How to get from Málaga to Cartagena
- 322 km as the crow flies
Compare the train, bus and flight options. Then check them for your own date.
At a glance
Fastest
9h 51m
4 transfers
Bus + Train
€82
Calculated by Routavio, refreshed 25 Sept 2026
Start with the whole journey.
We compared the ways to travel from Málaga to Cartagena. The most useful door-to-door route takes 9h 51m by bus, train, 4 transfers. The two cities are about 322 km apart in a straight line. The price and operators below come from a real route search.
322 km
Málaga to Cartagena: cheapest or fastest?
All from the same recent search. Pick a tab: the legs, the timing and the difference from the others all change with it.
- 1Málaga → MálagabusCity transit·10m
- 2Málaga → Madridtrain
Renfe·2h 58m - 3Madrid → MurciatrainRenfe·2h 53m
- 4Murcia → Region of Murcia International AirportbusAirport shuttle bus·42m
- 5Region of Murcia International Airport → CartagenabusAirport shuttle bus·49m
The best balance of price and time we found on this route.
The observed fares belong to earlier dates.
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Ticket prices on this route
What each way of travelling costs, as the operator publishes it. These describe the route rather than a date you pick, and they refresh once a day. Booking opens at our partner Omio.
- Bus· 4h€27Book
Omio last refreshed these on Fri, Sep 25
Operators seen on these journeys
RenfeMálaga-Madrid, Madrid-MurciaBook →Airport shuttle busMurcia-Region of Murcia International Airport, Region of Murcia International Airport-CartagenaBook →On this route you travel with City transit, Renfe, Airport shuttle bus; Routavio does not add a booking fee.
How the trip from Málaga to Cartagena works
Start with a City transit bus from Málaga to Málaga, about 10 min. Transfer in Málaga and continue by Renfe train on to Madrid (2h 58m). Transfer in Madrid and continue by Renfe train on to Murcia (2h 53m). Transfer in Murcia and continue by Airport shuttle bus bus on to Murcia (42 min). Transfer in Murcia and continue by Airport shuttle bus bus on to Cartagena (49 min). In total it's roughly €82 over 9h 51m, 4 transfers.
Málaga to Cartagena: common questions
How long does it take to get from Málaga to Cartagena?
The most useful route takes about 9h 51m by bus, train, 4 transfers.
Is there a bus from Málaga to Cartagena?
Our route search found a bus option, but we hold no verified timetable for this route yet. Check the operator's own timetable for departure times.
Is there a train from Málaga to Cartagena?
Our route search found a train option, but we hold no verified timetable for this route yet. Check the operator's own timetable for departure times.
How far is Cartagena from Málaga?
About 322 km in a straight line. The real route on the ground or in the air is longer.
How much does Málaga to Cartagena cost?
Our latest search put the route we recommend at €82. Other options on this page can cost less, and the exact fare depends on your travel date.
Which operators run Málaga to Cartagena?
On this route you travel with City transit, Renfe, Airport shuttle bus.
Can you get from Málaga to Cartagena without flying?
Yes. A ground route by bus takes about 4h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Málaga to Cartagena?
Usually a flexible date, or leaving from a nearby airport. A live search puts every option for your dates side by side.
Can I book directly?
Yes. Routavio sends you straight to the operator or an independent third-party provider. We never add a booking fee. The final fare and availability are confirmed by that provider.
Related links
Other ways people search Málaga to Cartagena
- how to get from Málaga to Cartagena
- Málaga to Cartagena travel time
- Málaga to Cartagena distance
- cheapest way from Málaga to Cartagena
- Málaga to Cartagena by bus
Sources and method
Routes are calculated by Routavio's multimodal engine from operator timetables and flight data. Durations come from timetables, and prices are the most recent observation, not a guarantee.
Operators: City transit, Renfe, Airport shuttle bus
Route calculated: 25 Sep 2026