Madrid to Tarifa train with Renfe INTERCITY

Fri, May 15
+ Add return
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe ALVIA
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Renfe INTERCITY
Renfe ALVIA
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Tarifa

Showing times and prices for May 15

Cheapest price

$38

Average price

$56

Fastest journey

5 h 14 m

Average duration

5 h 36 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

517 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Tarifa is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Madrid to Tarifa will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Madrid for Tarifa on Fri, May 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, May 15 the direct trains cover the 517 km distance in an average of 5 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 14 m .

On Fri, May 15 the slowest trains will take 5 h 49 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.

  • Renfe ALVIA
    8:35 AM5h40
    Madrid
    2:15 PMTarifa
    $381One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA
    7:05 AM5h49
    Madrid
    12:54 PMTarifa
    $441One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA
    6:30 AM5h14
    Madrid
    11:44 AMTarifa
    $481One-way
    0 transfers
  • Renfe ALVIA
    7:35 AM5h40
    Madrid
    1:15 PMTarifa
    $941One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Madrid to Tarifa

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Tarifa among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $55.

Distance: 321 miles (517 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

$61

Average price

Cheapest

$67

Average price

$367

Average price

$135

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 59m

Average total duration

5h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 59m

Average total duration

7h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 40m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

7h 0m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

1.6 - 3.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Renfe INTERCITY

Most popular train company

BlaBlaCar

Most popular bus company

Iberia

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 Madrid to Tarifa is a train with an average price of $61 (€49).

This is compared to other travel options from Madrid to Tarifa:

A train is $6 (€5) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Tarifa costing on average $67 (€54).

A train is $306 (€245) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Tarifa costing on average $367 (€295).

The fastest way to travel from Madrid to Tarifa is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 40m.

Other travel options to Tarifa take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 29m.

Bus takes on average 7h 29m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Madrid and Tarifa including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Madrid to Tarifa among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 1h 31m faster (5h 29m by train vs 7h 0m by car) and roughly $74 (€59) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($61 (€49) vs $135 (€109)). 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 Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Madrid to Tarifa train times

The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Tarifa trains for today, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Renfe ALVIA09366
Delayed
7:35 AM 8:30 AMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
5h29
1:25 PM 1:25 PMAlgeciras station
0 transfersDirect
Renfe ALVIA09366
Delayed
7:35 AM 8:30 AMMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
5h14
1:15 PM 1:15 PMSan Roque station
0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Madrid to Tarifa 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.

Thu
May 14
Fri
May 15
Sat
May 16
Sun
May 17
Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19
Wed
May 20
Thu
May 21
Fri
May 22
Sat
May 23
Sun
May 24
Mon
May 25
Tue
May 26
Wed
May 27
Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Madrid to Tarifa?

The best time to book your train from Madrid to Tarifa is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Madrid to Tarifa route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Madrid to Tarifa per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Madrid to Tarifa.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Madrid to Tarifa

SpainSpain
SpainSpain
Icon of train

Trains from Madrid to Tarifa run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:00, the last at 16:45. The fastest train covers the 321 miles (517 km) distance in 5h 14m.

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
Distance
321 miles (517 km)
Average train duration
5h 29m
Cheapest ticket price
$29 (€23)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
5h 14m
First train
8:00 AM
Last train
4:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
14 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

Train companies: Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA from Madrid to Tarifa trainsRenfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA trains will get you between Madrid and Tarifa from $29 (€23). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Renfe INTERCITY

About
Renfe Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Spanish national railway company, Renfe. It operates throughout Spain, connecting major cities and towns with frequent departures throughout the day. The Intercity service offers a variety of train types, including the Alvia and Talgo, all of which offer comfortable seating and modern amenities. Alvia and Talgo offer fast trains but not as fast the high-speed trains like AVE, offering more stops. Passengers can choose from a range of ticket types, including Economy, Business, and First Class. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Renfe Intercity include Madrid to Barcelona, Madrid to Seville, and Barcelona to Valencia.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 57m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€30)
Renfe INTERCITY frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 2 pieces of checked luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at the ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions and fare type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in First Class
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation with additional fee. Included in some premium tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled, require paid ticket
Quiet zone

Renfe ALVIA

About
Renfe Alvia are high-speed trains with top speeds of up to 250km/h operated by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company. Alvia trains cover most cities in Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Alicante, Zaragoza and Cadiz. They are somewhat slower than Renfe AVE and AVLO (high-speed and low cost) but cover more destinations and are a comfortable and effective way of travelling around Spain. Onboard facilities include free WIFI, bike storage and luggage allowance. Alvia trains have two seat classes – Estándar and Confort. Top routes for Renfe Alvia include Barcelona to Pamplona, Madrid to Cádiz and Alicante to Gijón.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 14m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€23)
Renfe ALVIA frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
1 piece of hand luggage and 3 pieces of luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, end of carriages, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Renfe
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafeteria car with drinks, snacks, and hot meals. At-seat service in Preferente class
Seat reservation
Included in Preferente (First) class. Optional extra cost in Turista (Second) class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, accessible toilets, and staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be muzzled and leashed, require paid ticket. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Traveling by train from Madrid to Tarifa

The train connection between Madrid and Tarifa offers a convenient way to explore the beautiful southern region of Spain. Travelers can rely on providers such as Renfe Intercity, Renfe, and Renfe INTERCITY for their journey. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the route, this trip is an excellent choice for those looking to experience both cities' rich culture and attractions.

Train Connection: Madrid to Tarifa

The train journey from Madrid to Tarifa takes approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes, with a total of 2 connections available per day. This route is not direct, requiring one transfer during the trip.

Madrid to Tarifa Train Connection

The first daily train journey from Madrid to Tarifa departs at 13:14, while the last departure is scheduled for 14:14.

Train Tickets Price for Madrid to Tarifa

The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Madrid to Tarifa is €22. The average ticket price typically hovers around €62, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore this beautiful region of Spain.

Exploring Tarifa: A Blend of History, Adventure, and Natural Beauty

The Castle of Guzmán el Bueno, built in the 13th century during the Reconquista, stands as a testament to Spain's rich history and military architecture. Its significance lies not only in its strategic position overlooking Tarifa but also in the legendary tale of its namesake hero who famously defended it against invaders at great personal cost. Unique features include its impressive stone walls and panoramic views that allow visitors to appreciate both historical context and breathtaking landscapes.

Playa de Tarifa is renowned for being one of Europe’s premier windsurfing destinations, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe with its consistent winds and stunning natural beauty. The beach holds cultural importance as well; it's a gathering place where locals celebrate festivals while tourists indulge in sunbathing or savoring fresh seafood from nearby eateries. What sets Playa de Tarifa apart are its soft golden sands stretching for miles alongside crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

Punta de Tarifa marks the southernmost point of mainland Europe, where you can witness an extraordinary convergence of two seas—the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea—creating unique ecological conditions that support diverse wildlife. This landmark has significant navigational value throughout history, serving as a crucial waypoint for sailors traversing these busy maritime routes since ancient times. Visitors will be captivated by Punta de Tarifa's dramatic cliffs offering spectacular vistas that showcase nature’s raw power while providing opportunities for birdwatching along migratory paths.

FAQs: Trains from Madrid to Tarifa

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Tarifa 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 Tarifa, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Madrid to Tarifa can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $29 (€23), while the average price is around $61 (€49).
The train from Madrid to Tarifa takes 5h 14m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Madrid to Tarifa is 321 miles (517 km).
The first train from Madrid to Tarifa leaves at 8:00 AM.
The last train from Madrid to Tarifa leaves at 4:45 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Madrid to Tarifa.
Yes, there is a direct train from Madrid to Tarifa. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe INTERCITY, Renfe ALVIA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Madrid to Tarifa.
The train station in Madrid that goes to Tarifa is Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, which connects to Algeciras station.
The cheapest way to get from Madrid to Tarifa is by train, with a cost of around $29 (€23).
The journey from Madrid to Tarifa by train is not particularly known for being scenic, as it primarily passes through central and southern Spain's plains and countryside, which may not feature dramatic landscapes.
A day trip from Madrid to Tarifa is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 14m, covering a distance of 321 miles (517 km). Trains run 2 times per day.
In Tarifa, visitors can enjoy kite surfing at its world-renowned beaches, embark on boat tours for whale and dolphin watching, and relax at Playa de Bolonia, known for its golden sands and nearby Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. Exploring the charming Tarifa Old Town offers a delightful experience with its narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and historic architecture. Bird enthusiasts can explore the natural parks around Tarifa, a hotspot for migratory birds. Notable sights include the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, offering panoramic views, Playa de Los Lances for wind sports, Isla de las Palomas, the southernmost point of continental Europe, and Punta de Tarifa, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.
For a fulfilling experience in Tarifa, spending 3 to 4 days is typically recommended to enjoy its beaches, explore the historical old town, and partake in watersports like kitesurfing.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Tarifa.
Since both Madrid and Tarifa 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 Tarifa among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the Eurail Spain Pass and Interrail Spain Pass are valid on most trains within Spain, including RENFE regional, AVE high-speed, and other long-distance services. Some restrictions may apply for certain premium trains, so it is advisable to check specific train eligibility and reservation requirements in advance.
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 Tarifa, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and near transportation hubs. Beach areas can also attract petty theft. It's advisable to avoid leaving belongings unattended. Additionally, some travelers have reported overcharging by taxi drivers, so agreeing on fares beforehand is recommended. Staying vigilant in nightlife spots helps prevent scams related to overpriced drinks or services. Overall, common-sense precautions ensure a safe visit to Tarifa.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Madrid to Tarifa

Madrid
Tarifa
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Open daily from 05:30 to 22:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Passion Food
  • La Barrila
  • Enrique Tomás
  • Pic Nic
  • Foodissimo!
  • PureGusto
  • Burger King
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Hotel
Hotel
  • 60 Balconies Urban Stay
  • Only YOU Hotel Atocha
  • SLEEP’N Atocha
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • On the ground floor of the main concourse.
Public transit options for Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes
  • Metro lines: 1
  • Bus lines: 10, 14, 24, 26, 32, 37, 54, 57, 59, 85, 86, 102, 121, 203
  • Train lines: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C7, C8, C10

Most popular train connections to Tarifa

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone