MADRID to CARTAGENA train from £6 with AVE

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

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Cartagena

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Oct

Cheapest price on 18 Oct

£36

Average ticket price on 18 Oct

£42

Fastest journey on 18 Oct

4 h 18 m

Average journey duration on 18 Oct

7 h 26 m

Trains on 18 Oct

Distance

391 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train 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 train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

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

05668+14542
6:158h03
Madrid Chamartín
14:18Cartagena station
£361One-way
1 change
05668+14512
6:155h01
Madrid Chamartín
11:16Cartagena station
£361One-way
1 change
05962+14544
10:009h13
Madrid Chamartín
19:13Cartagena station
£451One-way
1 change
05962+37463
10:0010h34
Madrid Chamartín
20:34Cartagena station
£451One-way
1 change
05962+14542
10:004h18
Madrid Chamartín
14:18Cartagena station
£451One-way
1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Cartagena

Spain

Trains from Madrid to Cartagena run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 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 46m.

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 23m

Cheapest ticket price

£6

Trains per day

Fastest train

2h 46m

First train

4:45

Last train

20:39

Cheapest Month

Dec

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Apr - Jun

Busiest Day

Tue

Least Busy Day

Sun

Best time to book

63 days

Price information

Live departures

Madrid to Cartagena train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena trains for today, Saturday 17 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
06564	16:15 Madrid Chamartín	2h49	19:04 Murcia Del Carmen	0 changesdirect
06594	18:45 Madrid Chamartín	3h29	22:14 Murcia Del Carmen	0 changesdirect
Sunday 18 October
05668+14542	6:15 Madrid Chamartín	8h03	14:18 Cartagena station	1 change
05668+14512	6:15 Madrid Chamartín	5h01	11:16 Cartagena station	1 change
05962+14544	10:00 Madrid Chamartín	9h13	19:13 Cartagena station	1 change
05962+37463	10:00 Madrid Chamartín	10h34	20:34 Cartagena station	1 change
05962+14542	10:00 Madrid Chamartín	4h18	14:18 Cartagena station	1 change
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Madrid to Cartagena trains with Omio?

AVE as well as Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO and more offer trains services from Madrid to Cartagena.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Cartagena.

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 Madrid to Cartagena.
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 Madrid to Cartagena.

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 Madrid to Cartagena.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Cartagena?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Cartagena is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Cartagena route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Cartagena 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 Madrid to Cartagena.

Trains

from £6

Coaches

from £29

Flights

from £29

Train companies: AVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO from Madrid to Cartagena trainsAVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO trains will get you between Madrid and Cartagena from £6. 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 39m

Cheapest AVE Price

£6

AVE frequency

3 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 1m

Cheapest Renfe INTERCITY Price

£8

Renfe INTERCITY frequency

7 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 34m

Cheapest Renfe AVLO Price

£6

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 46m

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 Cartagena

Things to do in Cartagena

Discover the best of Cartagena — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cartagena trip today.

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Muralla Púnica de Cartagena

Modern museum showcasing Cartagena’s Punic Wall and crypt, essential for understanding the city’s ancient origins.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Museo Naval de Cartagena

Large naval museum with ship models, submarine history and maritime collections reflecting Cartagena’s long military port role.

View on map Visit website

Euro (€)

Moderate for Spain: rooms, dining and local transport are usually cheaper than in Madrid or Barcelona, but summer and waterfront areas cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget: €8-12 for a simple meal or fast food.
Mid-range: €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining: €50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee: €1.50-2.50 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

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.

Renfe trains from Madrid to Cartagena

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 Madrid to Cartagena. 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: Madrid to Cartagena train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Cartagena 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 Cartagena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Cartagena can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £12.

The train journey from Madrid to Cartagena covers a distance of 391 km and takes approximately 2h 46m. Trains run 7 per day.

The train distance from Madrid to Cartagena is 391 km.

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

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

Trains from Madrid to Cartagena run approximately 7 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Madrid to Cartagena.

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

There is no night train service from Madrid to Cartagena.

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

Booking trains from Madrid to Cartagena in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.

The train journey from Madrid to Cartagena offers a mix of scenic views, including picturesque countryside landscapes, charming Spanish villages, and glimpses of the mountainous regions, especially as the train approaches the Murcia region.

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

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Cartagena

Most Madrid to Cartagena trains use the Madrid Chamartín to Cartagena station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Cartagena train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Madrid

Arrival train stations in Cartagena

Which Madrid station do trains to Cartagena leave from?

Trains from Madrid to Cartagena leave from Madrid Chamartín. The station is 6 km from Madrid city centre at 28036 Madrid, Spain.

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.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Madrid Chamartín. Information desks are available at Madrid Chamartín.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Madrid Chamartín: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid Chamartín.

More about Madrid Chamartín

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena GrandesGlorieta Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain+34 912432343 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes from Madrid city centre

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 5m · £1 · every ~15 min

Bus26, 32 · 6m · £1 · every ~60 min

Subway1 · 6m · £2 · every ~24 min

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes train station facilities and services

Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.