- Must visit
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cartagena to Madrid
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£37
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£68
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
6 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
7 h 48 m
Buses on 30 Aug
4
Distance
391 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cartagena to Madrid is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cartagena to Madrid will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £37.
Fast coaches
On Sun 30 Aug, we found 4 buses from Cartagena to Madrid, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 391 km distance in an average of 7 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 9 h 9 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.
Normal9:456h45Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses16:30Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£371One-way0 changes- Normal16:006h10Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses22:10Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£371One-way0 changes
Normal+
0620513:309h09Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses22:39Madrid Chamartín£971One-way1 change- Normal+0620513:309h09Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses22:39Madrid Chamartín£981One-way1 change
- Normal16:006h10Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses22:10Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£371One-way0 changes
- Normal9:456h45Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses16:30Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses£371One-way0 changes
- Normal+0620513:309h09Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses22:39Madrid Chamartín£971One-way1 change
- Normal+0620513:309h09Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses22:39Madrid Chamartín£981One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Cartagena to Madrid
Omio recommends booking the train 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 £24 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 44m. 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 £24, while a flight costs an average of £56.
Distance: 391 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest | £56 Average Price |
5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cartagena to Madrid bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cartagena to Madrid coaches for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 23:15 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 5h55 | 5:10 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 30 August | |||||
| Normal | 9:45 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 6h45 | 16:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Normal+06205 | 13:30 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 9h09 | 22:39 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| Normal+06205 | 13:30 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 9h09 | 22:39 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| Normal | 16:00 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 6h10 | 22:10 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cartagena to Madrid by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, 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.
Sat
29 Aug
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Why should you book Cartagena to Madrid coaches with Omio?
Alsa as well as Alsa Supra offer coaches services from Cartagena to Madrid.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cartagena to Madrid.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra to find the best option for your trip from Cartagena to Madrid.
- 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 Alsa with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cartagena to Madrid.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra to find the best option for your trip from Cartagena to Madrid.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cartagena to Madrid.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cartagena to Madrid
SpainSpain
Buses from Cartagena to Madrid run on average 11 times per day, taking around 4h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £8 by train.
There are 11 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 391 km distance in 5h 15m.
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 £8
Distance 391 km |
Average bus duration 4h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 5h 15m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 £8
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar from Cartagena to MadridYou can travel by bus between Cartagena to Madrid with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar for as low as £8. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alsa Duration
5h 15m
Cheapest Alsa Price
£29
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
Alsa Supra
About
Alsa Supra is a premium service offered by Alsa, a leading Spanish bus company. It provides a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers, aiming to make each journey a unique experience. Key features of Alsa Supra buses include reclining leather seats with footrests, individual seating rows, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and an \Ociobus\" on-board entertainment system with films, documentaries, and music. Passengers can also enjoy daily newspapers and a food and drink service, with a special menu available in the Premium class. Alsa Supra also offers services for people with reduced mobility, including reserved seating and wheelchair spaces. These services are available on various national and international routes."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Alsa Supra Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Alsa Supra Price
£53
Alsa Supra frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; prior reservation required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: \Bla\" for quiet, \"BlaBla\" for talkative, and \"BlaBlaBla\" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys."
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Madrid
Things to do in Madrid
Discover the best of Madrid — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Madrid trip today.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Madrid’s leading modern art museum is famed for Picasso’s Guernica and strong collections of Dalí, Miró and 20th-century works.
- Must visit
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
This refined museum features major works by Titian, Rubens and Caravaggio in a manageable collection inside a grand palace.
- Must visit
El Retiro Park
Madrid’s most famous park offers lakes, gardens, sculptures and broad promenades, perfect for walking, rowing and people-watching.
- Must visit
Paseo del Prado
This grand boulevard links major museums and historic fountains, making it one of the city’s most elegant and culture-rich walks.
- Must visit
Gran Vía
A busy central avenue known for theatres, shops and illuminated façades, ideal for architecture, nightlife and classic city views.
Cocido Madrileño
A hearty chickpea stew with meats, vegetables and soup, long associated with Madrid taverns and traditional lunchtime dining.
Bocadillo de Calamares
Deep-fried squid rings served in a crusty bread roll, a classic fast bite around Plaza Mayor and one of Madrid’s best-known snacks.
- Gluten-free
Callos a la Madrileña
Madrid-style tripe stew with chorizo and morcilla, rich and slow-cooked, traditionally eaten in colder months.
Casa Dani
Traditional bar celebrated for excellent tortilla española and honest Madrid-style tapas in a lively, no-frills atmosphere.
Sobrino de Botín
Historic tavern famed for roast suckling pig and classic Castilian dishes in an old-fashioned, atmospheric setting near Plaza Mayor.
Chocolatería San Ginés
Iconic churrería serving Madrid’s classic chocolate con churros around the clock in a bustling, traditional setting.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe. Rooms, meals and Metro fares are usually cheaper than Paris or London, but central hotels and popular dining areas raise costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or menú del día.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €1.80-3.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up. In cafés, leaving small change is enough.
Mi Tarjeta Transporte
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €8.40
To the city centre
Estación Sur de Autobuses -> Puerta del Sol, Madrid
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 18 min
- Metro de Madrid accepts direct bank card payment at ticket gates for single tickets; buses and wider contactless rollout are being expanded.
- For central Madrid, a standard Metro single usually costs €1.50; airport and some special tickets are separate, so check the fare before you buy.
FAQs: Cartagena to Madrid coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cartagena to Madrid by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cartagena to Madrid can start from as little as £29 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cartagena to Madrid is £35; 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 coach from Cartagena to Madrid is 5h 15m to travel the 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 coach from Cartagena to Madrid leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cartagena to Madrid leaves at 23:45.
Yes, there are 11 direct coaches a day from Cartagena to Madrid with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Cartagena to Madrid, you can count on Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Madrid. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cartagena and Madrid and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cartagena , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses . When arriving in Madrid , you can end your route in coach stations like Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses, Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses, located 3 away from the city centre.
A trip to Madrid from Cartagena is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cartagena to Madrid is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cartagena and Madrid including taking a coach, train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cartagena to Madrid:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cartagena to Madrid for coach company Alsa, Alsa Supra.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cartagena to Madrid depends on the coach companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company Alsa, Alsa Supra.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Cartagena to Madrid.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cartagena to Madrid:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa Supra
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Cartagena to Madrid:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Cartagena to Madrid. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Alsa Supra
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cartagena to Madrid with the following coach company: Alsa, Alsa Supra
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cartagena to Madrid with the following coach company: Alsa, Alsa Supra.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cartagena to Madrid with the following coach company: Alsa, Alsa Supra.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cartagena and Madrid
Most Cartagena to Madrid buses use the Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Use this guide to compare Cartagena and Madrid bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cartagena
Arrival bus stations in Madrid
Which Cartagena station do buses to Madrid leave from?
Buses from Cartagena to Madrid leave from Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses. The station is 1 km from Cartagena city centre at Calle Doctor Gomez Ulla, s/n, 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain.
Cartagena, Estación de AutobusesCalle Doctor Gomez Ulla, s/n, 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses from Cartagena city centre
Bus2, 4, 6 Train: C-1
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km), La Catedral (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Which Madrid station do buses from Cartagena arrive at?
Buses from Cartagena to Madrid most often arrive at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses. Some services arrive at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Madrid arrival station.
Madrid, Estación Sur de AutobusesCalle de Mendez Alvaro, 83, 28045 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC5, C10, C7 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~23 min
C10, C7 · 8m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
C3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
BusN11 · 16m · £0.90 · every ~11 min
N13 · 18m · £0.90 · every ~15 min
148 · 45m · £4 · every ~30 min
Subway6 · 24m · £2 · every ~48 min
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)Av. de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) from Madrid city centre
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus203, N27 · 1h 2m · £8 · every ~45 min
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) bus station facilities and services
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Most popular bus connections from Cartagena
More options for your journey from Cartagena to Madrid
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Madrid and Cartagena
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
