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The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid to Cartagena
Showing times and prices for Feb 04
Cheapest price
€24
Average price
€42
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 8 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
391 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Cartagena is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Cartagena will cost around €42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.
Fast buses
Of the 12 buses that leave Madrid for Cartagena on Wed, Feb 04, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Feb 04 the direct buses cover the 391 km distance in an average of 5 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Wed, Feb 04 the slowest buses 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.
04:30PM5h20
Madrid09:50PMCartagena
€241One-way
0 transfers
Normal12:30AM5h20
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses05:50AMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses
€411One-way
0 transfers
Normal12:30PM6h35
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses07:05PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses
€411One-way
0 transfers
Normal11:45PM6h05
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)05:50AMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses
€411One-way
0 transfers
Normal11:45AM7h20
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)07:05PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses
€411One-way
0 transfers
05:00PM4h20
Madrid09:20PMCartagena
€431One-way
0 transfers
04:30PM5h20
Madrid09:50PMCartagena
€241One-way
0 transfers
Normal12:30AM5h20
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses05:50AMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses
€411One-way
0 transfers
Normal08:30AM5h20
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses01:50PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses
€411One-way
0 transfers
Supra Economy04:30PM5h20
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses09:50PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses
€561One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, 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 prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. 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 €30.
Distance: 391 km
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€41 Average price | €31 Average price Cheapest | €146 Average price |
6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train 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
Madrid to Cartagena bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena buses for today, Tuesday, February 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 9:31 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 10:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h20 | 6:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 11:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h35 | 6:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Supra Economy | 2:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 8:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Supra Economy | 3:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 8:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h30 | 10:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 4:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h45 | 10:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 10:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 4:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 11:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 4:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, February 4 | |||||
| Normal | 6:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 12:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Normal | 7:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 12:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Cartagena by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Cartagena
SpainSpain
Buses from Madrid to Cartagena run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €29 but you can travel from only €7 by train.
There are 12 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 391 km distance in 5h 20m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €7
Distance 391 km |
Average bus duration 5h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price €29 |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 12 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 00:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €7
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus from Madrid to CartagenaYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Cartagena with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus for as low as €7. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
€32
Alsa frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
Alsa Supra
About
Alsa Supra is a premium service offered by Alsa, a leading Spanish bus company. It provides a high level of comfort and amenities for travelers, aiming to make each journey a unique experience. Key features of Alsa Supra buses include reclining leather seats with footrests, individual seating rows, high-speed Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and an \Ociobus\" on-board entertainment system with films, documentaries, and music. Passengers can also enjoy daily newspapers and a food and drink service, with a special menu available in the Premium class. Alsa Supra also offers services for people with reduced mobility, including reserved seating and wheelchair spaces. These services are available on various national and international routes."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 20m
Cheapest Price
€71
Alsa Supra frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; prior reservation required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.
Infobus
About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own \BusSystem\" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: \Bla\" for quiet, \"BlaBla\" for talkative, and \"BlaBlaBla\" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys."
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
FAQs: Bus from Madrid to Cartagena
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Cartagena by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cartagena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Madrid to Cartagena can start from as little as €29 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Madrid to Cartagena is €41; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Madrid to Cartagena is 5h 20m to travel the 391 km long trip. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 12 direct coaches a day from Madrid to Cartagena with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Madrid to Cartagena, you can count on Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar, Infobus for the best way to get you to Cartagena. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Madrid and Cartagena and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Madrid , you have various coach station options to start your trip from including Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid), Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses . When arriving in Cartagena , you can end your trip in coach stations like Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses .Passengers board the coach most frequently from Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid), which is located around 12 away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Cartagena from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Madrid to Cartagena is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Cartagena including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Madrid to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Madrid to Cartagena for coach company Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Madrid to Cartagena depends on the coach companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Within 48 hours, a fee applies.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Madrid to Cartagena.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Madrid to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Alsa Supra
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Madrid to Cartagena:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the coach from Madrid to Cartagena. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
- Alsa Supra
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Madrid to Cartagena with the following coach company: Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Madrid to Cartagena with the following coach company: Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Madrid to Cartagena with the following coach company: Alsa, Alsa Supra, Infobus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Madrid to Cartagena
Madrid
Cartagena
The major bus station for departures in Madrid is Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) for your trip from Madrid to Cartagena.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
Amenities at bus station
DiningATMAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
12 km
Car connection
M-40, M-14Dining
- Rodilla, Mahoudrid
Accessibility
- Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets
WC
- Located inside the terminal, well-signposted, accessible, and generally clean
Shower
- No public showers in the bus station area; showers available in airport lounges (approx. €15-€30 for lounge access)
Public transit options for Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)
- Metro Line 8, Aeropuerto T4, 12 km
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-23:00
Distance to city center
3 kmCar connection
Calle de Méndez ÁlvaroWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
- La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses
- Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
The major bus station for arrivals in Cartagena is Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses for your trip to Cartagena from Madrid.
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 06:00-22:00
Car connection
Calle Doctor Gómez UllaWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km)
- La Catedral (0.7 km).
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses
- Bus: 2, 4, 6 Train: C-1
Most popular bus connections from Madrid
More options for your journey from Madrid to Cartagena
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cartagena and Madrid
Most popular bus connections to Cartagena
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