English La Manga
The strip of land between the Mar Menor and Mediterranean, next to Cartagena.
~1 h 15View route →
Cartagena, a city of ports and Roman history
Unlike the beach destinations along the Costa Blanca, Cartagena is a city with two distinct sides worth knowing before you arrive, as they determine where each transfer needs to go: the waterfront, with its cruise terminal and naval base, and the historic centre, home to the Roman Theatre and elegant modernist streets.
The waterfront
Port and naval base
The natural harbour, with the cruise terminal close to the city centre, the military Arsenal and the waterfront promenade. A key arrival point for cruise passengers and visitors to the Peral submarine.
The history
Roman Theatre and old town
The Roman Theatre, Punic Wall, Concepción Castle and pedestrianised Calle Mayor. A compact city centre that is easy to explore on foot.
Transfer to Cartagena cruise port
Cartagena is a regular Mediterranean cruise port of call, and its terminal is right next to the city centre rather than on the outskirts. For passengers boarding or disembarking, timing is key: pick-up is arranged around the ship's boarding deadline rather than its sailing time, while for disembarkation it is based on the actual time passengers leave the ship in their allocated group.
Pick-up coordinated with your cruise
Provide the cruise line, ship name and boarding or disembarkation time when booking. The driver adjusts your pick-up from Alicante Airport to allow enough time to reach the cruise terminal, and on the return journey waits for the actual disembarkation time.
How to get from Alicante Airport to Cartagena
Alicante Airport is around 120 km from Cartagena, with a typical journey time of about 1 hour 15 minutes by motorway and no tolls: take the AP-7 southbound and then join the A-30 towards the city. It is a straightforward motorway journey, with pick-up at the airport terminal and drop-off at your exact destination, whether that is the city centre, a hotel or the cruise terminal. From €165 including vehicle and driver.
Cartagena is one of the southernmost destinations served from Alicante Airport, already in the Region of Murcia and a gateway to the Costa Cálida and Mar Menor.
Taxi price from Alicante Airport to Cartagena
The private transfer to Cartagena is booked at a fixed price per vehicle, with no meter, so the fare is agreed in advance and does not change during the journey. The price depends on the number of passengers, luggage and whether your destination is the city centre, a hotel or the cruise port.
Fixed fare per vehicle
Enter your passenger details, luggage, date and destination in Cartagena and you will receive a fixed fare for a car, minivan or minibus, also ideal for groups travelling together to board a cruise.
Other routes from Alicante Airport
If your destination in the Region of Murcia or on the Costa Blanca is not Cartagena, these are other private transfer routes from Alicante Airport, each with its own dedicated page.
Murcia
The regional capital, north of Cartagena by motorway.
~1 hView route →
Torrevieja
Salt lakes and beaches in the south of Alicante province.
~45 minView route →
Altea
The whitewashed old town with its blue-domed church on the northern Costa Blanca.
~45 minView route →
Benidorm
The Costa Blanca's high-rise resort known for its beaches and lively atmosphere.
~50 minView route →
Calpe
The Peñón de Ifach and two beaches, north of Benidorm.
~1 hView route →
Villajoyosa
The colourful seaside town known for its painted houses and chocolate tradition, next to Benidorm.
~40 minView route →
Dénia
Ferry port for the Balearic Islands and capital of the Marina Alta.
~1 h 10View route →
Jávea
Coves, Montgó mountain and a marina beside Dénia.
~1 h 5View route →
Valencia
The regional capital on the Turia, north via the AP-7 for longer journeys.
~2 hView route →
Vehicles, cruise groups and luggage
Transfers to Cartagena cover a mix of journeys: city breaks, weekend trips and, above all, cruise passengers travelling with luggage for one or two weeks. For groups boarding the same ship, a minibus with a single meeting point makes the journey to the cruise terminal easier.
The vehicle is assigned according to the number of passengers, luggage and child seats required: you can see the available options in the Zonetransfers fleet. For itineraries around the Region of Murcia with a driver at your disposal, the chauffeur service in Alicante is available. Additional stops and extras are subject to the service terms.
Frequently asked questions about transfers from Alicante to Cartagena
How long does it take from Alicante Airport to Cartagena?
It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to cover approximately 120 km by motorway (AP-7 and A-30), with no tolls. Traffic on the approach to the city may add a few minutes.
Can you drop me off at Cartagena cruise port?
Yes. The cruise terminal is right next to the city centre, and the transfer takes you directly to the cruise terminal. It is advisable to provide the cruise line and ship name when booking.
What if I am boarding or disembarking from a cruise?
For embarkation, airport pick-up is arranged around the boarding deadline rather than the ship's sailing time. For disembarkation, it is based on the actual time passengers leave the ship, as disembarkation takes place in groups and can take longer.
Can the car reach the historic centre and Roman Theatre?
The city centre is compact, and some streets, including Calle Mayor, are pedestrianised. The vehicle will drop you at the nearest accessible point to your hotel or the monument you have specified.
Can Cartagena be combined with La Manga or the Mar Menor?
Yes. Cartagena is a gateway to the Costa Cálida and Mar Menor. Additional stops or combined destinations can be arranged when booking so that the journey time and fare can be adjusted accordingly.
How much does a taxi or transfer to Cartagena cost?
It is booked at a fixed price per vehicle, with no meter. The fare depends on the number of passengers, luggage and destination in Cartagena, and is confirmed when you request a quote.
How do I book the return journey from Cartagena to Alicante Airport?
Provide the exact pick-up address —your hotel, the city centre or the cruise terminal— and your flight time, allowing around 1 hour 15 minutes for the journey plus enough time for check-in and airport formalities.
Book your transfer or taxi to Cartagena with a fixed fare
Enter your date, flight number, number of passengers and luggage, plus the exact address in Cartagena —the city centre, a hotel or the cruise terminal, including the cruise line and ship name—. You will receive a fixed fare with pick-up from Arrivals and drop-off at the correct destination.
Available from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00.