
Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£38
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£42
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
5 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
5 h 39 m
Buses on 04 Sept
11
Distance
391 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madrid to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cartagena will cost around £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £38.
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 11 buses from Madrid to Cartagena, including 11 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 391 km distance in an average of 5 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 5 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.
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Supra Economy
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NormalOmio 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 £29 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. 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 £29, while a flight costs an average of £61.
Distance: 391 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £61 Average Price |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cartagena:
A train is £6 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average £35.
A train is £31 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average £61.
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 16m.
Coach takes on average 5h 11m.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena coaches for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 7:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h45 | 13:15 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 7:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 13:50 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 8:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 13:50 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 11:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h20 | 19:05 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 12:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h35 | 19:05 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 15:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 21:50 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 16:30 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h45 | 23:15 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 16:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 21:50 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 16:50 Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) | 6h25 | 23:15 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 17:30 Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h45 | 23:15 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 23:45 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 5:50 Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Madrid to Cartagena run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £12 by train.
There are 13 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 20m.
Distance 391 km |
Average bus duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 0:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Compare Alsa classes and the amenities included in each one.

Compare Alsa Supra classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Cartagena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cartagena trip today.
Excellent museum built around the Roman theatre, explaining its excavation and displaying finds before the main monument.
Modern museum showcasing Cartagena’s Punic Wall and crypt, essential for understanding the city’s ancient origins.
Large naval museum with ship models, submarine history and maritime collections reflecting Cartagena’s long military port role.
Elegant pedestrian street lined with Modernist buildings, theatres and shops, ideal for strolling through central Cartagena.
Harbourfront promenade with sea views, public art and access to key sights, especially pleasant for an evening walk.
Central square surrounded by civic buildings and terraces, often used as a meeting point while exploring the old town.
Caldero is Cartagena’s emblematic rice dish, cooked in rich fish stock with ñora peppers and usually served with local fish and alioli.
Michirones are a hearty stew of dried broad beans simmered with ham, chorizo and spices, long linked to tavern cooking in Cartagena and Murcia.
Marinera is a classic Murcian tapa: a crisp bread ring topped with Russian salad and an anchovy, widely eaten in Cartagena bars.
Well-known city-centre restaurant serving refined regional cuisine and seafood in an elegant, contemporary setting.
Popular traditional venue for tapas and Murcian specialities, including marineras and hearty local dishes, in a relaxed atmosphere.
Smart central restaurant focused on Mediterranean cooking, seafood and rice dishes in a polished but approachable space.
Moderate for Spain: rooms, dining and local transport are usually cheaper than in Madrid or Barcelona, but summer and waterfront areas cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; cafés and taxis usually just round up or leave small change.
Official public transport app
Estación de Autobuses, Cartagena -> Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Cartagena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Cartagena 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 Cartagena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Cartagena buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) to Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Cartagena bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available inside the terminal.
Free WiFi available at Terminal 1. ATMs are aTMs available inside the terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus).
Available at Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez T1 (Parking Bus): Facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km), La Catedral (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need