- Must visit
Museo del Teatro Romano de Cartagena
Excellent museum built around the Roman theatre, explaining its excavation and displaying finds before the main monument.
Flights from Madrid to Cartagena depart on average 14 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £12 by train.
There are 4 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 06:05, the last at 22:45. The fastest flight covers the 391 km distance in 1h 5m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 391 km |
Average flight duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Flights per day 14 |
Direct flights 4 |
Fastest flight 1h 5m |
First flight 6:05 |
Last flight 22:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Cheapest price
£54
Average price
£216
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
2 h 46 m
Flights per day
17
Distance
391 km
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cartagena will cost around £216 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap flight tickets today for only £54.
Of the 17 flights that leave Madrid for Cartagena every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct flights cover the 391 km distance in an average of 2 h 46 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
The slowest flights will take 5 h 20 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.
UX4047
UX4049
UX6067 · UX4026
UX6031 · UX4026
UX6079 · UX4026
UX4049
UX4047
UX6079 · UX4026
UX6031 · UX4024
UX6067 · UX4026Omio 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 prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £12, and a flight costs an average of £29.
Distance: 391 km
| Flight | Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£127 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £37 Average Price |
4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m 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 table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena flights for today, Wednesday 5 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UX6049 · UX4024 | 21:45 Madrid Barajas Airport | 13h55 | 11:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6049 · UX4026 | 21:45 Madrid Barajas Airport | 22h10 | 19:55 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
| Thursday 6 August | |||||
UX4047 | 7:00 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 8:10 Alicante Elche Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
UX6031 · UX4026 | 8:20 Madrid Barajas Airport | 11h35 | 19:55 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6031 · UX4024 | 8:20 Madrid Barajas Airport | 3h20 | 11:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6013 · UX4026 | 10:15 Madrid Barajas Airport | 9h40 | 19:55 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6013 · UX4024 | 10:15 Madrid Barajas Airport | 25h25 | 11:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
AT973 · AT894 | 13:35 Madrid Barajas Airport | 23h05 | 12:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6067 · UX4026 | 14:35 Madrid Barajas Airport | 5h20 | 19:55 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6067 · UX4024 | 14:35 Madrid Barajas Airport | 21h05 | 11:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX4049 | 15:10 Madrid Barajas Airport | 1h10 | 16:20 Alicante Elche Airport | 0 changesdirect | |
AT979 · AT894 | 16:50 Madrid Barajas Airport | 19h50 | 12:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6079 · UX4026 | 17:05 Madrid Barajas Airport | 2h50 | 19:55 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6079 · UX4024 | 17:05 Madrid Barajas Airport | 18h35 | 11:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6097 · UX4024 | 19:00 Madrid Barajas Airport | 16h40 | 11:40 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
UX6097 · UX4026 | 19:00 Madrid Barajas Airport | 24h55 | 19:55 Alicante Elche Airport | 1 change | |
This is the last flight 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.
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.
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.

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.
Madrid Barajas Airport is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid Barajas Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located in all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Barajas Airport: Ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need