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Taking the train from Santander to Cartagena in 11 hours 14 minutes

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

It usually takes around 14 hours 25 minutes to travel the 431 miles (694 km) from Santander to Cartagena by train, although you can get there in as little as 11 hours 14 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll normally find around 5 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. You'll probably be hopping on a OUIGO train during your journey – a low-cost, high-speed train service operated by SNCF.

Train tickets from Santander to Cartagena are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to 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.

Trains to Cartagena from Santander

First train

06:48

Last train

19:00

Departure stationSantander
Arrival stationCartagena
Journey time

From 11h 14m

Distance

431 miles (694 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

Bilman, OUIGO

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Santander to Cartagena?

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

How do you travel to Cartagena from Santander?

To get to Cartagena from Santander, why not take the train? With 5 trains per day and an average journey time of 14 hours and 25 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Santander to Cartagena by train?

On average, it takes around 14 hours and 25 minutes to travel from Santander to Cartagena by train, although you can get there in 11 hours and 14 minutes on the fastest services. With 5 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

Are there high-speed trains from Santander to Cartagena?

Yes, there are high-speed trains available from Santander to Cartagena. OUIGO trains offer various classes and onboard services. You'll be able to get there in around 11 hours and 14 minutes on the fastest services.

How fast can trains travel from Santander to Cartagena?

The fastest time a train can travel the 431 miles (694 km) from Santander to Cartagena is 11 hours and 14 minutes.

What are the train times from Santander to Cartagena?

Check out the next trains departing from Santander to Cartagena for Tuesday 28th April 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
05:4818:1312h 25m, 2 changes
05:4819:3413h 46m, 1 change
08:2019:3411h 14m, 3 changes
12:5807:2518h 27m, 2 changes
18:0010:1616h 16m, 2 changes

OUIGO trains from Santander to Cartagena

You can travel from Santander to Cartagena on OUIGO trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoCramos, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0

OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.

What OUIGO classes are there from Santander to Cartagena?

Compare the different travel classes offered by OUIGO when travelling from Santander to Cartagena.

What are the onboard services on OUIGO?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Santander to Cartagena.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

One piece of hand luggage (40 x 30 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin luggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in coach 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 per ticket for all journeys.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Passengers with reduced mobility can travel onboard OUIGO trains. You can also request the "Assist'enGare" service for help at the station.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Santander to Cartagena?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Santander to Cartagena starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

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.

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