- 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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Journey information
Overview: Madrid to Cartagena flight
SpainSpain
Flights from Madrid to Cartagena depart on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $31 but you can travel from only $7 by train.
There are 5 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. December is the cheapest month to fly.
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 242 miles (391 km) |
Average flight duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 |
Flights per day 18 |
Direct flights 5 |
Fastest flight 1h 5m |
First flight 6:05 AM |
Last flight 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 days |
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
The cheapest and fastest flights from Madrid to Cartagena
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$113
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$319
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 32 m
Flights on Sep 19
18
Distance
391 km
Cheap tickets
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 $319 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $113.
Fast flights
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 18 flights from Madrid to Cartagena, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct flights cover the 391 km distance in an average of 1 h 32 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the longest flights will take 2 h 50 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.
UX40477:00 AM1h10Madrid Barajas Airport8:10 AMAlicante Elche Airport$1131One-way0 transfers
IB10157:40 PM1h15Madrid Barajas Airport8:55 PMAlicante Elche Airport$1291One-way0 transfers- IB10097:25 AM1h15Madrid Barajas Airport8:40 AMAlicante Elche Airport$1581One-way0 transfers
- UX40493:10 PM1h10Madrid Barajas Airport4:20 PMAlicante Elche Airport$1681One-way0 transfers
- UX6049 · UX40249:45 PM13h55Madrid Barajas Airport11:40 AMAlicante Elche Airport$2381One-way1 transfer
- UX40493:10 PM1h10Madrid Barajas Airport4:20 PMAlicante Elche Airport$1681One-way0 transfers
- UX40477:00 AM1h10Madrid Barajas Airport8:10 AMAlicante Elche Airport$1131One-way0 transfers
- IB10097:25 AM1h15Madrid Barajas Airport8:40 AMAlicante Elche Airport$1581One-way0 transfers
- IB10157:40 PM1h15Madrid Barajas Airport8:55 PMAlicante Elche Airport$1291One-way0 transfers
- UX6079 · UX40265:05 PM2h50Madrid Barajas Airport7:55 PMAlicante Elche Airport$2691One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Madrid to Cartagena
Omio 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 an average ticket price of $16 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, while a flight costs an average of $284.
Distance: 242 miles (391 km)
Compare flight with
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$284 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price |
4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 53m Average total duration 4h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration 6h 3m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Cartagena is a train with an average price of $16.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cartagena:
A train is $37 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average $53.
A train is $268 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average $284.
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Cartagena is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 15m.
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 23m.
Bus takes on average 6h 3m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Cartagena including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Cartagena among Omio's users.
Live departures
Madrid to Cartagena flight times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena flights for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45 PM Madrid | 22h10 | 5:55 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:45 PM Madrid | 22h10 | 6:55 PM Cartagena | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| UX4047 | 7:00 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 8:10 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| IB1009 | 7:25 AM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h15 | 8:40 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 | |
 AT973 · AT894 | 1:35 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 22h35 | 12:10 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
| UX6067 · UX4026 | 2:35 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h20 | 7:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
| UX6067 · UX4024 | 2:35 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 21h05 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
| UX4049 | 3:10 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 4:20 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| UX6079 · UX4026 | 5:05 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 2h50 | 7:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
| UX6079 · UX4024 | 5:05 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 18h35 | 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 | |
| UX6097 · UX4024 | 7:00 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 16h40 | 11:40 AM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
| IB1015 | 7:40 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h15 | 8:55 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
| AT971 · AT894 | 8:10 PM Madrid Barajas Airport | 16h00 | 12:10 PM Alicante Elche Airport | 1 transfer | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
How far in advance should I book flight tickets from Madrid to Cartagena?
The best time to book your flight from Madrid to Cartagena is 91 days before departure. See how prices for flights change on the Madrid to Cartagena route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Cartagena per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your flight from Madrid to Cartagena.
Flights
from $40Trains
from $7Buses
from $39Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Cartagena by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Madrid to Cartagena flights with Omio?
Iberia as well as Air Europa, Volotea, Air Nostrum, Vueling and more offer flights services from Madrid to Cartagena.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Cartagena.
Why book with Omio vs Iberia?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Iberia, but also compare tickets for the likes of Air Europa, Volotea, Air Nostrum or Vueling to find the best option for your trip from Madrid 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 Iberia with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Cartagena.
Why book with Omio over Kayak, Trip or Edreams?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Air Europa, Volotea, Air Nostrum or Vueling to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Cartagena.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Cartagena.
Airlines: Air Europa, Iberia, BA Euroflyer, Vueling, Royal Air Maroc, Air Nostrum, CitizenPlane, Alba Star from Madrid to CartagenaFind the best flights between Madrid to Cartagena with Omio's travel partners Air Europa, Iberia, BA Euroflyer, Vueling, Royal Air Maroc, Air Nostrum, CitizenPlane, Alba Star from $7. We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best trip.
Royal Air Maroc
About
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is the national airline of Morocco and one of Africa's largest airlines, wholly owned by the Moroccan Government. Established in 1957, it operates an extensive network from its hub at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. RAM serves domestic routes within Morocco, as well as scheduled international flights to Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The airline joined the Oneworld alliance in 2020. Royal Air Maroc aims to double its fleet size over the next decade, with plans to acquire 200 planes to meet growing demand and strengthen its presence in the African market.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Royal Air Maroc Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Royal Air Maroc Price
$166
Royal Air Maroc frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (10kg max) and 1 checked bag (23kg max) included in standard economy fares
Additional luggage
Additional bags can be purchased, up to 32kg per piece
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available depending on fare type, some tickets non-refundable, admin fees may apply
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to end of 36th week (32nd week for multiple pregnancies). Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel unaccompanied with UM service. Service is mandatory for 5-11, optional for 12-17
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
Food sold onboard
USB plugs
Accessibility
Royal Air Maroc provides wheelchair assistance and special services for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets under 6kg in cabin, larger animals in hold. Must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Air Europa
About
Air Europa is Spain’s third most popular airline, offering flights across Europe and to destinations worldwide. For your next trip, you can choose between Economy and Business Class fares.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Air Europa Duration
1h 5m
Cheapest Air Europa Price
$37
Air Europa frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x35x25 cm) max 10kg
Additional luggage
23kg checked baggage available for purchase
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available depending on fare type, Basic fares non-refundable, Flex fares refundable with fee
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can fly up to 36 weeks (single pregnancy) or 32 weeks (multiple pregnancy). Medical certificate required after 28 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel unaccompanied with UM service. Service must be booked in advance and fees apply
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair assistance available, must be requested 48h before flight
Pets
Small pets under 8kg allowed in cabin, larger animals in hold
Entertaiment on board
Iberia
About
Iberia is the national airline of Spain and a key member of the International Airlines Group (IAG), operating flights throughout Europe and to major global destinations. Its wide range of services makes travel easy and flexible—Economy passengers enjoy affordable fares with comfort, while Business Class travelers can experience premium seating, exclusive lounges, and enhanced dining. From short domestic flights to intercontinental journeys, Iberia combines Spanish hospitality with modern amenities, making it a popular choice worldwide.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Iberia Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Iberia Price
$31
Iberia frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (40x30x20 cm) and 1 checked bag (158 cm total dimensions) included in most fares except Basic
Additional luggage
Additional bags can be purchased, with prices varying by route and fare type
Cancellation Policy
Basic fares non-refundable, Flexible fares refundable with fee, Business fully refundable
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can fly up to 36 weeks (single pregnancy) or 32 weeks (multiple pregnancy). Medical certificate required after 28 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel alone using Iberia's unaccompanied minor service. Service is optional for ages 12-17
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Iberia provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair assistance and special services for visually or hearing impaired passengers
Pets
Small pets under 8kg in cabin, larger animals in hold. Must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Vueling
About
Vueling is a Spanish low-cost airline and one of the largest carriers in Europe, offering affordable flights across Spain, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Operating mainly from its hub in Barcelona, Vueling provides a modern fleet with flexible fare options to suit different types of travelers. Passengers can choose from basic low-cost tickets to fares that include extras such as seat selection, checked baggage, and priority boarding. With WiFi and onboard services available on many routes, Vueling is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Vueling Duration
2h 25m
Cheapest Vueling Price
$121
Vueling frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (40x20x30 cm)
Additional luggage
Extra cabin bag (55x40x20 cm) and checked baggage available for purchase
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24h of booking if flight is more than 7 days away. After that, cancellation fees apply based on fare type
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can fly up to week 36 (32 for multiple pregnancies). Medical certificate required after week 28
Unaccompagned minor
Available for children aged 5-11, must be booked at least 48h in advance. Service fee applies
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small pets in cabin allowed, max 8kg including carrier. Must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Air Nostrum
About
Air Nostrum, operating as Iberia Regional, is a Spanish regional airline based in Valencia, founded in 1994. It functions as a franchisee for Iberia Airlines, connecting numerous domestic destinations within Spain and international routes across Europe and North Africa. Air Nostrum plays a crucial role in feeding Iberia's long-haul network from its Madrid hub. The airline is an affiliate member of the Oneworld airline alliance and operates 91 domestic and international routes to 51 destinations, along with charter flights. Its fleet includes CRJ 200 and CRJ 1000 jets, as well as ATR 72-600 turboprops. In 2023, Air Nostrum merged with CityJet, forming the Strategic Alliance of Regional Airlines (SARA).
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Air Nostrum Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Air Nostrum Price
$88
Air Nostrum frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (40x30x20 cm) included
Additional luggage
Additional cabin bag and checked baggage available for purchase
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available depending on fare type, some tickets non-refundable
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to week 36 of pregnancy, medical certificate required after week 28
Unaccompagned minor
Service available for children aged 5-11, must be booked at least 48h in advance
Amenities on board the airplane
Wifi
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested 48h before flight
Pets
Small pets in cabin allowed, max 8kg including carrier
Entertaiment on board
BA Euroflyer
About
BA Euroflyer is a British airline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of British Airways, operating short-haul flights from London Gatwick Airport. Launched in 2022, it aims to offer a competitive, lower-cost product while maintaining the premium British Airways experience. The airline serves a network of over 40 destinations across Europe and North Africa using Airbus A320 family aircraft. Passengers can choose between Euro Traveller (Economy) and Club Europe (Business Class) cabins, with all flights operating under British Airways' branding and flight numbers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average BA Euroflyer Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest BA Euroflyer Price
$183
BA Euroflyer frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (max 23kg) included
Additional luggage
Additional checked baggage can be purchased, max 23kg per piece
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation within 24h of booking if flight is more than 7 days away
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can travel up to end of 36th week (32nd week for multiple pregnancies). Medical certificate required after 28th week
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel as unaccompanied minors with mandatory assistance. Service must be booked at least 48h in advance
Amenities on board the airplane
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small dogs and cats allowed in cabin, max 6kg including carrier. Must be booked in advance
Entertaiment on board
Alba Star
About
Alba Star S.A. is a privately owned Spanish airline, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, that specializes in charter flights. Founded in 2009 by Italian and British entrepreneurs, it commenced operations in 2010. Alba Star primarily offers passenger and cargo charter services to destinations across Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa, often operating on behalf of Spanish and Italian tour operators. The airline also provides flights to pilgrimage destinations like Lourdes from various European airports. As of August 2025, Alba Star operates a fleet of five Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alba Star Duration
2h 20m
Cheapest Alba Star Price
$172
Alba Star frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag 55x40x20 cm max 10kg included
Additional luggage
Hold luggage up to 23kg can be purchased
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24h before departure, refund depends on fare type selected at booking
Pregnant on board
Pregnant women can fly up to 36 weeks (single pregnancy) or 32 weeks (multiple pregnancy). Medical certificate required after 28 weeks
Unaccompagned minor
Children aged 5-11 can travel unaccompanied with mandatory assistance service. Service must be booked at least 48h before departure
Amenities on board the airplane
Accessibility
Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility, must be requested at least 48h before departure
Pets
Small pets in cabin allowed, max 6kg including carrier. Must be booked in advance
CitizenPlane
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CitizenPlane Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest CitizenPlane Price
$94
CitizenPlane frequency
3 a day
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.
FAQs: Madrid to Cartagena Flight
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.
Cheap plane tickets from Madrid to Cartagena can start from as little as $31 when you book in advance. The average flight ticket price for Madrid to Cartagena is $284 ; 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 plane from Madrid to Cartagena is 1h 5m to travel the 242 miles (391 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest flight from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 6:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest flight from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct flights a day from Madrid to Cartagena with Air Nostrum, CitizenPlane, Air Europa, Iberia. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct flights.
When taking a flight from Madrid to Cartagena, you can count on BA Euroflyer, Alba Star, Air Nostrum, Vueling, CitizenPlane, Royal Air Maroc, Air Europa, Iberia for the best way to get you to Cartagena. You can also check all possible airlines who offer a service between Madrid and Cartagena and compare the amenities they offer before buying a plane ticket.
Flights from Madrid to Cartagena generally leave from Madrid Barajas Airport and arrive in Alicante Elche Airport.Madrid Barajas Airport is 7 miles (12 km) away from Madrid city centre and Alicante Elche Airport is 5 miles (9 km) from Cartagena city centre.
The cheapest month for a flight from Madrid to Cartagena is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Cartagena including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Since both Madrid 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.
There is no time difference between Madrid and Cartagena.
The best events to attend in Cartagena include:
- Fiestas de Cartagines y Romanos, a vibrant festival celebrating the city's ancient history with parades, reenactments, and cultural activities
- Festival Internacional de Jazz de Cartagena, an annual jazz festival featuring renowned international artists and local talent
- Semana Santa en Cartagena, a deeply rooted Holy Week celebration marked by solemn processions and religious traditions.
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 holidays to experience in Cartagena include:
- Semana Santa, vibrant and deeply-rooted religious processions that showcase local traditions
- Fiesta de Carthagineses y Romanos, a lively celebration of the city's history with colorful parades and reenactments
- San Juan Bautista, a festive atmosphere with local music and cultural activities.
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.
The best season to visit Cartagena is Spring or Fall. The best weather to explore Cartagena is during April-June or September-November.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Cartagena among Omio's users.
For domestic flights we recommend to arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Please check the website of your departure airport if in doubt. Some airports may offer booking time slots for security checks or offer additional information on when to get there based on time of day.
Most airlines permit carry-on bags that fit within specific dimensions (e.g., 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. Bags must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Many airlines impose weight limits, commonly ranging between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 12 kg (26 lbs). Typically, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (for example a purse, laptop bag, or backpack). Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you. Budget Airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) have stricter size and weight limits, often requiring fees for larger carry-ons. Full-Service Airlines have more lenient policies, sometimes including more spacious dimensions or higher weight limits depending on your ticket class.
The list of items prohibited on an airplane varies by country and airline, but in general, the following items are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage: Weapons and self-defence items, sharp objects, flammable materials, explosives, toxic substances, or liquids over 100ml (except for medications and baby essentials). In checked baggage, firearms (without authorization), explosives, large lithium batteries, and hazardous chemicals are prohibited. Electronic cigarettes must be in carry-on bags, while alcohol and dry ice have restrictions. Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
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 airports
Popular airports from Madrid to Cartagena
Most Madrid to Cartagena flights use the Madrid Barajas Airport to Alicante Elche Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Cartagena airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
Departure airports in Madrid
Arrival airports in Cartagena
Which Madrid airport do flights to Cartagena leave from?
Flights from Madrid to Cartagena depart from Madrid Barajas Airport. The airport is 8 miles (13 km) from Madrid city centre at Avda. de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain.
Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)Avda. de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid Barajas Airport from Madrid city centre
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC1 · 15m · $1 · every ~8 min
Bus203, N27 · 41m · $11 · every ~45 min
Madrid Barajas Airport airport facilities and services
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Cartagena
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular flights to and from Cartagena and Madrid
Most popular flights to Cartagena
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