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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cartagena to Madrid
Showing times and prices for 02 Dec
Cheapest price
£31
Average price
£42
Fastest journey
4 h 2 m
Average duration
5 h 42 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
391 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train 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 £42 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
Fast trains
To travel from Cartagena to Madrid you need to make at least one change.
38604+
0581706:507h18
Cartagena station14:08Madrid Chamartín
£311One-way
1 change
14515+0581709:005h08
Cartagena station14:08Madrid Chamartín
£311One-way
1 change
14541+0581705:098h59
Cartagena station14:08Madrid Chamartín
£311One-way
1 change
35604+0581706:507h18
Cartagena station14:08Madrid Chamartín
£331One-way
1 change
38604+
0584306:509h48
Cartagena station16:38Madrid Chamartín
£431One-way
1 change
14541+0576305:094h02
Cartagena station09:11Madrid Chamartín
£811One-way
1 change
37460+0584311:554h43
Cartagena station16:38Madrid Chamartín
£431One-way
1 change
14515+0581709:005h08
Cartagena station14:08Madrid Chamartín
£311One-way
1 change
38604+0581706:507h18
Cartagena station14:08Madrid Chamartín
£311One-way
1 change
35604+0581706:507h18
Cartagena station14:08Madrid Chamartín
£331One-way
1 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 prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. 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 £7, and a flight costs an average of £20.
Distance: 391 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£25 Average Price Cheapest | £38 Average Price | £65 Average Price |
4h 51m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus 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 train times
The table below shows live departures for Cartagena to Madrid trains for today, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 07:31
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14515+05843 | On time 08:00 Cartagena station | 7h38 | 15:38 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 37460+05843 | On time 10:55 Cartagena station | 4h43 | 15:38 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 2 December | |||||
| 14541+05763 | On time 04:09 Cartagena station | 4h02 | 08:11 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 14541+05843 | On time 04:09 Cartagena station | 11h29 | 15:38 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 14541+05817 | On time 04:09 Cartagena station | 8h59 | 13:08 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 38604+05817 | On time 05:50 Cartagena station | 7h18 | 13:08 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 38604+05843 | On time 05:50 Cartagena station | 9h48 | 15:38 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
| 35604+05817 | On time 05:50 Cartagena station | 7h18 | 13:08 Madrid Chamartín | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cartagena to Madrid?
The best time to book your train from Cartagena to Madrid is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cartagena to Madrid route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cartagena to Madrid per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cartagena to Madrid.
Trains
from £9Coaches
from £37Flights
from £77Journey information
Overview: Train from Cartagena to Madrid
SpainSpain
Trains from Cartagena to Madrid run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 20:39. The fastest train covers the 391 km distance in 2h 44m.
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
Distance 391 km |
Average train duration 4h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £7 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 44m |
First train 04:45 |
Last train 20:39 |
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
Train companies: AVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO, Renfe Intercity from Cartagena to Madrid trainsAVE, Ouigo, Renfe AVLO, Renfe Intercity trains will get you between Cartagena and Madrid from £7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
AVE
About
Travel comfortably with AVE, Renfe’s high-speed trains. AVE connects major cities across Spain at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph), offering a fast and smooth travel experience. Ticket options include Promo, Promo+, and Flexible fares to suit different budgets, along with discount cards such as the Gold Card and +Renfe Youth 50 Card for eligible travelers. AVE trains feature modern amenities including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard catering, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to travel across Spain.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage free of charge
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund conditions depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages. At-seat service in Preferente (First) Class
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for all classes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance services available
Pets
Small pets under 10kg in carriers allowed free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Renfe Intercity
About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
0
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Ouigo
About
SNCF OUIGO is a low-cost train service launched in 2013 by SNCF, the French national railway company. It offers budget-friendly travel on both high-speed (Ouigo Grande Vitesse) and conventional (Ouigo Vitesse Classique) lines in France, and also to Belgium and Spain. OUIGO trains are characterized by a \no-frills\" approach, featuring a single class of seating and minimal onboard amenities to keep ticket prices low. While the high-speed services utilize specially reconfigured TGV trains, Ouigo Vitesse Classique uses older locomotive-hauled rolling stock for even cheaper fares on slower routes."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest Price
£7
Ouigo frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (max 36x27x15cm) and 1 small bag included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by OUIGO
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation mandatory and included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers (max 45x30x25cm) for €5. Large dogs not allowed except guide dogs
Renfe AVLO
About
Renfe Avlo is Spain’s low-cost high-speed rail service operated by the national rail company Renfe. Serving routes between major cities such as Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Tarragona, Girona, and Figueres, Avlo trains reach speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). All tickets are for Economy Class (“Básica”) with assigned seating and include onboard services such as free Wi-Fi, entertainment via the PlayRenfe app, power sockets, and vending machines. Child tickets are available for ages 0–13, while passengers aged 14 and over require an adult ticket. Each fare includes a backpack and hand luggage (55x35x25 cm, no weight limit), with the option to upgrade for extra baggage. Prices start from as low as €7, making Avlo a budget-friendly way to travel between Spain’s most popular destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
1 cabin bag (55x35x25cm) and 1 personal item (35x30x20cm)
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and spaces between seats
Cancellation Policy
According to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers under 10kg allowed free. Service animals allowed
+ 
FAQs: Cartagena to Madrid train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cartagena to Madrid 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 Madrid, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train journey from Cartagena to Madrid offers a mix of scenic views, particularly as it traverses the varied landscapes of the Spanish countryside, including rolling hills and picturesque rural areas.
To fully experience Madrid, 3 to 4 days are recommended, allowing time to explore its cultural landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and rich culinary scene.
In Madrid, visit the bustling Puerta del Sol for its iconic clock and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of gourmet foods at Mercado de San Miguel and explore the lively nightlife in the Malasaña district. Experience traditional Spanish culture by attending a flamenco show. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a tour or a football match. Discover artistic masterpieces at the Prado Museum and explore the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid. Relax in Retiro Park, admire the Plaza Mayor, and enjoy shopping or entertainment along Gran Vía.
The cheapest way to get from Cartagena to Madrid is by train, costing approximately £7.
The cost of a train ticket from Cartagena to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £25.
A day trip from Cartagena to Madrid is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 44m and there are 2 trains per day. The distance between the two cities is 391 km.
The train distance from Cartagena to Madrid is 391 km.
Booking trains from Cartagena to Madrid in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The last train from Cartagena to Madrid departs at 20:39.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cartagena and Madrid. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Ouigo.
The train journey from Cartagena to Madrid covers a distance of 391 km and takes approximately 2h 44m. Trains run 2 per day.
There is no night train service from Cartagena to Madrid.
The train station in Cartagena that goes to Madrid is Murcia Del Carmen, and it arrives at Madrid Chamartín.
The first train from Cartagena to Madrid leaves at 4:45.
Trains from Cartagena to Madrid run approximately 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cartagena to Madrid.
Yes, you can take the train from Cartagena to Madrid.
To get from Cartagena to Madrid, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cartagena and Madrid
Cartagena
Madrid
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
Most popular train connections from Cartagena
More options for your journey from Cartagena to Madrid
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Most popular trains to and from Madrid and Cartagena
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