TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets

Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

What customers say about Trainline

Read real reviews from real users

Taking the train from Madrid to Cartagena in 4 hours 18 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Madrid to Cartagena? We’ve got you covered.

It usually takes around 5 hours 14 minutes to travel the 243 miles (392 km) from Madrid to Cartagena by train, although you can get there in as little as 4 hours 18 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 9 trains per day running on this route. You’ll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Train tickets from Madrid to Cartagena start from £13.15 when you book in advance, which can be cheaper than buying them on the day. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Keen to book your train tickets to Cartagena? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable below, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs, including first and last train times.

Madrid to Cartagena by train

It takes an average of 5h 14m to travel from Madrid to Cartagena by train, over a distance of around 243 miles (392 km). There are normally 9 trains per day travelling from Madrid to Cartagena and tickets for this journey start from £13.15 when you book in advance.

First train

06:15

Last train

19:15

Departure station

Madrid

Arrival station

Cartagena

Journey time

From 4h 18m

Distance

243 miles (392 km)

Frequency

9 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £13.15

Train and bus operators

ALSA

Madrid to Cartagena train times

Check out the next trains departing from Madrid to Cartagena for Friday 29th March 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesTrainDuration
06:15 Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor11:16 Cartagenaavlo 5668 Get tickets5h 1m, 1 change
07:45 Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor13:04 Cartagena6074 Get tickets5h 19m, 2 changes
10:00 Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor14:18 Cartagenaave 5962 Get tickets4h 18m, 1 change
14:25 Madrid Atocha19:13 Cartagenaave 5742 Get tickets4h 48m, 1 change
16:00 Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor21:17 Cartagenaave 5162 Get tickets5h 17m, 1 change
17:00 Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor22:40 Cartagenaavlo 5178 Get tickets5h 40m, 2 changes

Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Cartagena

The price of train tickets from Madrid to Cartagena starts at £13.15 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Madrid to Cartagena by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Cartagena? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Madrid to Cartagena take?

The average journey time by train between Madrid and Cartagena is 5 hours and 14 minutes, with around 9 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Madrid and Cartagena by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Madrid to Cartagena is 4 hours and 18 minutes.

How much does the train from Madrid to Cartagena cost?

Train ticket prices from Madrid to Cartagena can start from as little as £13.15 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Madrid to Cartagena?

No, there are no direct train services from Madrid to Cartagena. Travelling from Madrid to Cartagena by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What time does the first train from Madrid to Cartagena leave?

The first train from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 06:15. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Madrid to Cartagena leave?

The last train from Madrid to Cartagena leaves at 19:15. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Madrid and Cartagena by train?

Trains travelling from Madrid to Cartagena cover a distance of around 243 miles (392 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cartagena to Madrid. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Madrid to Cartagena.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.