Tarragona to Barcelona train with Renfe

Traveling from Tarragona to Barcelona by Train

Introduction

After spending the day exploring Tarragona’s beaches and Roman ruins, it was time to head back to Barcelona by train. Traveling by Renfe train is by far the easiest and most convenient option, especially for a short route like this. I love that I can book tickets directly through Omio, pull them up on my phone, and scan them when boarding. Here's what to expect if you'll be taking the train from Tarragona to Barcelona aboard Renfe's high-speed AVE train.

Route Overview

There are two main stations to choose from when traveling from Tarragona to Barcelona: Camp de Tarragona, which offers more long-distance services starting at 7:35 AM and running until 11:09 PM, or the Tarragona city-center station, which is smaller but far more convenient if you’re staying downtown. I chose the city-center option because it’s cheaper and easy to reach on foot. The train to Barcelona Sants with Renfe AVE takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the specific service.

Transportation Experience

Since it’s such a short route from Tarragona to Barcelona by train, you don’t need to book far in advance. You can easily purchase same-day tickets on the Omio app or at the station. After a fun day in Tarragona, I decided last-minute to take the 8:25 PM train, which got me back to Barcelona Sants by 9:37 PM. I booked it online while I was out, as I didn’t want to rush to buy it at the station. The ticket cost only €10, a great deal for such a quick and direct connection.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Station

I really liked departing from the Tarragona station, conveniently located right in the center of the city. It’s compact and surrounded by several cafés and local shops. If you arrive early and have time to sit down, there's a bar located directly in the train station, Bar Cafeteria Transit Grand Prix, which offers hot meals and coffee and tea. Security and ID checks were simple, and the platforms were clearly marked. I arrived about 20 minutes early, enough time to find my seat and get settled after dinner in town.

In just over an hour, we pulled into Barcelona Sants, right in the heart of the city. The station connects directly to the L3 Metro line, so getting home was quick. I hopped on the green line and was back at my apartment in about 20 minutes. Sants is large but well organized, with plenty of signage and space even at night.

Schedule & Frequency

Renfe's AVE trains from Tarragona to Barcelona run frequently throughout the day, with early services starting around 7:35 AM and the last train departing close to 11:09 PM. The route is ideal for day trips or spontaneous returns. I took the 8:25 PM train for this trip, which arrived at Barcelona Sants by 9:37 PM. Whether you leave early in the morning or after dinner like I did, the ride is quick and comfortable.

Onboard Experience & Services

Even for a short trip, the Renfe AVE train from Tarragona to Barcelona Sants felt comfortable and clean. I chose a nice reclining leather seat next to the window, as I love watching the coastline pass by during the first half of the ride. The seats were spacious with small trays and power outlets.

Through the PlayRenfe portal, I was able to connect to the Wi-Fi and browse the shows and movies they had available. You can also read some of the e-newspapers through the app. The Wi-Fi was fast and worked well enough for some quick messaging and light browsing. To access Renfe's portal, you simply sign in by scanning a QR code.

Since I’d already had dinner in Tarragona’s old town, I didn’t buy anything on board the train to Barcelona, but the café cart was open with snacks and drinks available. Renfe’s luggage policy (up to three pieces totaling 25 kg) makes travel simple. I only had a small purse with me, so boarding was quick and easy. The hour-long ride went by fast as I listened to music and reviewed photos from the day.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

You can book Tarragona-Barcelona train tickets right before departure on Omio, but booking the day before guarantees your preferred time. I booked mine a couple of days in advance to reserve the window seat. Prices are generally low for this trip, making it one of Spain’s best-value short-distance routes.

Budget breakdown:

Check out my tips below for an even better train trip from Tarragona to Barcelona with Renfe AVE:

• Use the city-center station: It’s cheaper and easier to reach on foot than Camp de Tarragona.
• Book on the Omio app: Convenient for same-day or last-minute travel.
• Grab food before boarding: The café cart works for snacks, but options are limited.
• Sit by the window: Coastal views leaving Tarragona are beautiful.

Conclusion

The Tarragona to Barcelona train journey is short, scenic, and affordable, making it perfect for day-trippers or weekend travelers. The direct connection, easy ticketing, and quick Metro link at arrival make the whole experience simple from start to finish. Renfe AVE makes it even better with excellent onboard comfort and entertainment. Plan your journey on Omio to compare schedules, reserve your seat, and enjoy a smooth coastal ride back to Barcelona.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel & Lifestyle Creator
• Bio: Nancy is a travel content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.