- 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.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
2 h 26 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
84 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Alicante Elche 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 Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 2 trains that leave Alicante Elche Airport for Cartagena on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 84 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 26 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 43 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.
01463
35623
35623
01463Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $20.
Distance: 52 miles (84 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
$21 Average price | $14 Average price Cheapest |
3h 1m Average total duration 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena costing on average $21 (€17).
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 31m.
The table below shows live departures for Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01463 | Delayed 3:51 PM 5:51 PMAlicante-Terminal | 2h43 | 6:34 PM 6:34 PMCartagena station | 0 transfersDirect | |
35623 | Delayed 4:51 PM 6:51 PMAlicante-Terminal | 2h26 | 9:17 PM Cartagena station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 15:51, the last at 17:51. The fastest train covers the 52 miles (84 km) distance in 2h 26m.
Distance 52 miles (84 km) |
Average train duration 2h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 26m |
First train 3:51 PM |
Last train 5:51 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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.
Official public transport app
Cartagena Railway Station, Cartagena -> Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Cartagena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alicante Elche Airport to Cartagena by train. 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 train, 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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