- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
The region's flagship archaeology museum, known for Roman-era collections from ancient Tarraco. It complements a stay in Salou for travelers wanting a major cultural museum nearby.
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
2 h 44 m
Average duration
2 h 44 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
415 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Salou is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Salou will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 1 trains that leave Madrid for Salou on Tue, Jun 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 02 the direct trains cover the 415 km distance in an average of 2 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 44 m .
On Tue, Jun 02 the slowest trains will take 2 h 44 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.
06501
06501Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Salou among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $31. 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 $31, and a flight costs an average of $57.
Distance: 257 miles (415 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$70 Average price Cheapest | $128 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Salou:
A train is $58 (€47) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Salou costing on average $128 (€104).
Other travel options to Salou take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 43m.
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
The journey is about 1h 46m faster (3h 43m by train vs 5h 29m by car) and roughly $34 (€28) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($70 (€56) vs $104 (€84)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Ouigo Spain, SNCF OUIGO, iryo, Renfe.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Salou trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06501 | Delayed 9:31 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h44 | 10:15 AM 10:15 AMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Madrid to Salou run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:14, the last at 21:13. The fastest train covers the 257 miles (415 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 257 miles (415 km) |
Average train duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 45m |
First train 9:14 AM |
Last train 9:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Salou — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salou trip today.
The region's flagship archaeology museum, known for Roman-era collections from ancient Tarraco. It complements a stay in Salou for travelers wanting a major cultural museum nearby.
An interactive museum dedicated to Antoni Gaudí's life, ideas, and architectural language in nearby Reus. It is one of the most popular cultural excursions from Salou.
A restored 16th-century defensive tower that now hosts municipal art exhibitions and cultural shows. It is Salou's main gallery-style heritage venue and a worthwhile stop for local history and art.
Salou's iconic palm-lined seafront promenade, famous for beach views, fountains, sculptures, and evening walks. It is the town's classic must-do strolling area.
A scenic coastal walking path linking coves, cliffs, and viewpoints around Cap de Salou. It is one of the most photographed and socially popular outdoor experiences in town.
The main beachfront area of Salou with wide sands, easy access, and a busy promenade atmosphere. It is central, lively, and usually the first area visitors experience.
A traditional Catalan salad of escarole, salt cod, tuna, anchovies, olives, and a rich nut sauce. It is closely associated with coastal Tarragona and the surrounding area.
Local fish stew or baked fish served with romesco sauce, made from roasted peppers, almonds, hazelnuts, garlic, and olive oil. A classic taste of the Costa Daurada coast.
A seafood dish similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice, usually cooked with fish stock and shellfish. Common along the Catalan coast.
Well-regarded restaurant offering refined Mediterranean and market cuisine in a calm, polished setting. Popular for tasting-style meals and careful presentation.
A known Salou seafood restaurant specializing in rice dishes, fresh fish, and shellfish, with a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Established seafood and rice restaurant in Salou, known for paella, shellfish, and a classic Mediterranean dining style near the seafront.
Moderate for Spain. Casual dining is affordable, but beachfront restaurants and summer stays cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service; small change for cafés and taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Salou - PortAventura -> Passeig Jaume I, Salou
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Salou by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Salou, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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