
A train is $8 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average $48 (€39).
A train is $81 (€65) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average $121 (€97).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 16m.
Bus takes on average 5h 11m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena buses for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| 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 | 8:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 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 | |
Normal | 12:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h35 | 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 | |
Supra Economy | 4:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 9:50 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 | 5:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h45 | 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 | |
Normal | 12:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 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 bus, flight, and train 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 Madrid to Cartagena run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by train.
There are 13 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.
Distance 242 miles (391 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
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 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 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 and Cartagena bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur 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 Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available inside the terminal.
Free WiFi available at Terminal 1. ATMs are aTMs available inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus).
Available at Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus): Facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility.
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