- 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.
Cheapest price
$2
Average price
$3
Fastest journey
10 m
Average duration
18 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
75 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Pola to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Pola to Cartagena will cost around $3 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $2.
Of the 5 buses that leave Santa Pola for Cartagena on Thu, Jun 25, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 25 the direct buses cover the 75 km distance in an average of 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 m .
On Thu, Jun 25 the slowest buses will take 30 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Pola to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $15.
Distance: 46 miles (75 km)
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$13 Average price Cheapest | $16 Average price |
2h 20m Average total duration 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Pola to Cartagena:
A bus is $3 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Pola to Cartagena costing on average $16 (€13).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 50m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 10:02AM | Duration 2h37 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 12:02PM | Duration 2h37 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 06:02PM | Duration 2h37 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:58PM | Duration 1h28 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator Bus BAM | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:02PM | Duration 2h37 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $5 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Pola to Cartagena buses for tomorrow, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:10 AM Santa Pola | 0h20 | 2:30 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Santa Pola | 0h10 | 6:40 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:40 AM Santa Pola | 0h20 | 7:00 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 AM Santa Pola | 0h10 | 8:10 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 PM Santa Pola | 0h30 | 2:30 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Santa Pola to Cartagena run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:00, the last at 20:45. The fastest bus covers the 46 miles (75 km) distance in 2h 37m.
Distance 46 miles (75 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 37m |
First bus 7:00 AM |
Last bus 8:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Cartagena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cartagena trip today.
Spain’s flagship museum for underwater archaeology, with Phoenician, Roman, and shipwreck finds from the Mediterranean. A top cultural stop on Cartagena’s waterfront.
Museum and access complex for Cartagena’s spectacular Roman theatre, combining archaeological galleries with the restored ancient performance space.
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.
Cartagena’s principal historic shopping street, lined with Modernist architecture, balconies, and some of the city’s most photographed façades.
The regenerated waterfront promenade with marina views, cruise activity, museums, and easy access to several of the city’s top attractions.
The grand square by the city hall and port, ideal for appreciating Cartagena’s civic architecture and starting a walk through the old centre.
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.
A hearty stew of dried broad beans simmered with ham, chorizo and spices. It is a classic regional tapa in Cartagena and Murcia.
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.
A Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef María Gómez, known for refined contemporary cooking rooted in Cartagena and Murcia products. Elegant but welcoming atmosphere.
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.
An established traditional restaurant and tapas spot popular for Murcian dishes, seafood and hearty local specialties. Lively, classic dining room.
Moderate by Spanish standards. Meals and coffee are reasonable, while tourist-area dining and summer stays cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses -> Cartagena City Center
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Pola 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.

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