Madrid to Cartagena train with AVE

Sun, Sep 13
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AVE
Renfe AVLO
SNCF OUIGO
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
AVE
Renfe AVLO
SNCF OUIGO
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Cartagena

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 13

Cheapest price on Sep 13

€35

Average ticket price on Sep 13

€40

Fastest journey on Sep 13

4 h 18 m

Average journey duration on Sep 13

7 h 26 m

Trains on Sep 13

5

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Cartagena will cost around €40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €35.

Fast trains

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

  • Renfe AVLO05668+Renfe PROXIMIDAD14542
    6:15 AM8h03
    Madrid Chamartín
    2:18 PMCartagena station
    €351One-way
    1 transfer
  • Renfe AVLO05668+Renfe PROXIMIDAD14512
    6:15 AM5h01
    Madrid Chamartín
    11:16 AMCartagena station
    €351One-way
    1 transfer
  • AVE05962+Renfe PROXIMIDAD14542
    10:00 AM4h18
    Madrid Chamartín
    2:18 PMCartagena station
    €431One-way
    1 transfer
  • AVE05962+Renfe PROXIMIDAD14544
    10:00 AM9h13
    Madrid Chamartín
    7:13 PMCartagena station
    €431One-way
    1 transfer
  • AVE05962+Renfe PROXIMIDAD37463
    10:00 AM10h34
    Madrid Chamartín
    8:34 PMCartagena station
    €431One-way
    1 transfer

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 an average ticket price of €33 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 €33, while a flight costs an average of €67.

Distance: 391 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€33

Average price

Cheapest

€39

Average price

€67

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

AVE

Most popular train company

Alsa

Most popular bus company

Iberia

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 €33.

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Cartagena:

A train is €6 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average €39.

A train is €35 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Cartagena costing on average €67.

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.

Bus 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 bus, train, and flight.

Live departures

Madrid to Cartagena train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Cartagena trains for today, Saturday, September 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
SNCF OUIGO06564
On time
4:15 PM Madrid Chamartín
2h49
7:04 PM Murcia Del Carmen		0 transfersDirect
Sunday, September 13
Renfe AVLO05668+Renfe PROXIMIDAD145126:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
5h01
11:16 AM Cartagena station1 transfer
Renfe AVLO05668+Renfe PROXIMIDAD145426:15 AM Madrid Chamartín
8h03
2:18 PM Cartagena station1 transfer
AVE05962+Renfe PROXIMIDAD1454210:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
4h18
2:18 PM Cartagena station1 transfer
AVE05962+Renfe PROXIMIDAD1454410:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
9h13
7:13 PM Cartagena station1 transfer
AVE05962+Renfe PROXIMIDAD3746310:00 AM Madrid Chamartín
10h34
8:34 PM Cartagena station1 transfer

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 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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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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Cartagena

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Cartagena run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €13 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
€13
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
2h 49m
First train
4:45 AM
Last train
8:39 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
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 €13. 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
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
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

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

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
€13
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 Madrid to Cartagena

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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Cartagena can start from as little as €13 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Cartagena is €33; 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 Madrid to Cartagena is 2h 49m 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 Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 4:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 8:39 PM.
Yes,there are 2 direct trains a day from Madrid to Cartagena with . Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there are multiple high-speed train options for your journey from Madrid to Cartagena. You can choose between SNCF OUIGO. SNCF OUIGO trains take around 2h 49m
When taking a train from Madrid to Cartagena, you can count on AVE, Renfe AVLO, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe INTERCITY for the best way to get you to Cartagena. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Madrid and Cartagena and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Cartagena from Madrid is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 49m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Madrid to Cartagena is December.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to 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, SpainParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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

More options for your journey from Madrid to Cartagena

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Return journeys for trains from Cartagena to Madrid
Buses from Madrid to Cartagena
Compare all journeys between Madrid and Cartagena
Tickets and more information for trains to Madrid
Tickets and more information for trains to Cartagena
HomeTrainsTrains in SpainTrain Times to CartagenaMadrid to Cartagena train

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