Cartagena to Madrid train with AVE

Tue, Oct 20
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AVE
Renfe AVLO
Renfe INTERCITY
SNCF OUIGO
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
AVE
Renfe AVLO
Renfe INTERCITY
SNCF OUIGO
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cartagena to Madrid

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 20

Cheapest price on Oct 20

€34

Average ticket price on Oct 20

€47

Fastest journey on Oct 20

4 h 2 m

Average journey duration on Oct 20

5 h 46 m

Trains on Oct 20

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cartagena to Madrid will cost around €47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €34.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cartagena to Madrid without transferring at least once.

  • Renfe PROXIMIDAD14515+AVE05843
    9:00 AM7h38
    Cartagena station
    4:38 PMMadrid Chamartín
    €341One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe PROXIMIDAD38604+AVE05843
    6:50 AM9h48
    Cartagena station
    4:38 PMMadrid Chamartín
    €341One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe PROXIMIDAD14541+AVE05843
    5:09 AM11h29
    Cartagena station
    4:38 PMMadrid Chamartín
    €341One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe PROXIMIDAD37460+AVE05843
    11:55 AM4h43
    Cartagena station
    4:38 PMMadrid Chamartín
    €341One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe MD35604+AVE05843
    6:50 AM9h48
    Cartagena station
    4:38 PMMadrid Chamartín
    €361One-way
    1 transfer

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cartagena to Madrid

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Cartagena to Madrid run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. 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 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
€6
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
2h 44m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
8:39 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
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

Live departures

Cartagena to Madrid train times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe PROXIMIDAD14541+AVE057635:09 AM Cartagena station
4h02
9:11 AM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe PROXIMIDAD14541+Renfe AVLO058175:09 AM Cartagena station
8h59
2:08 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe PROXIMIDAD14541+AVE058435:09 AM Cartagena station
11h29
4:38 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe PROXIMIDAD38604+Renfe AVLO058176:50 AM Cartagena station
7h18
2:08 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe PROXIMIDAD38604+AVE058436:50 AM Cartagena station
9h48
4:38 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe MD35604+AVE058436:50 AM Cartagena station
9h48
4:38 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe PROXIMIDAD14515+AVE058439:00 AM Cartagena station
7h38
4:38 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe PROXIMIDAD14515+Renfe AVLO058179:00 AM Cartagena station
5h08
2:08 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer
Renfe PROXIMIDAD37460+AVE0584311:55 AM Cartagena station
4h43
4:38 PM Madrid Chamartín1 transfer

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.

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 €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 40m
Cheapest AVE Price
€6
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

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
€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

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
€9
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

FAQs: Trains from Cartagena to Madrid

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cartagena to Madrid can start from as little as €6 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cartagena to Madrid is €12; 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 train from Cartagena to Madrid is 2h 44m to travel the 391 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cartagena to Madrid leaves at 4:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cartagena to Madrid leaves at 8:39 PM.
There are 8 trains a day from Cartagena to Madrid which require at least one change with AVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there's a high-speed train to Madrid. Take the fast train with AVE, Renfe AVLO, SNCF OUIGO from Cartagena to Madrid.
When taking a train from Cartagena to Madrid, you can count on AVE, Renfe AVLO, Renfe INTERCITY, SNCF OUIGO for the best way to get you to Madrid. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cartagena and Madrid and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Madrid from Cartagena is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 44m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cartagena and Madrid including taking a bus, train, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cartagena to 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, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk

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.

Most popular train connections from Cartagena

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