- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona (MNAT)
The city’s main archaeological museum, focused on Roman Tarraco and its mosaics, sculpture, and everyday artifacts. Essential for understanding Tarragona’s UNESCO Roman heritage.
Cheapest price
$124
Average price
$124
Fastest journey
13 h 40 m
Average duration
14 h 10 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
692 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Málaga to Tarragona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Tarragona will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.
It's difficult to get from Málaga to Tarragona without transferring at least once.
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Normal · NormalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Tarragona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $37.
Distance: 429 miles (692 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$129 Average price | $99 Average price Cheapest | $150 Average price | $167 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 8m Average total duration 20h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.1 - 4.2kg 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 Málaga to Tarragona:
A train is $29 (€24) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Málaga to Tarragona costing on average $129 (€105).
A train is $51 (€42) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Málaga to Tarragona costing on average $150 (€123).
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 29m.
Bus takes on average 20h 38m.
Tickets start at around $129 (€105) compared to roughly $167 (€137) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $38 (€31). The journey takes 20h 38m versus 8h 42m 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 Alsa, BlaBlaCar.
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 Alsa | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 45h55 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
The table below shows live departures for Málaga to Tarragona buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Normal · Normal | 3:00 PM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 14h40 | 5:40 AM Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
Normal · Normal | 4:00 PM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 13h40 | 5:40 AM Tarragona | 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 Málaga to Tarragona run on average 4 times per day, taking around 20h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $120 (€98) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 21:30. The fastest bus covers the 429 miles (692 km) distance in 12h 30m.
Distance 429 miles (692 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $120 (€98) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 30m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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.
The city’s main archaeological museum, focused on Roman Tarraco and its mosaics, sculpture, and everyday artifacts. Essential for understanding Tarragona’s UNESCO Roman heritage.
A respected modern art museum with Catalan paintings, sculpture, and temporary exhibitions in a historic building in the old town.
A maritime museum explaining the history of Tarragona’s port, trade, fishing, and seafaring life through interactive displays and local heritage collections.
The city’s signature seafront viewpoint at the end of Rambla Nova, famous for wide coastal views and as a classic Tarragona meeting point.
Tarragona’s main boulevard, ideal for strolling between shops, cafés, civic buildings, and viewpoints while feeling the city’s everyday rhythm.
The atmospheric old town, packed with Roman remains, medieval lanes, small squares, and local character. Best area for walking and discovering hidden corners.
A traditional salad of escarole, salt cod, tuna, anchovies, olives, and a rich nut-and-pepper xató sauce, strongly associated with the Tarragona area and nearby Costa Daurada.
Chargrilled sweet spring onions served with romesco sauce. A classic winter specialty across Tarragona province, especially during calçotada gatherings.
A Tarragona-style fish stew or seafood dish flavored with romesco sauce made from dried peppers, nuts, garlic, and olive oil; one of the city’s signature flavors.
A respected modern restaurant in Tarragona known for creative Mediterranean and Catalan tasting menus in an elegant but relaxed setting.
An established Old Town restaurant serving refined Catalan cuisine with local ingredients in a warm, intimate atmosphere.
A well-known seafood-focused restaurant popular for rice dishes, local fish, and traditional Tarragona flavors near the old town.
Moderate by Spanish standards: meals and coffee are reasonable, while beachfront dining and summer stays cost more.
Service is usually included. Locals often round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service; small change for cafes, bars, and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Tarragona, Estación de Autobuses -> Tarragona Railway Station, Tarragona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga 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.

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