- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
Main archaeological museum for Roman Tarraco, with mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, and essential context for the UNESCO site.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cartagena to Tarragona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cartagena to Tarragona will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.
It's difficult to get from Cartagena to Tarragona without transferring at least once.
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Buses from Cartagena to Tarragona run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $3 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 20:15. The fastest bus covers the 270 miles (435 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 270 miles (435 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 50m |
First bus 2:25 AM |
Last bus 8:15 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cartagena to Tarragona.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for Cartagena to Tarragona buses for tomorrow, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 6:15 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 15h10 | 9:25 PM Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 6:15 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 10h05 | 4:20 PM Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
Normal+ Normal | 6:15 AM Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses | 14h25 | 8:40 PM Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Tarragona.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cartagena 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 Cartagena to Tarragona buses use the Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses to Tarragona station pair, with some services arriving at Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco. Use this guide to compare Cartagena and Tarragona bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Galeón (0.5 km), La Catedral (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cartagena, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco. ATMs are available at Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco.
Ticket office support is available at Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco.
Available at Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tarragona, Plaça de la Imperial Tàrraco: Wheelchair access available.
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