CARTAGENA to MADRID train from £5 with AVE

Name: How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cartagena to Madrid?
Creator: Omio

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cartagena to Madrid

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Oct

Cheapest price on 20 Oct

£30

Average ticket price on 20 Oct

£42

Fastest journey on 20 Oct

4 h 2 m

Average journey duration on 20 Oct

5 h 46 m

Trains on 20 Oct

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 £30.

Fast trains

To travel from Cartagena to Madrid you need to make at least one change.

14515+05843
9:007h38
Cartagena station
16:38Madrid Chamartín
£301One-way
1 change
37460+05843
11:554h43
Cartagena station
16:38Madrid Chamartín
£301One-way
1 change
38604+05843
6:509h48
Cartagena station
16:38Madrid Chamartín
£301One-way
1 change
14541+05843
5:0911h29
Cartagena station
16:38Madrid Chamartín
£301One-way
1 change
35604+05843
6:509h48
Cartagena station
16:38Madrid Chamartín
£321One-way
1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cartagena to Madrid

Spain

Trains from Cartagena to Madrid run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

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 10m

Cheapest ticket price

£5

Trains per day

Fastest train

2h 44m

First train

4:45

Last train

20:39

Cheapest Month

Dec

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Thu

Least Busy Day

Mon

Best time to book

63 days

Price information

Live departures

Cartagena to Madrid train times

The table below shows live departures for Cartagena to Madrid trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
14541+05763	5:09 Cartagena station	4h02	9:11 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
14541+05843	5:09 Cartagena station	11h29	16:38 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
14541+05817	5:09 Cartagena station	8h59	14:08 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
35604+05843	6:50 Cartagena station	9h48	16:38 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
38604+05843	6:50 Cartagena station	9h48	16:38 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
38604+05817	6:50 Cartagena station	7h18	14:08 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
14515+05843	9:00 Cartagena station	7h38	16:38 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
14515+05817	9:00 Cartagena station	5h08	14:08 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
37460+05843	11:55 Cartagena station	4h43	16:38 Madrid Chamartín	1 change
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cartagena to Madrid trains with Omio?

AVE as well as Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO and more offer trains 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 AVE?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for AVE, but also compare tickets for the likes of Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY or SNCF OUIGO 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 AVE 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 Rome2rio, Raileurope or Trainline?

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.

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 1 day 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 £5

Coaches

from £29

Flights

from £20

Train companies: AVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO from Cartagena to Madrid trainsAVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO trains will get you between Cartagena and Madrid from £5. 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

Average AVE Duration

3h 40m

Cheapest AVE Price

£5

AVE frequency

4 a day

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

Learn more about AVE

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

Average Renfe INTERCITY Duration

5h 22m

Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price

£7

Renfe INTERCITY frequency

5 a day

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

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

Average Renfe AVLO Duration

4h 31m

Cheapest Renfe AVLO Price

£5

Renfe AVLO frequency

3 a day

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

Learn more about Renfe AVLO

SNCF 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 SNCF OUIGO Duration

2h 44m

Cheapest SNCF OUIGO Price

£8

SNCF OUIGO frequency

3 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

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 del Prado

Spain’s premier art museum houses Velázquez, Goya and El Greco masterpieces, making it essential for understanding European painting.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

Renfe trains from Cartagena to Madrid

Renfe is Spain's national train operator and connects the country's main points of interest. In addition, Renfe has the largest high-speed network in Europe with AVE and Alvia trains. Other Renfe train types are Altaria, Euromed and Talgo. All Renfe trains are equipped with an on-board bistro, toilets, air conditioning and many of them with Wi-Fi.

At Omio you can easily check the Renfe timetable for your trip and book cheap Renfe tickets from Cartagena to Madrid. When booking, you can choose different classes (Tourist, Tourist Plus, Preferred and Club), the seat and the type of ticket you want (Promo, Promo+, Flexible or Round Trip). If you have a Renfe discount card, you can specify it when you buy your ticket at Omio and take advantage of many offers. For information on ticket cancellation, please visit our Help centre.

Renfe

More information

More information:	Trains in Spain
More information:	Renfe
More information:	Book your trains in Europe
More information:	Cheap train tickets
More information:	High speed trains in Europe

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 cost of a train ticket from Cartagena to Madrid can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £10.

The train journey from Cartagena to Madrid covers a distance of 391 km and takes approximately 2h 44m. Trains run 8 per day.

The train distance from Cartagena to Madrid is 391 km.

The first train from Cartagena to Madrid leaves at 4:45.

The last train from Cartagena to Madrid departs at 20:39.

Trains from Cartagena to Madrid run approximately 8 times per day.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cartagena to Madrid.

Yes, there is a direct train between Cartagena and Madrid. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by SNCF OUIGO.

There is no night train service from Cartagena to Madrid.

The train station in Cartagena that goes to Madrid is Cartagena station, and it arrives at Madrid Chamartín.

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 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.

Yes, you can take the train from Cartagena to Madrid.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cartagena and Madrid

Most Cartagena to Madrid trains use the Cartagena to Madrid Chamartín station pair, with some services arriving at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes. Use this guide to compare Cartagena and Madrid train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cartagena

Arrival train stations in Madrid

Which Cartagena station do trains to Madrid leave from?

Trains from Cartagena to Madrid leave from Cartagena. The station is 1 km from Cartagena city centre at 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain.

Cartagena30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain Parking

Cartagena train station facilities and services

Cartagena has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cartagena.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Cartagena.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cartagena. Information desks are available at Cartagena.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cartagena: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cartagena: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena.

More about Cartagena

Which Madrid station do trains from Cartagena arrive at?

Trains from Cartagena to Madrid most often arrive at Madrid Chamartín. Some services arrive at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Madrid arrival station.

Madrid Chamartín28036 Madrid, Spain Parking

City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid Chamartín from Madrid city centre

Madrid Chamartín is 6 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 11m · £1 · every ~15 min

Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · £1 · every ~2 min

BusN24 · 24m · £3 · every ~11 min

Subway1 · 19m · £2 · every ~24 min

Madrid Chamartín train station facilities and services

Madrid Chamartín has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.