- Must visit
Museo del Teatro Romano
Top archaeological museum built around the Roman theater discovery, explaining excavation, architecture, and Cartagena’s ancient past.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santander to Cartagena
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$87
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$87
Fastest journey on Sep 19
14 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
14 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
Distance
694 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santander to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santander to Cartagena will cost around $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 buses from Santander to Cartagena, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 694 km distance in an average of 14 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 45 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 14 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.
BILMAN6:15 AM14h45Santander, Estación de Autobuses9:00 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses$871One-way0 transfers
- BILMAN6:15 AM14h45Santander, Estación de Autobuses9:00 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses$871One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Santander to Cartagena
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Santander to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $16 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, while a flight costs an average of $430.
Distance: 431 miles (694 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$51 Average price | $430 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest |
12h 21m Average total duration 11h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 46m Average total duration 10h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santander to Cartagena is a train with an average price of $16.
This is compared to other travel options from Santander to Cartagena:
A train is $34 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santander to Cartagena costing on average $51.
A train is $414 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santander to Cartagena costing on average $430.
The fastest way to travel from Santander to Cartagena is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 21m.
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 16m.
Bus takes on average 11h 51m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santander and Cartagena including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santander to Cartagena among Omio's users.
Santander to Cartagena Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Bilman Bus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Live departures
Santander to Cartagena bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santander to Cartagena buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BILMAN | 6:15 AM Santander, Estación de Autobuses | 14h45 | 9:00 PM 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 Santander to Cartagena by bus or flight
Compare bus 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.
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Why should you book Santander to Cartagena buses with Omio?
Bilman Bus as well as Alsa offer buses services from Santander to Cartagena.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santander to Cartagena.
Why book with Omio vs Bilman Bus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Bilman Bus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa to find the best option for your trip from Santander 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 Bilman Bus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santander to Cartagena.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Busbud or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa to find the best option for your trip from Santander to Cartagena.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santander to Cartagena.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santander to Cartagena
SpainSpain
Buses from Santander to Cartagena run on average 9 times per day, taking around 11h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 but you can travel from only $7 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 16:00. The fastest bus covers the 431 miles (694 km) distance in 10h 10m.
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 $7
Distance 431 miles (694 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 10m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 4:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 $7
Bus providers: Alsa, Bilman Bus from Santander to CartagenaYou can travel by bus between Santander to Cartagena with Alsa, Bilman Bus for as low as $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 Alsa Duration
10h 10m
Cheapest Alsa Price
$39
Alsa frequency
11 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.
Bilman Bus
About
Bilman Bus is a Spanish bus company known for operating a significant number of routes across Spain, including popular connections like Teruel to Bilbao, Alicante to Pamplona, and Valencia to San Sebastian. The company emphasizes reliability, punctuality, and high-quality service, with a focus on regular vehicle maintenance and passenger satisfaction. Many newer Bilman Bus vehicles offer onboard Wi-Fi, and longer intercity routes typically include breaks. In addition to passenger transport, Bilman Bus also provides bus rental services.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Bilman Bus Duration
14h 45m
Cheapest Bilman Bus Price
$84
Bilman Bus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refund for cancellations within 24 hours.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; limited space available.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel free.
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
Museo del Foro Romano Molinete
Major museum of Roman Cartagena with forum remains, baths, and sacred spaces that reveal daily life in Carthago Nova.
- Recommended
Museo Naval de Cartagena
Excellent naval museum featuring submarine history, maritime heritage, and the famous Isaac Peral submarine prototype.
- Must visit
Calle Mayor
Elegant pedestrian street lined with modernist façades, shops, and key landmarks; the classic route through central Cartagena.
- Must visit
Paseo Alfonso XII
Redeveloped waterfront promenade with harbor views, sculptures, and access to boats, museums, and the city’s maritime atmosphere.
- Recommended
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Central square near the old town and port, surrounded by notable buildings and often used as a practical meeting point.
- Gluten-free
Caldero
Caldero del Mar Menor is the area’s signature rice cooked in rich fish broth, traditionally served with alioli and local lagoon fish.
- Gluten-free
Michirones
Michirones are slow-cooked fava beans with ham, chorizo and spices, a hearty tavern staple in Cartagena and the wider Murcia region.
Marinera
Marinera is a classic Murcian tapa: a crisp breadstick ring topped with Russian salad and an anchovy, loved in bars across Cartagena.
Magoga
Refined seafood and rice restaurant with polished service near the port. Known for Mediterranean cuisine and elegant dining.
La Uva Jumillana
Well-known casual venue for tapas, seafood and local favorites in the city center, with a lively and approachable atmosphere.
Rincón De Pepe
Historic, traditional restaurant popular for regional Murcian dishes, tapas and classic Cartagena specialties in a formal setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: dining and stays are usually cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona, while local buses and coffee remain affordable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menu.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-2.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafes; taxis usually just round up.
Cartagena Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.20
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Cartagena Estación de Autobuses -> Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Cartagena
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Buy tickets on board; having small change helps on local buses.
- Contactless card payment is not reliably published for Cartagena city buses, so carry cash or confirm with the driver.
FAQs: Bus from Santander to Cartagena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santander 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 Santander to Cartagena can start from as little as $39 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santander to Cartagena is $51 ; 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 Santander to Cartagena is 10h 10m to travel the 431 miles (694 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 Santander to Cartagena leaves at 12:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santander to Cartagena leaves at 4:00 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Santander to Cartagena with Bilman Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Santander to Cartagena, you can count on Bilman Bus, Alsa for the best way to get you to Cartagena. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santander and Cartagena and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Santander, Estación de Autobuses, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cartagena from Santander is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santander to Cartagena is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santander and Cartagena including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santander to Cartagena for bus company Bilman Bus, Alsa.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santander to Cartagena:
- Bilman Bus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
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 Santander to Cartagena depends on the bus companies:
- Bilman Bus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refund for cancellations within 24 hours.
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Bilman Bus, Alsa.
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 Santander to Cartagena.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santander to Cartagena:
- Bilman Bus
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa
- 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 Santander to Cartagena:
- Bilman Bus
- 10€ per additional bag up to 25 kg.
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Santander to Cartagena. The following conditions apply:
- Bilman Bus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel free.
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santander to Cartagena with the following bus company: Bilman Bus, Alsa
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santander to Cartagena with the following bus company: Bilman Bus, Alsa.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santander to Cartagena with the following bus company: Bilman Bus, Alsa.
Since both Santander 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 Santander 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 Santander to Cartagena
Most Santander to Cartagena buses use the Santander, Estación de Autobuses to Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Santander and Cartagena bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Santander
Arrival bus stations in Cartagena
Santander, Estación de AutobusesSantander Bus Station, Calle Navas de Tolosa 2, 39002
Which Cartagena station do buses from Santander arrive at?
Buses from Santander to Cartagena arrive at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses. Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses is 0 miles (1 km) from Cartagena city centre.
Cartagena, Estación de AutobusesCalle Doctor Gomez Ulla, s/n, 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses from Cartagena city centre
Bus2, 4, 6 Train: C-1
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses 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 and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km), La Catedral (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Santander
More options for your journey from Santander to Cartagena
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cartagena and Santander
Most popular bus connections to Cartagena
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