- 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
$34
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
5 h 50 m
Average duration
5 h 59 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
424 km
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 $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 5 buses that leave Madrid for Tarragona on Fri, Aug 28, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 28 the direct buses cover the 424 km distance in an average of 5 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .
On Fri, Aug 28 the slowest buses will take 6 h 20 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.










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 $14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. 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 $14, and a flight costs an average of $33.
Distance: 263 miles (424 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $160 Average price | $113 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg 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 Madrid to Tarragona:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Tarragona costing on average $65 (€53).
A train is $99 (€80) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Tarragona costing on average $160 (€129).
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 51m.
Bus takes on average 5h 42m.
Tickets start at around $65 (€53) compared to roughly $113 (€91) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $48 (€38). The journey takes 5h 42m versus 5h 26m 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, Alsa, 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 06:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Hife | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Tarragona buses for today, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal | 12:30 PM Madrid, Intercambiador de Avenida de América | 7h25 | 7:55 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
Normal | 12:45 PM Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 7h10 | 7:55 PM Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Madrid to Tarragona run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:14, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 263 miles (424 km) distance in 6h 45m.
Distance 263 miles (424 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€49) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 45m |
First bus 12:14 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 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 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.

Most Madrid to Tarragona buses use the Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) to Tarragona station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Tarragona bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Madrid, Avenida de América is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Avenida de América 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 Rincón (0.5 km), La Vaca Argentina (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and on the second floor.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Avenida de América.
Available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Avenida de América: Elevators, ramps.
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