The cheapest and fastest coaches from Madrid to Cartagena
Cheapest price
35S$
Average price
45S$
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 34 m
Buses per day
10
Distance
391 km
The best way to find a cheap coach 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 45S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only 35S$.
Of the 10 buses that leave Madrid for Cartagena every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 391 km distance in an average of 5 h 34 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 5 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.
Normal12:30 PM6h35Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses7:05 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses35 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal8:30 AM5h20Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses1:50 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses35 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal7:45 AM6h05Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)1:50 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses42 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal12:30 AM5h20Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses5:50 AMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses42 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal11:45 PM6h05Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)5:50 AMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses42 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal12:30 AM5h20Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses5:50 AMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses42 S$1One-way0 changes
Supra Economy4:30 PM5h20Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses9:50 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses64 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal8:30 AM5h20Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses1:50 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses35 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal5:30 PM5h45Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses11:15 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses42 S$1One-way0 changes
Normal7:45 AM6h05Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid)1:50 PMCartagena, Estación de Autobuses42 S$1One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Madrid to Cartagena
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Cartagena among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from 13S$. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. 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 13S$, and a flight costs an average of 33S$.
Distance: 391 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
41S$ Average Price | 28S$ Average Price Cheapest | 141S$ Average Price |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m 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 coaches for today, Saturday, 20 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 11:45 AM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h20 | 7:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 12:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 6h35 | 7:05 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 3:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 9:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Supra Economy | 4:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 9:50 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 4:30 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h45 | 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 5:30 PM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h45 | 11:15 PM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
Normal | 11:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 6h05 | 5:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday, 21 June | |||||
Normal | 12:30 AM Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses | 5h20 | 5:50 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus 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.
20 Jun
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10 Jul
Why should you book Madrid to Cartagena coaches with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra 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 Alsa 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 Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Alsa Supra to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Cartagena.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Cartagena
Buses from Madrid to Cartagena run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at 29S$ but you can travel from only 13S$ by train.
There are 13 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 391 km distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 391 km |
Average bus duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price 29S$ |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 5h 20m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 70 days |
Bus providers: Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar from Madrid to CartagenaYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Cartagena with Alsa, Alsa Supra, BlaBlaCar for as low as 13S$. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
Alsa Supra
BlaBlaCar
FAQs: Madrid to Cartagena coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Cartagena by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cartagena, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa Supra
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible restrooms.
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for 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.
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa Supra
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa Supra
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- Alsa Supra
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Cartagena
- 06:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km)
- La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station
- Bus: 8, 102, 148 Metro: L6 Train: C1, C5
- 06:00-23:00
- Rodilla, Mahoudrid
- Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets
- Located inside the terminal, well-signposted, accessible, and generally clean
- No public showers in the bus station area; showers available in airport lounges (approx. €15-€30 for lounge access)
- Metro Line 8, Aeropuerto T4, 12 km
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cafetería de la estación (in the station)
- Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km)
- La Catedral (0.7 km).
- Available outside the main entrance
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station
- Bus: 2, 4, 6 Train: C-1
Most popular bus connections from Madrid
More options for your journey from Madrid to Cartagena
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