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Travelling from Cartagena to Bordeaux by train
Looking to travel from Cartagena to Bordeaux by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 25 hours 29 minutes to travel from Cartagena to Bordeaux by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 17 hours 4 minutes though. You'll usually find 5 trains per day running along the 500 miles (805 km) route between these two destinations. You’ll need to make 3 changes during the journey to Bordeaux, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You'll be travelling with TGV, AVE or Avlo on your way to Bordeaux, as these are the main rail operators on this route.
Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Cartagena to Bordeaux.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Bordeaux by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
FAQs about the train journey from Cartagena to Bordeaux
Want to know more about your journey from Cartagena to Bordeaux? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Cartagena to Bordeaux?
How close is Cartagena to Bordeaux by train?
Which train companies operate from Cartagena to Bordeaux?
Is it possible to get from Cartagena to Bordeaux without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Cartagena to Bordeaux?
What time does the first train from Cartagena to Bordeaux leave?
What time does the last train from Cartagena to Bordeaux leave?
How often are trains from Cartagena to Bordeaux?
Do you need to book the train from Cartagena to Bordeaux in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Cartagena to Bordeaux?
AVE, OUIGO, Renfe and Alvia trains from Cartagena to Bordeaux
AVE
OUIGO
Renfe
Alvia
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
More information
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.
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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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Renfe's Alvia services combine high-speed tracks with lower speed sections, reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h) on international lines and 125 mph (200 km/h) on conventional lines. These trains connect the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante with the other main Spanish cities. Alvia offers two types of classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). The latter has wider seats, carriages with fewer seats, offers complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers, and access to parking and Club meeting rooms.
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TGV INOUI, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo classes from Cartagena to Bordeaux
Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo when travelling from Cartagena to Bordeaux.
TGV INOUI
AVE
OUIGO
Avlo
Second Class
In Second Class, TGV INOUI allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the onboard services, such as free WiFi, power sockets and more.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Want to travel in style? Upgrade to First Class and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of Second Class as well as some additional perks.
- Free WiFi
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Power sockets
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Reading light
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With luggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their bar/restaurant carriage serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Confort (First Class)
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers and more. Don't forget to enjoy access to Renfe's Club Rooms before your trip to kick it off in style. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a plug socket, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage (1)
- Catering at your seat (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power sockets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
Economy Class
Travel in Avlo’s Economy Class and you can connect to the free WiFi and grab some snacks from the vending machine.
- Vending machine
- Luggage storage
- Entertainment portal
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Fold-down table
- Adjustable seats/footrests
Onboard services on TGV INOUI, AVE, OUIGO and Avlo
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Cartagena to Bordeaux.
TGV INOUI
AVE
OUIGO
Avlo
On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm, plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm. If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm pieces of luggage authorised.
All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.
All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar carriage offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in carriage 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer to whet your appetite.
TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.
Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.
If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand luggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.
Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a lead. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored in a case.
If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey.
On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series.
Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices.
On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm).
With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.
AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.
One piece of hand luggage (36 x 27 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.
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.
WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.
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.
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.
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.)
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
If you are travelling with a Básica ticket on an Avlo train, you can travel with 1 piece of hand luggage and 1 suitcase. Both pieces of luggage are not subject to a weight limit, but the hand luggage cannot exceed 27 x 36 x 25 cm and the suitcase cannot exceed 55 x 35 x 25cm in dimensions. If you’d like to add 1 extra piece of luggage, you’ll need to pay a fee of €10 if you buy at the time of purchase and €30 if you get it at the station.
On Avlo trains, there is no onboard dining service. However, you will find a vending machine, serving a diverse variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Please note that the vending machine only accepts card payment.
If you’re travelling with Avlo, you can enjoy free WiFi through the PlayRenfe platform. As soon as you’re connected you can enjoy films, television shows, newspapers and much more.
Children under 3 years old travel for free with Avlo, as long as they do not occupy a seat. Children under 14 travel for €5 (maximum of 2 child tickets per adult).
Only folding bikes and scooters are allowed on board Avlo trains, as long as they do not exceed the dimensions permitted for suitcases – 55 x 35 x 25cm.
You can travel with your pet for only €10, provided that you have a small pet, such as a dog, cat, ferret or bird (not poultry). Your pet must not weigh more than 10 kg and must travel inside a cage or carrier, which must not exceed dimensions of 60 x 35 x 35 cm.
Please note there is a maximum of 1 pet per person and all pets must always travel with their own pet ticket and not take up a seat. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on the train free of charge.
With Avlo, passengers with reduced mobility can request the assistance service. For more information, contact Avlo directly.
Cheap train tickets from Cartagena to Bordeaux
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 Bordeaux 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.