- Must visit
Museo del Teatro Romano
Top archaeological museum built around the Roman theater discovery, explaining excavation, architecture, and Cartagena’s ancient past.
Flights from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena depart on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at €32 but you can travel from only €13 by train.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:05, the last at 20:45. The fastest flight covers the 241 miles (389 km) distance in 1h 5m. October is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 241 miles (389 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €32 |
Flights per day 14 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 5m |
First flight 5:05 AM |
Last flight 8:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Cheapest price
€33
Average price
€55
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 44 m
Flights per day
4
Distance
389 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Madrid Barajas Airport 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 Barajas Airport to Cartagena will cost around €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €33.
Of the 4 flights that leave Madrid Barajas Airport for Cartagena onSun, Aug 16, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 16 the direct flights cover the 389 km distance in an average of 1 h 44 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Sun, Aug 16 the longest flights will take 3 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.








Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €13, and a flight costs an average of €32.
Distance: 241 miles (389 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|---|
€80 Average price | €43 Average price | €26 Average price Cheapest |
5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration 4h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena:
A train is €17 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena costing on average €43.
A train is €54 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena costing on average €80.
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 25m.
Bus takes on average 4h 37m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena flights for today, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 6:10 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:25 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h15 | 6:40 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 7:10 AM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid Barajas Airport 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 Madrid Barajas Airport to Cartagena flights use the Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante Elche Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid Barajas Airport and Cartagena airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need