- Recommended
Museo Municipal de Tarifa
Municipal museum presenting Tarifa’s archaeology, local history and heritage in a compact old-town setting. Good for historical context.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Madrid to Tarifa
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Nov
- Cheapest price on 13 Nov
- £27
- Average ticket price on 13 Nov
- £40
- Fastest journey on 13 Nov
- 5 h 14 m
- Average journey duration on 13 Nov
- 5 h 36 m
- Trains on 13 Nov
- 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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Tarifa will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Fast trains
On Fri 13 Nov, we found 4 trains from Madrid to Tarifa, including 4 direct services.
These 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 .
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.
8:35 5h40 Madrid 14:15 Tarifa £27 1 One-way 0 changes7:05 5h49 Madrid 12:54 Tarifa £31 1 One-way 0 changes6:30 5h14 Madrid 11:44 Tarifa £34 1 One-way 0 changes7:35 5h40 Madrid 13:15 Tarifa £67 1 One-way 0 changes
6:30 5h14 Madrid 11:44 Tarifa £34 1 One-way 0 changes8:35 5h40 Madrid 14:15 Tarifa £27 1 One-way 0 changes7:35 5h40 Madrid 13:15 Tarifa £67 1 One-way 0 changes7:05 5h49 Madrid 12:54 Tarifa £31 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Madrid to Tarifa
SpainSpain
Trains from Madrid to Tarifa run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 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 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 517 km |
Average train duration 5h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 14m |
First train 8:00 |
Last train 16:45 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 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
Frequently asked questions about your Madrid to Tarifa trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Madrid to Tarifa.
The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Tarifa can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £21, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from Madrid to Tarifa covers a distance of 517 km and takes approximately 5h 14m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Madrid to Tarifa is 517 km.
The first train from Madrid to Tarifa leaves at 8:00.
The last train from Madrid to Tarifa departs at 16:45.
Trains from Madrid to Tarifa run approximately 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Madrid and Tarifa. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Renfe ALVIA.
Live departures
Madrid to Tarifa train times
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Tarifa trains for tomorrow, Friday 13 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:30 Madrid | 5h14 | 11:44 Tarifa | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:05 Madrid | 5h49 | 12:54 Tarifa | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:35 Madrid | 5h40 | 13:15 Tarifa | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:35 Madrid | 5h40 | 14:15 Tarifa | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Renfe ALVIA from Madrid to Tarifa trainsRenfe ALVIA trains will get you between Madrid and Tarifa from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Renfe ALVIA Duration
5h 14m
Cheapest Renfe ALVIA Price
£21
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Madrid and Tarifa
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Madrid to Tarifa.
There is no night train service from Madrid to Tarifa.
Complete guide to Tarifa
Things to do in Tarifa
Discover the best of Tarifa — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tarifa trip today.
- Recommended
Centro de Interpretación Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno
Castle exhibition space with displays on the monument and Tarifa’s history. A practical cultural visit combined with the fortress.
Centro de Interpretación de Cetáceos
Interpretation centre focused on Cetaceans of the Strait, with exhibits on whales, dolphins and migration. Useful before a boat trip.
- Must visit
Playa de Los Lances
Long sandy beach east of town, popular for walks, views and wind sports. A defining Tarifa landscape with open sea and dunes.
- Must visit
Casco Histórico de Tarifa
Compact old town of whitewashed streets, small squares and historic buildings. Ideal for wandering and discovering Tarifa’s character.
- Recommended
Alameda de Tarifa
Central promenade and garden area near the old town. A pleasant local favourite for a stroll, shade and easy access to nearby sights.
- Gluten-free
Atún rojo a la plancha
Bluefin tuna loin lightly seared so the centre stays rare. A Tarifa classic linked to the almadraba tuna fishery in nearby Atlantic waters.
- Gluten-free
Mojama de atún
Salt-cured tuna roe, sliced thin and served as a tapa. A traditional coastal delicacy in Cádiz province with an intense, savoury sea flavour.
- Gluten-free
Ensalada de tomate con ventresca
Tomato salad with ventresca tuna, onion and olive oil. Popular in Tarifa bars, showcasing prized preserved tuna from the local almadraba tradition.
No. 6 Cocina Sencilla
Popular modern restaurant known for creative tuna dishes and polished plates in a stylish yet relaxed setting near Tarifa’s old town.
El Francés
Well-known informal spot specialising in almadraba tuna tapas and seafood, with a lively atmosphere and strong local following.
Bar El Tapeo
Casual traditional venue known for Andalusian tapas, fried fish and local specialities in the historic centre.
Euro (€)
Moderate for southern Spain: food and local buses are reasonable, but summer stays and beachfront dining can raise daily costs versus nearby inland towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-14 for tapas, kebab or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €45-70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change for cafés; round up taxi fares, but it is not expected.
Plan your visit to Tarifa
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Tarifa.
The train journey from Madrid to Tarifa offers a mix of landscapes, including the picturesque countryside of Andalusia, with rolling hills, olive groves, and quaint villages, making parts of it quite scenic.
FAQs: Madrid to Tarifa train
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.
Booking trains from Madrid to Tarifa in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Madrid to Tarifa.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Madrid and Tarifa
Most Madrid to Tarifa trains use the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to station pair. Use this guide to compare Madrid and Tarifa train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Madrid
Arrival train stations in Tarifa
Which Madrid station do trains to Tarifa leave from?
Trains from Madrid to Tarifa leave from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes. The station is 2 km from Madrid city centre at Glorieta Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain.
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena GrandesGlorieta Emperador Carlos V, 28045 Madrid, Spain+34 912432343
City-centre transport
Getting to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes from Madrid city centre
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes is 1 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainC3, C4, C4a, C4b · 5m · £1 · every ~15 min
Bus26, 32 · 6m · £1 · every ~60 min
Subway1 · 6m · £2 · every ~24 min
Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Passion Food, La Barrila, Enrique Tomás, Pic Nic, Foodissimo!, PureGusto, Burger King
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi in the station and on all Renfe trains. ATMs are in various points at the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00. Information desks are on the ground floor of the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes: Wheelchair parking, adapted elevators, adapted platforms, lobby shopping area.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include 60 Balconies Urban Stay, Only YOU Hotel Atocha, SLEEP’N Atocha.
More options for your journey from Madrid to Tarifa
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Tarifa and Madrid
Most popular train connections to Tarifa
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