- 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
$55
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
2 h 28 m
Average duration
2 h 42 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
424 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Madrid to Tarragona is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Tarragona will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 15 trains that leave Madrid for Tarragona on Sat, Jun 20, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 424 km distance in an average of 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 28 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 2 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.
03373
03073
09725
03183
03311
03091
03183
06501
09725
03311Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Tarragona among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. 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 $26, and a flight costs an average of $60.
Distance: 263 miles (424 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $160 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 19m Average total duration 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 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 Tarragona:
A train is $99 (€81) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Tarragona costing on average $160 (€131).
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 49m.
Bus takes on average 5h 42m.
The journey is about 1h 37m faster (3h 49m by train vs 5h 26m by car) and roughly $49 (€40) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($60 (€49) vs $109 (€90)). 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, SNCF OUIGO, Renfe AVLO, Renfe, iryo.
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 Tarragona trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
03073 | On time 7:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h01 | 10:28 AM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03091 | Delayed 8:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h28 | 9:25 AM 9:25 AMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03093 | Delayed 9:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h54 | 10:21 AM 10:21 AMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06111+ 17056 | On time 11:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 9h02 | 8:24 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
03113 | On time 11:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h01 | 2:28 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06121+ 17056 | On time 12:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 8h02 | 8:24 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
03123 | Delayed 12:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 1:29 PM 1:29 PMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
09725 | On time 12:50 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h48 | 3:38 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03305 | Delayed 3:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h02 | 4:29 PM 4:29 PMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03163 | Delayed 4:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h42 | 5:09 PM 5:09 PMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03373 | 5:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h59 | 8:26 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03183 | On time 6:27 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h41 | 9:08 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03309 | Delayed 7:34 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h03 | 8:37 PM 8:37 PMCamp 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 Tarragona run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€22) if you book in advance.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:08, the last at 21:13. The fastest train covers the 263 miles (424 km) distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 263 miles (424 km) |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€22) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 6:08 AM |
Last train 9:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 91 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 Madrid 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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