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Take the train from Cartagena to Barcelona in 8 hours 39 minutes
If you want to travel from Cartagena to Barcelona by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Cartagena to Barcelona by train to take around 11 hours 24 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 8 hours 39 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 8 trains per day running on this route, which spans 310 miles (499 km). You’ll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Barcelona. Renfe is the main rail company operating on this route. Having the widest network of high-speed trains in Europe, Renfe will make your train travel experience in Spain an enjoyable one.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Cartagena to Barcelona start from £49.32 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Cartagena to Barcelona by train
It takes an average of 11h 24m to travel from Cartagena to Barcelona by train, over a distance of around 310 miles (499 km). There are normally 8 trains per day travelling from Cartagena to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from £49.32 when you book in advance.
FAQs about the train journey from Cartagena to Barcelona
Want to know more about your journey from Cartagena to Barcelona? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Cartagena to Barcelona?
What's the distance between Cartagena and Barcelona by train?
Who runs the trains from Cartagena to Barcelona?
Can you travel from Cartagena to Barcelona without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Barcelona from Cartagena?
What time is the first train from Cartagena to Barcelona?
What time is the last train from Cartagena to Barcelona?
How often do trains go from Cartagena to Barcelona?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Cartagena to Barcelona?
Is there a return trip from Cartagena to Barcelona?
Renfe trains from Cartagena to Barcelona
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
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Cheap train tickets from Cartagena to Barcelona
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 Cartagena to Barcelona 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.