- 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.
Flights from Bilbao to Cartagena depart on average 21 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 2 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest flight covers the 403 miles (650 km) distance in 1h 15m. November is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 403 miles (650 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Flights per day 21 |
Direct flights 2 |
Fastest flight 1h 15m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$512
Fastest journey
1 h 20 m
Average duration
2 h 13 m
Flights per day
36
Distance
650 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Bilbao to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Cartagena will cost around $512 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
Of the 36 flights that leave Bilbao for Cartagena onMon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct flights cover the 650 km distance in an average of 2 h 13 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 20 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the longest flights will take 3 h 35 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.
VY1450
V73534
UX7505 · UX4024
UX7160 · UX4047
UX7160 · UX4049
V73534
IB5249
VY1450
IB436 · IB1015
UX7158 · UX4049Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.7 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a flight costs an average of $18.
Distance: 403 miles (650 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
$86 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest |
4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 34m Average total duration 11h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.9 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 Bilbao to Cartagena:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Cartagena costing on average $86 (€70).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 22m.
Bus takes on average 11h 4m.
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Cartagena flights for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UX7505 · UX4026 | 4:45 PM Bilbao Airport | 3h10 | 7:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX7505 · UX4024 | 4:45 PM Bilbao Airport | 18h55 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
IB436 · IB1015 | 5:35 PM Bilbao Airport | 3h20 | 8:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH4243+ SN2612 · SN3773 | 5:50 PM Bilbao Airport | 25h00 | 6:50 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
LH4243+ LH1182+ LX2174 | 5:50 PM Bilbao Airport | 17h55 | 11:45 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
LH4243+ SN2610 · SN3773 | 5:50 PM Bilbao Airport | 25h00 | 6:50 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
LH1829 · LH125 · LH1174 | 6:40 PM Bilbao Airport | 22h00 | 4:40 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
LH1829 · LH127 · LH1174 | 6:40 PM Bilbao Airport | 22h00 | 4:40 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
LH1829 · LH95 · LH1174 | 6:40 PM Bilbao Airport | 22h00 | 4:40 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
VY1429 · VY1310 | 7:45 PM Bilbao Airport | 3h55 | 11:40 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
VY1429 · VY1300 | 7:45 PM Bilbao Airport | 14h00 | 9:45 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX7160 · UX4049 | 9:05 PM Bilbao Airport | 19h15 | 4:20 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX7160 · UX4047 | 9:05 PM Bilbao Airport | 11h05 | 8:10 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
LH1147+ SN2610 · SN3773 | 6:50 AM Bilbao Airport | 12h00 | 6:50 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
VY1423 · VY1302 | 6:50 AM Bilbao Airport | 10h30 | 5:20 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH1147+ SN2612 · SN3773 | 6:50 AM Bilbao Airport | 12h00 | 6:50 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
LH1147 · LH1174 | 6:50 AM Bilbao Airport | 9h50 | 4:40 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
IB5249 | 7:00 AM Bilbao Airport | 1h25 | 8:25 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
VY1450 | 7:00 AM Bilbao Airport | 1h25 | 8:25 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
LH1831 · LH103 · LH1174 | 7:15 AM Bilbao Airport | 9h25 | 4:40 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
LH1831 · LH99 · LH1174 | 7:15 AM Bilbao Airport | 9h25 | 4:40 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
UX7156 · UX4049 | 8:20 AM Bilbao Airport | 8h00 | 4:20 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX7156 · UX4047 | 8:20 AM Bilbao Airport | 23h50 | 8:10 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
VY1421 · VY1302 | 8:55 AM Bilbao Airport | 8h25 | 5:20 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
VY1421 · VY1306 | 8:55 AM Bilbao Airport | 14h20 | 11:15 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
IB430 · IB1011 | 9:15 AM Bilbao Airport | 3h50 | 1:05 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
V73534 | 11:30 AM Bilbao Airport | 1h20 | 12:50 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UX7158 · UX4047 | 12:45 PM Bilbao Airport | 19h25 | 8:10 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX7158 · UX4049 | 12:45 PM Bilbao Airport | 3h35 | 4:20 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
LH1143+ SN2616 · SN3771 | 2:10 PM Bilbao Airport | 18h05 | 8:15 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare flight and bus 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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Cartagena by flight. 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 flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cartagena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bilbao to Cartagena flights use the Bilbao Airport to Alicante Elche Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Cartagena airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Bilbao Airport is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in the arrivals and departures areas.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bilbao Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need