- 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
$176
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
6 h 15 m
Average duration
7 h 21 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
692 km
The best way to find a cheap train 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 $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
Of the 7 trains that leave Málaga for Tarragona on Fri, Jun 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 692 km distance in an average of 7 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 9 h 2 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.
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03163
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03993
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03373Omio 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 $56. 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 $56, and a flight costs an average of $37.
Distance: 429 miles (692 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$100 Average price Cheapest | $129 Average price | $151 Average price | $167 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 8m Average total duration 20h 38m 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) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.1 - 4.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 $151 (€123).
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 29m.
Bus takes on average 20h 38m.
The journey is about 3h 13m faster (5h 29m by train vs 8h 42m by car) and roughly $68 (€55) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($100 (€81) vs $167 (€137)). 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 AVE.
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 Málaga to Tarragona trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06089+ 03123 | Delayed 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h39 | 1:29 PM 1:29 PMCamp de Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
03993 | Delayed 7:55 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h15 | 12:10 PM 12:10 PMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03993+ 35106 | On time 7:55 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 12h16 | 8:11 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
03993+ 35104 | On time 7:55 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h32 | 5:27 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
06021+ 03173 | Delayed 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h02 | 6:26 PM 6:26 PMCamp de Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
06021+ 03309 | Delayed 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 11h13 | 8:37 PM 8:37 PMCamp de Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
06021+ 03163 | Delayed 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h45 | 5:09 PM 5:09 PMCamp de Tarragona | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Málaga to Tarragona run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $56 (€45) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:11, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 429 miles (692 km) distance in 5h 21m.
Distance 429 miles (692 km) |
Average train duration 5h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 (€45) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 21m |
First train 6:11 AM |
Last train 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 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 Railway Station, Tarragona -> Plaça Imperial Tàrraco, Tarragona
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga to Tarragona 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 Tarragona, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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