- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
Main archaeological museum for Roman Tarraco, with mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, and essential context for the UNESCO site.
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$66
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$128
Fastest journey on Aug 30
7 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
16 h 28 m
Buses on Aug 30
2
Distance
419 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bilbao to Tarragona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bilbao to Tarragona will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $66.
On Sun, Aug 30, we found 2 buses from Bilbao to Tarragona, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct buses cover the 419 km distance in an average of 16 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest buses will take 1 d 1 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Normal
FlixBus · FlixBus
Normal
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bilbao to Tarragona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $78 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $78, while a bus costs an average of $101.
Distance: 260 miles (419 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$101 Average price | $78 Average price Cheapest | $91 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 36m Average total duration 10h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bilbao to Tarragona:
A train is $13 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bilbao to Tarragona costing on average $91.
A train is $23 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bilbao to Tarragona costing on average $101.
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 17m.
Bus takes on average 10h 6m.
Tickets start at around $101 compared to roughly $109 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $9. The journey takes 10h 6m versus 5h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by BlaBlaCar, Hife.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
The table below shows live departures for Bilbao to Tarragona buses for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 12:30 PM Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses | 7h25 | 7:55 PM Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 30 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:30 AM Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea | 25h25 | 5:55 AM Tarragona, Estación de Autobuses | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bilbao to Tarragona run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $66 but you can travel from only $25 by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 22:15. The fastest bus covers the 260 miles (419 km) distance in 7h 25m.
Distance 260 miles (419 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 25m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Tarragona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tarragona trip today.
Main archaeological museum for Roman Tarraco, with mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, and essential context for the UNESCO site.
Detailed model and interpretation center explaining ancient Tarraco's layout, ideal before exploring the Roman remains.
Museum inside the cathedral complex featuring liturgical art, sculpture, and treasures tied to Tarragona's religious history.
Balcony-like seafront promenade with classic Mediterranean views, ideal for sunset, photos, and a first impression of Tarragona.
Broad central avenue lined with shops and civic buildings, connecting the modern city with the historic core and sea views.
Atmospheric old town quarter of narrow lanes, stone houses, and Roman-medieval layers, perfect for wandering on foot.
Romesco is Tarragona's emblematic sauce of roasted ñora peppers, nuts, garlic, oil and vinegar, often served with fish, calçots or seafood.
Calçots are sweet spring onions grilled over flames and dipped in romesco or salvitxada. They are a beloved winter tradition across Tarragona province.
Xató is an escarole salad with salt cod, tuna, anchovies, olives and a rich romesco-style sauce. It is a classic festive dish in coastal Tarragona.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant near Tarragona known for creative tasting menus rooted in Catalan ingredients and elegant modern dining.
Well-known casual spot in the old town serving tapas, vermouth and Catalan small plates in a lively, local setting.
Established restaurant by the Roman circus area, known for contemporary Catalan cuisine, rice dishes and polished service.
Moderate for Spain: dining is reasonable, local transit is cheap, and summer hotels rise but stay below Barcelona.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for great service. For cafes and taxis, round up or leave small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bilbao to Tarragona by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Tarragona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bilbao to Tarragona buses use the Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses to Tarragona station pair, with some services arriving at Tarragona, Estación de Autobuses. Use this guide to compare Bilbao and Tarragona bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café de la Estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea is 1 km from Bilbao city centre. Public transport options include:
Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several nearby cafes and restaurants.
Wi-Fi is available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea. ATMs are available at nearby locations.
Ticket office support is available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea.
Available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bilbao, Calle Luis Briñas / Basurtuko Kaputxinoen kalea: Ramps and designated areas for accessibility.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need