How to travel from Cartagena to Madrid

Sun, Sep 20
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Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Cartagena to Madrid

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cartagena to Madrid among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €11 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 32m. 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 €11, while a flight costs an average of €245.

Distance: 242 miles (391 km)

Compare flight with

Most popular
Flight
Train
Bus

€245

Average price

€11

Average price

Cheapest

€45

Average price

4h 32m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 32m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

4h 41m

Average total duration

4h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 14m

Average total duration

5h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1.2 - 2.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.0kg

CO2 emissions

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 Cartagena to Madrid is a train with an average price of €26.

This is compared to other travel options from Cartagena to Madrid:

A train is €13 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cartagena to Madrid costing on average €39.

A train is €36 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cartagena to Madrid costing on average €63.

The fastest way to travel from Cartagena to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 44m.

Other travel options to Madrid take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 38m.

Bus takes on average 5h 27m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cartagena and Madrid including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cartagena to Madrid among Omio's users.

Travel options
from Cartagena to Madrid

How to get from Cartagena to Madrid by train, bus or flight.

Our recommendation

train

The best way to travel from Cartagena to Madrid is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • Renfe PROXIMIDAD14515+Renfe AVLO05817
    9:00 AM5h08
    Cartagena station
    2:08 PMMadrid Chamartín
    361One-way
    1 transfer

Cheapest

  • Renfe PROXIMIDAD14515+Renfe AVLO05817
    9:00 AM5h08
    Cartagena station
    2:08 PMMadrid Chamartín
    361One-way
    1 transfer

Fastest

  • Air EuropaUX4042
    12:30 PM1h05
    Alicante Elche Airport
    1:35 PMMadrid Barajas Airport
    1131One-way
    0 transfers

Other options

  • Renfe PROXIMIDAD14515+AVE05843
    9:00 AM7h38
    Cartagena station
    4:38 PMMadrid Chamartín
    361One-way
    1 transfer
  • AlsaNormal
    3:15 PM5h20
    Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses
    8:35 PMMadrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
    421One-way
    0 transfers
  • AlsaNormal
    5:00 PM5h35
    Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses
    10:35 PMMadrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
    421One-way
    0 transfers
  • AlsaNormal
    9:45 AM6h45
    Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses
    4:30 PMMadrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
    421One-way
    0 transfers
  • IberiaIB1012
    2:15 PM1h15
    Alicante Elche Airport
    3:30 PMMadrid Barajas Airport
    961One-way
    0 transfers
  • IberiaIB1016
    9:30 PM1h15
    Alicante Elche Airport
    10:45 PMMadrid Barajas Airport
    1401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Air EuropaUX4050
    8:45 PM1h05
    Alicante Elche Airport
    9:50 PMMadrid Barajas Airport
    1731One-way
    0 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights

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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How to get from Cartagena to Madrid

The Best Way According to our Users

Whether it is for business or leisure, in order to travel from Cartagena to Madrid, 78,26% of our customers choose the train as their preferred mode of transportation. By traveling by train on this route, you can enjoy the comfort of spacious seats, spectacular views—and in some cases free Wi-Fi—in both second and first class. Our customers have decided that the train is the best way to get from Cartagena to Madrid and have chosen to enjoy this fast, safe and efficient way to arrive at their destination. Taking the train also avoids long lines or potential expenses for transfers to/from the station—especially since most main railway stations are located in the city center. Train companies in Europe vary from country to country, but most of them offer high-speed train routes, therefore when you add up at the end-to-end journey time, the train is often also the fastest way to get to your destination.

Search on Omio to find cheap tickets from Cartagena to Madrid. It’s easy to find the most attractive prices and choose your preferred route for your journey. Book on web or app, and travel with your mobile ticket —without the stress of printing your ticket.

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Trenitalia
Easyjet
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF

FAQs: Travel from Cartagena to Madrid

Travel to Madrid easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cartagena to Madrid.

FAQs
There are 3 options to travel between Cartagena and Madrid including taking a bus, train, and flight.
The cheapest way to travel from Cartagena to Madrid is a train with an average price of €11.

This is compared to other travel options from Cartagena to Madrid:

A train is €34 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cartagena to Madrid costing on average €45.

A train is €234 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cartagena to Madrid costing on average €245.

The fastest way to travel from Cartagena to Madrid is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 32m.

Other travel options to Madrid take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 41m.

Bus takes on average 6h 14m.

The distance from Cartagena to Madrid is approximately 242 miles (391 km).
The average frequency per day from Cartagena to Madrid is:
  • Around 18 flights per day.
  • Around 9 buses per day.
  • Around 8 trains per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cartagena and Madrid as scheduled services by bus, train, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Cartagena to Madrid:
  • Flights mostly depart from Alicante Elche Airport and arrive in Madrid Barajas Airport.
  • Trains mostly depart from Cartagena station and arrive in Madrid Chamartín.
  • Buses mostly depart from Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses and arrive in Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Cartagena to Madrid, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with BA Euroflyer, Alba Star, Vueling, CitizenPlane, Royal Air Maroc, Air Europa, Iberia to go to Madrid by flight.
  • Travel with AVE, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO to go to Madrid by train.
  • Travel with Alsa, Alsa Supra to go to Madrid by bus.
Yes, there are direct services available from Cartagena to Madrid with the following travel companies:
  • 5 direct flights per day with CitizenPlane, Air Europa, Iberia.
  • 0 direct trains per day with SNCF OUIGO.
  • 8 direct buses per day with Alsa, Alsa Supra.
Omio customers who travel from Cartagena to Madrid often also extend their vacation to go to Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Paris. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Madrid and these popular destinations at a great price.
Most travelers need at least three days in Madrid to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.
In Madrid, you can explore Puerta del Sol, a bustling public square known for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere, and savor gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel. Discover the vibrant nightlife in the Malasaña district, enjoy a traditional flamenco show, or visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. For cultural sights, visit the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and Retiro Park. Don't miss Plaza Mayor and the lively Gran Vía for shopping and theaters.
For a well-rounded experience in Madrid, plan to spend at least 3 to 4 days. This allows time to explore major attractions like the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, and enjoy the local cuisine and vibrant neighborhoods.
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