- 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 Madrid to Cartagena depart on average 14 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by train.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 06:05, the last at 22:45. The fastest flight covers the 242 miles (391 km) distance in 1h 5m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 242 miles (391 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Flights per day 14 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 5m |
First flight 6:05 AM |
Last flight 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Cheapest price
$177
Average price
$458
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
2 h 45 m
Flights per day
16
Distance
391 km
The best way to find a cheap flight 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 $458 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $177.
Of the 16 flights that leave Madrid for Cartagena onSat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct flights cover the 391 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the longest flights will take 5 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.
UX4047
UX4049
UX6031 · UX4026
UX6067 · UX4026
UX6079 · UX4026
UX4047
UX4049
UX6079 · UX4026
UX6031 · UX4024
UX6067 · UX4026Omio 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 $40.
Distance: 242 miles (391 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$172 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price |
4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
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 $15 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average $49 (€41).
A train is $138 (€113) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average $172 (€141).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 59m.
Bus takes on average 5h 11m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena flights for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UX7153 · UX7505 · UX4024 | 2:55 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 20h45 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
UX4049 | 3:10 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 4:20 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UX6097 · UX4024 | 7:00 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 16h40 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX6097 · UX4026 | 7:00 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 24h55 | 7:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
IB1015 | 7:40 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h15 | 8:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UX6027 · UX2056 · UX4024 | 8:00 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 15h40 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
UX6027 · UX2050 · UX4024 | 8:00 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 15h40 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 2 transfers | |
UX6049 · UX4026 | 9:45 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 22h10 | 7:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX6049 · UX4024 | 9:45 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 13h55 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
UX4047 | 7:05 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h05 | 8:10 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UX6031 · UX4026 | 8:20 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 11h35 | 7:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX6031 · UX4024 | 8:20 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 3h20 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX6013 · UX4026 | 10:15 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 9h40 | 7:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
UX6013 · UX4024 | 10:15 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 25h25 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
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.
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 Madrid 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.

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