1st Class
Renfe AVE
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Food available
- Extra legroom
- Cabin luggage
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Cartagena
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£41
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£52
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
2 h 49 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
3 h 49 m
Trains on 03 Sept
9
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 £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
Fast trains
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 9 trains from Madrid to Cartagena, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 391 km distance in an average of 3 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 1 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.
0656416:152h49Madrid Chamartín19:04Murcia Del Carmen£411One-way0 changes
05668+
145426:158h03Madrid Chamartín14:18Cartagena station£491One-way1 change- 05668+145126:155h01Madrid Chamartín11:16Cartagena station£491One-way1 change
- 05668+145146:156h49Madrid Chamartín13:04Cartagena station£491One-way1 change
- 064848:153h27Madrid Chamartín11:42Murcia Del Carmen£501One-way0 changes
- 0656416:152h49Madrid Chamartín19:04Murcia Del Carmen£411One-way0 changes
- 064848:153h27Madrid Chamartín11:42Murcia Del Carmen£501One-way0 changes
- 0659418:453h29Madrid Chamartín22:14Murcia Del Carmen£681One-way0 changes
05962+1454210:004h18Madrid Chamartín14:18Cartagena station£551One-way1 change- 05668+145126:155h01Madrid Chamartín11:16Cartagena station£491One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Madrid to Cartagena
Omio 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
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£29 Average Price Cheapest | £35 Average Price | £61 Average Price |
4h 46m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 2h 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Cartagena is a train with an average price of £29.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cartagena:
A train is £5 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.
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Cartagena is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 52m.
Other travel options to Cartagena take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 16m.
Coach takes on average 5h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Cartagena including taking a coach, train and flight.
Live departures
Madrid to Cartagena train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena trains for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06564 | On time 16:15 Madrid Chamartín | 2h49 | 19:04 Murcia Del Carmen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06594 | Delayed 18:45 Madrid Chamartín | 3h29 | 20:14 20:14Murcia Del Carmen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 3 September | |||||
| 05668+14514 | 6:15 Madrid Chamartín | 6h49 | 13:04 Cartagena station | 1 change | |
| 05668+14512 | 6:15 Madrid Chamartín | 5h01 | 11:16 Cartagena station | 1 change | |
| 05668+14542 | 6:15 Madrid Chamartín | 8h03 | 14:18 Cartagena station | 1 change | |
| 06484 | 8:15 Madrid Chamartín | 3h27 | 11:42 Murcia Del Carmen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05962+14516 | 10:00 Madrid Chamartín | 5h29 | 15:29 Cartagena station | 1 change | |
| 05962+14542 | 10:00 Madrid Chamartín | 4h18 | 14:18 Cartagena station | 1 change | |
| 05962+14518 | 10:00 Madrid Chamartín | 6h55 | 16:55 Cartagena station | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Cartagena 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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Why should you book Madrid to Cartagena trains with Omio?
AVE as well as Renfe AVLO, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe INTERCITY 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, SNCF OUIGO or Renfe INTERCITY 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 £5Coaches
from £29Flights
from £29Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Cartagena
SpainSpain
Trains from Madrid to Cartagena run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 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 49m.
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 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £12 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
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 |
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, Renfe AVLO, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe INTERCITY from Madrid to Cartagena trainsAVE, Renfe AVLO, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe INTERCITY trains will get you between Madrid and Cartagena from £12. 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
What's included in each class
Compare AVE classes and the amenities included in each one.
2nd Class
Renfe AVE
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Food available
- Cabin luggage
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
What's included in each class
Compare Renfe INTERCITY classes and the amenities included in each one.
1st Class
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Newspapers and magazines
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
2nd Class
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
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
What's included in each class
Compare Renfe AVLO classes and the amenities included in each one.
2nd Class
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Cabin luggage
- Backpack
2nd Class with Extra Luggage
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Cabin luggage
- Backpack
- Luggage
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 49m
Cheapest SNCF OUIGO Price
£12
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
What's included in each class
Compare SNCF OUIGO classes and the amenities included in each one.
OUIGO Essential with extra luggage
- Power plugs
- 1 Handbag (36x27x15cm max.)
- Cabin luggage (55x35x25cm max.)
- XL luggage (200cm, 25kg max.)
- Snacks to buy
OUIGO ESSENTIEL
- Power plugs
- 1 Handbag (36x27x15cm max.)
- Cabin luggage (55x35x25cm max.)
- Snacks to buy
OUIGO PLUS
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- 1 Handbag (36x27x15cm max.)
- Cabin luggage (55x35x25cm max.)
- XL luggage (200cm, 25kg max.)
- Snacks to buy
OUIGO Plus with extra luggage
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- 1 Handbag (36x27x15cm max.)
- Cabin luggage (55x35x25cm max.)
- 2 pieces of XL luggage (200cm, 25kg max.)
- Snacks to buy
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.
- Recommended
Muralla Púnica de Cartagena
Modern museum showcasing Cartagena’s Punic Wall and crypt, essential for understanding the city’s ancient origins.
- Recommended
Museo Naval de Cartagena
Large naval museum with ship models, submarine history and maritime collections reflecting Cartagena’s long military port role.
- Must visit
Calle Mayor
Elegant pedestrian street lined with Modernist buildings, theatres and shops, ideal for strolling through central Cartagena.
- Recommended
Paseo Alfonso XII
Harbourfront promenade with sea views, public art and access to key sights, especially pleasant for an evening walk.
- Recommended
Plaza del Ayuntamiento
Central square surrounded by civic buildings and terraces, often used as a meeting point while exploring the old town.
- Gluten-free
Caldero
Caldero is Cartagena’s emblematic rice dish, cooked in rich fish stock with ñora peppers and usually served with local fish and alioli.
- Gluten-free
Michirones
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
Marinera is a classic Murcian tapa: a crisp bread ring topped with Russian salad and an anchovy, widely eaten in Cartagena bars.
Magoga
Well-known city-centre restaurant serving refined regional cuisine and seafood in an elegant, contemporary setting.
La Uva Jumillana
Popular traditional venue for tapas and Murcian specialities, including marineras and hearty local dishes, in a relaxed atmosphere.
La Cartela
Smart central restaurant focused on Mediterranean cooking, seafood and rice dishes in a polished but approachable space.
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
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- Unknown
- Day pass
- None
To the city centre
Estación de Cartagena -> Plaza de España, Cartagena
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Contactless bank card payment is available on Cartagena Cercanías single tickets where enabled by Renfe.
- For local route and fare checks, confirm details with the operator before travel because Cartagena urban bus fares may change seasonally or by municipal measure.
+ 
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 £12, while the average price tends to be around £29.
The train journey from Madrid to Cartagena covers a distance of 391 km and takes approximately 2h 49m. Trains run 2 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 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Madrid to Cartagena.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Madrid to Cartagena.
To get from Madrid to Cartagena, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
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 Murcia Del Carmen.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Cartagena is by train, costing approximately £12.
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.
A day trip from Madrid to Cartagena is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 49m. The distance between the two cities is 391 km and there are 2 trains per day.
In Cartagena, you can explore the ancient Roman city of Carthago Nova and take a guided tour to learn about its historical significance. Enjoy a boat tour of Cartagena's harbour for unique views of the city's coastline and landmarks. Attend a local festival or cultural event to experience the vibrant traditions and community spirit. Visit the Regional Park of Calblanque for beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and discover the local cuisine with a tapas tour. Don't miss the Roman Theatre Museum, Cartagena Naval Museum, Concepción Castle, National Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the bustling Calle Mayor.
For a fulfilling experience in Cartagena, plan to spend around 3 to 4 days. This duration allows you to explore the historic Old Town, enjoy the local beaches, and savour the vibrant culture and cuisine.
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 Murcia Del Carmen 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
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 · £0.90 · every ~15 min
Ic, Alv, 17041, Re, 18031, 18033, 18035, 18037, 18041, 18043, 18049, 18171, 37091, 37093, 37095, 37097, 37099 · 13m · £0.90 · 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 options for your journey from Madrid to Cartagena
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cartagena and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Cartagena
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