- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
Main archaeological museum for Roman Tarraco, with mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, and essential context for the UNESCO site.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Málaga to Tarragona
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$105
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$105
Fastest journey on Sep 18
9 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
9 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 18
2
Distance
692 km
Cheap tickets
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 $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $105.
Fast buses
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 buses from Málaga to Tarragona, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 692 km distance in an average of 9 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 20 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 9 h 50 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.
11:50 PM9h20Málaga9:10 AMTarragona$1051One-way0 transfers- 8:10 AM9h50Málaga6:00 PMTarragona$1061One-way0 transfers
- 11:50 PM9h20Málaga9:10 AMTarragona$1051One-way0 transfers
- 8:10 AM9h50Málaga6:00 PMTarragona$1061One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Málaga to Tarragona
Omio 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 an average ticket price of $58 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $58, while a flight costs an average of $341.
Distance: 429 miles (692 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$136 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $341 Average price | $169 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 10m Average total duration 17h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration 5h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration Fastest 3h 4m Onboard + 2h 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Málaga to Tarragona is a train with an average price of $58 (€47).
This is compared to other travel options from Málaga to Tarragona:
A train is $79 (€64) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Málaga to Tarragona costing on average $136 (€112).
A train is $283 (€232) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Málaga to Tarragona costing on average $341 (€279).
The fastest way to travel from Málaga to Tarragona is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 4m.
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 38m.
Bus takes on average 17h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Málaga and Tarragona including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Málaga to Tarragona among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $136 (€112) compared to roughly $169 (€138) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $32 (€27). The journey takes 17h 40m 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.
Málaga to Tarragona Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
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 02:30AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 45h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 02:50AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Alsa | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $105 |
Compare prices and tickets Málaga to Tarragona by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Málaga to Tarragona buses with Omio?
Alsa as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Málaga to Tarragona.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Málaga 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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Málaga 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Málaga 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 FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Málaga to Tarragona.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Málaga to Tarragona.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Málaga to Tarragona
SpainSpain
Buses from Málaga to Tarragona run on average 3 times per day, taking around 17h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $116 (€95) but you can travel from only $10 (€9) by train.
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.
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 $10 (€9)
Distance 429 miles (692 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 (€95) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 30m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 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 $10 (€9)
Bus providers: Alsa, FlixBus from Málaga to TarragonaYou can travel by bus between Málaga to Tarragona with Alsa, FlixBus for as low as $21 (€17). 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 Alsa Duration
12h 30m
Cheapest Alsa Price
$120 (€98)
Alsa frequency
3 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.
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
38h 10m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$116 (€95)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
Maqueta de Tarraco
Detailed model and interpretation center explaining ancient Tarraco's layout, ideal before exploring the Roman remains.
- Recommended
Museu Diocesà de Tarragona
Museum inside the cathedral complex featuring liturgical art, sculpture, and treasures tied to Tarragona's religious history.
- Must visit
Balcó del Mediterrani
Balcony-like seafront promenade with classic Mediterranean views, ideal for sunset, photos, and a first impression of Tarragona.
- Must visit
Rambla Nova
Broad central avenue lined with shops and civic buildings, connecting the modern city with the historic core and sea views.
- Must visit
Part Alta
Atmospheric old town quarter of narrow lanes, stone houses, and Roman-medieval layers, perfect for wandering on foot.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Romesco
Romesco is Tarragona's emblematic sauce of roasted ñora peppers, nuts, garlic, oil and vinegar, often served with fish, calçots or seafood.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Calçots
Calçots are sweet spring onions grilled over flames and dipped in romesco or salvitxada. They are a beloved winter tradition across Tarragona province.
- Gluten-free
Xató
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.
Can Bosch
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant near Tarragona known for creative tasting menus rooted in Catalan ingredients and elegant modern dining.
AQ Restaurant
Well-known casual spot in the old town serving tapas, vermouth and Catalan small plates in a lively, local setting.
El Llagut
Established restaurant by the Roman circus area, known for contemporary Catalan cuisine, rice dishes and polished service.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Spain: dining is reasonable, local transit is cheap, and summer hotels rise but stay below Barcelona.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for fast food or a simple menu.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for great service. For cafes and taxis, round up or leave small change.
FAQs: Bus from Málaga to 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Málaga to Tarragona can start from as little as $116 (€95) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Málaga to Tarragona is $136 (€112) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Málaga to Tarragona is 12h 30m to travel the 429 miles (692 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Málaga to Tarragona leaves at 12:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Málaga to Tarragona leaves at 9:30 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Málaga to Tarragona with Alsa, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Málaga to Tarragona, you can count on Alsa, BlaBlaCar, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Tarragona. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Málaga and Tarragona and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Tarragona from Málaga is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Málaga to Tarragona is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Málaga and Tarragona including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Málaga to Tarragona for bus company Alsa, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Málaga to Tarragona:
- Alsa
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Málaga to Tarragona depends on the bus companies:
- Alsa
- You can cancel your ticket up to 48 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Alsa, FlixBus.
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 Málaga to Tarragona.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Málaga to Tarragona:
- Alsa
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Málaga to Tarragona:
- Alsa
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Málaga to Tarragona. The following conditions apply:
- Alsa
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must travel in the hold.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Málaga to Tarragona with the following bus company: Alsa, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Málaga to Tarragona with the following bus company: Alsa, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Málaga to Tarragona with the following bus company: Alsa, FlixBus.
Since both Málaga 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 Málaga 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Málaga to Tarragona
Most Málaga to Tarragona buses use the Malaga, Estación de Autobuses to Tarragona station pair, with some services arriving at Tarragona, Estación de Autobuses. Use this guide to compare Málaga and Tarragona bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Málaga
Arrival bus stations in Tarragona
Which Málaga station do buses to Tarragona leave from?
Buses from Málaga to Tarragona leave from Malaga, Estación de Autobuses. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Málaga city centre at Paseo de los Tilos, s/n, 29006 Malaga, Spain.
Malaga, Estación de AutobusesPaseo de los Tilos, s/n, 29006 Malaga, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Malaga, Estación de Autobuses from Málaga city centre
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
BusM-260, M-161 · 3m · $1 · every ~3 min
4, 19, N3 · 8m · $2 · every ~11 min
M-113 · 1h 36m · $10 · every ~3 min
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Tapas 24 (0.4 km), Pizzeria Roma (0.6 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station, near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Tarragona
City-centre transport
Getting to Tarragona from Tarragona city centre
TrainR14, R16, R17, R15 · 1h 20m · $16
Avn, Eur, Alv, Ic, 9725 · 1h 21m · $22 · every ~2 min
Re, Ic · 1h 22m · $15
Bus2h 2m · $31 · every ~2 min
Vilanova-Tarragona · 2h 46m · $16 · every ~2 min
Tarragona, Estación de Autobuses
City-centre transport
Getting to Tarragona, Estación de Autobuses from Tarragona city centre
Bus10m · $1
Nt3 · 35m · $5
L0808 · 32m
4 · 38m · $5 · every ~5 min
4 · 42m · $5 · every ~4 min
More options for your journey from Málaga to Tarragona
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Tarragona and Málaga
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