- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
Main archaeological museum for Roman Tarraco, with mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, and essential context for the UNESCO site.
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$35
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$59
Fastest journey on Sep 08
2 h 27 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
2 h 33 m
Trains on Sep 08
20
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 $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 20 trains from Madrid to Tarragona, including 16 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct trains cover the 424 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 27 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest trains will take 2 h 41 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.
03309
03113
03183
06501
06021
03301
03091
06181
06015
06261Omio 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 an average ticket price of $56 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $56, while a flight costs an average of $120.
Distance: 263 miles (424 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$56 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price | $120 Average price | $112 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 21m Average total duration 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.5kg 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 Madrid to Tarragona:
A train is $9 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Madrid to Tarragona costing on average $65.
A train is $64 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Madrid to Tarragona costing on average $120.
Other travel options to Tarragona take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 51m.
Bus takes on average 5h 42m.
The journey is about 1h 35m faster (3h 51m by train vs 5h 26m by car) and roughly $56 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($56 vs $112). 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, iryo, Renfe AVLO, 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 Tarragona trains for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
03173 | On time 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 | |
06181 | Delayed 6:32 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h28 | 7:00 PM 7:00 PMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06015 | 7:29 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h40 | 10:09 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 | |
06261 | Delayed 6:09 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h41 | 6:50 AM 6:50 AMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06261+ 17050 | On time 6:09 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 9h45 | 3:54 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
03301 | Delayed 6:16 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h27 | 6:43 AM 6:43 AMCamp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03073 | On time 7:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h01 | 10:28 AM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03091 | 8:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h28 | 11:25 AM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
03093 | 9:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h54 | 12:21 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06501 | 9:31 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h44 | 12:15 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06011 | 9:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h42 | 12:39 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06011+ 17056 | 9:57 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 10h27 | 8:24 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
06111+ 17056 | 11:22 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 9h02 | 8:24 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
03113 | 11:27 AM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h01 | 2:28 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06121+ 17056 | 12:22 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 8h02 | 8:24 PM Tarragona station | 1 transfer | |
09725 | 12:50 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h48 | 3:38 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
06021 | 2:42 PM Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h45 | 5:27 PM Camp de Tarragona | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Madrid to Tarragona run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 if you book in advance.
There are 11 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 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 11 |
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 Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Tarragona — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tarragona trip today.
Main archaeological museum for Roman Tarraco, with mosaics, sculpture, inscriptions, and essential context for the UNESCO site.
Detailed model and interpretation center explaining ancient Tarraco's layout, ideal before exploring the Roman remains.
Museum inside the cathedral complex featuring liturgical art, sculpture, and treasures tied to Tarragona's religious history.
Balcony-like seafront promenade with classic Mediterranean views, ideal for sunset, photos, and a first impression of Tarragona.
Broad central avenue lined with shops and civic buildings, connecting the modern city with the historic core and sea views.
Atmospheric old town quarter of narrow lanes, stone houses, and Roman-medieval layers, perfect for wandering on foot.
Romesco is Tarragona's emblematic sauce of roasted ñora peppers, nuts, garlic, oil and vinegar, often served with fish, calçots or seafood.
Calçots are sweet spring onions grilled over flames and dipped in romesco or salvitxada. They are a beloved winter tradition across Tarragona province.
Xató is an escarole salad with salt cod, tuna, anchovies, olives and a rich romesco-style sauce. It is a classic festive dish in coastal Tarragona.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant near Tarragona known for creative tasting menus rooted in Catalan ingredients and elegant modern dining.
Well-known casual spot in the old town serving tapas, vermouth and Catalan small plates in a lively, local setting.
Established restaurant by the Roman circus area, known for contemporary Catalan cuisine, rice dishes and polished service.
Moderate for Spain: dining is reasonable, local transit is cheap, and summer hotels rise but stay below Barcelona.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for great service. For cafes and taxis, round up or leave small change.
Official public transport app
Tarragona Railway Station -> 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.

Most Madrid to Tarragona trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Camp de Tarragona station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Tarragona train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
Camp de Tarragona is 1 km from Tarragona city centre. Public transport options include:
Camp de Tarragona has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: MÁSCOSAS Cafe pans, Cafe Pans
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 06:00 - 23:15, Sun: 06:30 - 23:15.
Available at Camp de Tarragona: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Camp de Tarragona: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Camp de Tarragona: The station is fully accessible, including step-free access, handicapped restrooms, and adapted elevators.
Nearby hotels include Chilliman & Mas Miro Biofarm, Hotel Peralta, H10 Imperial Tarraco.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need