Local frustration as Cartagena and La Manga hit by public transport cuts

The direct bus between Cartagena and La Manga is being removed, night services cut, and schedules reduced, making travel longer and less convenient for residents

In La Manga, it sometimes feels like they’re taking three steps forward and two steps back. On the one hand, they create programmes and incentives to attract people all year round. On the other hand, they take away key bus routes connecting La Manga with Cartagena, creating a real headache for the people who live and work there throughout the year.

The direct bus between Cartagena and La Manga, which currently runs 28 trips daily, will disappear completely. Residents will now have to use a route that stops at least 30 times, making the journey much longer.

Line 43, another route linking Cartagena and La Manga, is also being scaled back. Stops at El Algar and Playa Paraíso are gone. The route has been reduced overall and the first bus now leaves at 10:15am instead of 6:45am. For students or workers in the area, this will have a huge impact.

Other lines are affected too. Line 42 to La Unión will run fewer services on weekdays and weekends, while Line 41 to Fuente Álamo won’t operate on Sundays.

And to top it all off, the night bus is eliminated all year round, meaning anyone hoping to enjoy the evening out in Cartagena will need to take the car.

These changes have left locals frustrated. Even though summer reinforcements are still in place thanks to joint efforts with the local councils, the permanent cuts mean La Manga will feel even more isolated.

The regional government explained that the contract only covers routes between towns, so extra stops, night services, and other local connections aren’t included.

Key changes to Cartagena–La Manga public transport

Direct Cartagena–La Manga service:

• Completely removed.

Previously ran 28 trips daily (14 each way).

Line 43 (Cartagena–La Manga):

• No longer stops at El Algar or Playa Paraíso.
• Route now has 31 stops.
• First bus starts later at 10:15am instead of 6:45am.
• Fewer services throughout the year:
• Sept 16–June 14: Weekdays 7 trips (down from 13), Saturdays 3 trips (down from 8), Sundays/holidays 5 trips (down from 10).
• June 15–Sept 15: Weekdays 12 trips (down from 21), Saturdays/Sundays/holidays 9 trips (down from 21).
• Night service eliminated all year round.

Line 42 (Cartagena–La Unión):

• Reduced frequency:
• Weekdays: 16 trips (down from 26)
• Saturdays/Sundays/holidays: 7–8 trips (down from 16)

Line 41 (Cartagena–Fuente Álamo):

• No service on Sundays.

Image: Cartagena City Hall