A cartridge transporting device includes: a cartridge holder in which a cartridge receiving a recording medium is inserted and which holds the inserted cartridge; a supporting frame that supports the cartridge holder to be freely move between an insertion position and a drawn-in position; a locking member that moves between a locking position and a non-locking position, moves to the locking position, and locks the cartridge holder at the insertion position; a holder driving member that is movable in a predetermined direction and moves the cartridge holder between the insertion position and the drawn-in position; and a moving mechanism that moves the holder driving member in the predetermined direction, wherein when the cartridge holder starts to move from the insertion position to the drawn-in position, the holder driving member moves such that the cartridge holder locked by the locking member is unlocked.