- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona (MNAT)
Key archaeological museum for Roman Tarraco, with mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, and finds explaining the city’s UNESCO-listed past.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Madrid to Tarragona
Showing times and prices for Jul 13
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
5 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 40 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
424 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Madrid to Tarragona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Tarragona will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Madrid for Tarragona on Mon, Jul 13, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 13 the direct buses cover the 424 km distance in an average of 5 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 20 m .
On Mon, Jul 13 the slowest buses will take 6 h 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.
1:00 PM5h20Madrid6:20 PMTarragona$391One-way0 transfers- 1:00 PM5h20Madrid6:20 PMTarragona$411One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM5h50Madrid10:50 PMTarragona$641One-way0 transfers
- 12:20 PM6h00Madrid6:20 PMTarragona$651One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM5h50Madrid10:50 PMTarragona$681One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 PM5h20Madrid6:20 PMTarragona$411One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 PM5h20Madrid6:20 PMTarragona$391One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM5h50Madrid10:50 PMTarragona$641One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM5h50Madrid10:50 PMTarragona$681One-way0 transfers
- 12:20 PM6h00Madrid6:20 PMTarragona$651One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Madrid to Tarragona
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Tarragona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $60.
Distance: 263 miles (424 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $159 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Madrid to Tarragona is a train with an average price of $60 (€49).
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Tarragona:
A train is $99 (€81) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Tarragona costing on average $159 (€131).
The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Tarragona is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 41m.
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 49m.
Bus takes on average 5h 42m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and Tarragona including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Tarragona among Omio's users.
Madrid to Tarragona Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Live departures
Madrid to Tarragona bus times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Tarragona buses for tomorrow, Monday, July 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:20 PM Madrid | 6h00 | 6:20 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:20 PM Madrid | 6h00 | 6:20 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:00 PM Madrid | 5h20 | 6:20 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:00 PM Madrid | 5h20 | 6:20 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:00 PM Madrid | 5h50 | 10:50 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:00 PM Madrid | 5h50 | 10:50 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Tarragona by train or flight
Compare 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.
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Why should you book Madrid to Tarragona buses with Omio?
Alsa as well as Hife offer buses services from Madrid to Tarragona.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Madrid to Tarragona.
Why book with Omio vs Alsa?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Alsa, but also compare tickets for the likes of Hife to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Tarragona.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Alsa with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Madrid to Tarragona.
Why book with Omio over Checkmybus, Rome2rio or Busbud?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Hife to find the best option for your trip from Madrid to Tarragona.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Madrid to Tarragona.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Madrid to Tarragona
SpainSpain
Take a bus from Madrid to Tarragona and enjoy the approximately 263 miles (424 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:15.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $26 (€22)
Distance 263 miles (424 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 42m |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $26 (€22)
Bus providers: BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Hife from Madrid to TarragonaYou can travel by bus between Madrid to Tarragona with BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Hife for as low as $26 (€22). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Alsa
About
Alsa is the main provider of bus travel in Spain and a subsidiary of the UK’s National Express. It operates an extensive network of regional, national, and international routes, transporting more than 300 million passengers annually. Alsa’s modern fleet offers varying levels of comfort and amenities. The standard Alsa Normal buses include free Wi-Fi, onboard bathrooms, footrests, and entertainment. For a more premium experience, Alsa Supra, Alsa Eurobus, and Alsa Premium services provide enhanced comfort and luxury features.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 35m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€47)
Alsa frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must travel in the hold.
Hife
About
Hife is a Spanish bus company that has been operating bus routes since 1915, with a strong presence in regions like Catalonia and Valencia. They offer a variety of services including regular intercity and urban bus lines, school transport, and bus rentals for events. Hife emphasizes reliability, punctuality, and customer satisfaction, maintaining a high standard of vehicle fleet maintenance. Popular destinations include cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, and Salou. Many of their newer buses offer amenities like Wi-Fi, and they provide options for mobile tickets on some routes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Price
$58 (€48)
Hife frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
15€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; reservation required.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; guide dogs travel for free.
BlaBlaCar
About
BlaBlaCar is a French online marketplace for carpooling, connecting drivers with empty seats and passengers traveling to the same destination to share costs. Founded in 2006, it operates in Europe and Latin America, boasting 26 million active members. The platform also includes BlaBlaCar Bus, an intercity bus service. BlaBlaCar's name comes from its rating system for drivers' chattiness: "Bla" for quiet, "BlaBla" for talkative, and "BlaBlaBla" for very chatty. The company aims to be the leading marketplace for shared travel, offering affordable and sustainable solutions by combining carpooling with bus journeys.
Luggage & cancellation policy
BlaBlaCar frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Tarragona
Things to do in Tarragona
Discover the best of Tarragona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tarragona trip today.
- Recommended
Museu d'Art Modern de la Diputació de Tarragona
Regional modern art museum featuring Catalan paintings, sculpture, and temporary exhibitions in a historic old-town building.
- Recommended
Museu del Port de Tarragona
Maritime museum covering Tarragona’s port history, trade, fishing, and seafaring culture with family-friendly displays.
- Must visit
Balcó del Mediterrani
Famous seafront viewpoint at the end of Rambla Nova, loved for open Mediterranean views and sunset photos.
- Must visit
Rambla Nova
Tarragona’s main boulevard, ideal for strolling between shops, civic buildings, monuments, and the sea viewpoint.
- Must visit
Part Alta
Historic upper town filled with Roman remains, cathedral streets, plazas, and some of the city’s most atmospheric corners.
- Gluten-free
Xató
A traditional salad from the Tarragona and Penedès area made with escarole, salt cod, tuna, anchovies, olives, and a rich nut-and-pepper xató sauce. It is one of the best-known local dishes of coastal
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Calçots amb Salsa Romesco
Flame-grilled spring onions, especially popular in inland Tarragona province during calçotada season, served with romesco sauce. They are one of the most iconic foods linked to the area.
- Gluten-free
Romesco de Peix
A Tarragona-style fish stew or fish dish served with romesco sauce made from nuts, dried peppers, garlic, and olive oil. It reflects the city’s strong fishing and maritime traditions.
El Terrat
A refined, established dining room offering modern Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine with tasting options and a more upscale atmosphere near the city center.
AQ
A well-known contemporary restaurant in Tarragona’s old town, recognized for creative Mediterranean cuisine and polished tasting menus in an elegant but relaxed setting.
El Llagut
An established rice and seafood restaurant in the historic center, known for local fish, arròs dishes, and a strong focus on Tarragona and Catalan ingredients.
Euro
Generally cheaper than Barcelona. Dining is moderate, while tourist-area hotels can cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 10-15 for tapas, fast food, or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a standard restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 50-80+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.50-3 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is not mandatory. Round up for cafes and taxis, and leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service.
EMT Tarragona
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 1.60 EUR
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Tarragona, Estación de Autobuses -> Tarragona Railway Station, Tarragona
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Single tickets on EMT Tarragona buses are usually bought from the driver; carry small change as card payment may not always be available on board.
- Use The Official EMT Tarragona app or website to check live bus times and route updates before traveling.
FAQs: Bus from Madrid to Tarragona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid 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.
The earliest bus from Madrid to Tarragona leaves at 12:14 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Madrid to Tarragona leaves at 11:15 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Madrid to Tarragona with BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Hife. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Madrid to Tarragona, you can count on BlaBlaCar, Alsa, Hife for the best way to get you to Tarragona. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Madrid and Tarragona and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
The cheapest month for a bus from Madrid to Tarragona is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Madrid and Tarragona including taking a train and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Madrid to Tarragona:
- Hife
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Madrid to Tarragona for bus company Alsa, Hife.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Tarragona are:
- Tarragona Amphitheatre, a well-preserved Roman amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
- Tarragona Cathedral, a stunning Gothic and Romanesque cathedral with a rich history and beautiful cloisters
- Roman Circus, ancient chariot racing grounds with underground tunnels and impressive ruins
- Balcó del Mediterrani, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the coastline and city
- Pont del Diable, an ancient Roman aqueduct known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
The best things to do in Tarragona include:
- National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona, a museum showcasing artifacts from the Roman period and Tarragona's history
- Explore the vibrant Mercat Central de Tarragona, a bustling market offering local produce and delicacies
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Rambla Nova, a lively street filled with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks
- Visit the El Serrallo district, a charming fishing neighborhood with seafood restaurants and a maritime atmosphere
- Relax on the sandy beaches of Tarragona, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Madrid to Tarragona depends on the bus companies:
- Hife
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa, Hife.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Madrid to Tarragona.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Madrid to Tarragona:
- Hife
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Madrid to Tarragona:
- Hife
- 15€ per additional bag.
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Madrid to Tarragona. The following conditions apply:
- Hife
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- guide dogs travel for free.
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Madrid to Tarragona with the following bus company: Alsa, Hife
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Madrid to Tarragona with the following bus company: Alsa, Hife.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Madrid to Tarragona with the following bus company: Alsa, Hife.
Since both Madrid and Tarragona are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Tarragona among Omio's users.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Tarragona, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the old town and near popular tourist sites. Common scams include overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or trying to sell fake tickets. It's advisable to stay vigilant in busy spots and use official transportation and ticket vendors to avoid fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Tarragona
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Tarragona and Madrid
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