- Must visit
Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona
Main archaeology museum for Roman Tarragona, displaying sculptures, mosaics and finds that give context to the city's ancient monuments.
Cheapest price
£28
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
2 h 28 m
Average duration
2 h 38 m
Trains per day
12
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 travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Tarragona will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
Of the 12 trains that leave Madrid for Tarragona every day 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 424 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 28 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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
06381
06015
06111+
17056
06121+
17056
03091
06015
06381
03183
06011Omio 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 £10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. 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 £10, and a flight costs an average of £24.
Distance: 424 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£41 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price | £87 Average Price |
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* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Tarragona trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
06011 | Delayed 9:57 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h42 | 10:39 10:39Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
06011+ 17056 | On time 9:57 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 10h27 | 20:24 Tarragona station | 1 change | |
06111+ 17056 | On time 11:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 9h02 | 20:24 Tarragona station | 1 change | |
06121+ 17056 | On time 12:22 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 8h02 | 20:24 Tarragona station | 1 change | |
09725 | On time 12:50 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h48 | 15:38 Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
06021 | Delayed 14:42 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h45 | 15:27 15:27Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
03163 | Delayed 16:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h42 | 17:09 17:09Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
03373 | 17:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h59 | 20:26 Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
03183 | On time 18:27 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h41 | 21:08 Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
06181 | Delayed 18:32 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h28 | 19:00 19:00Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
06015 | Delayed 19:29 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 2h40 | 20:09 20:09Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
03309 | Delayed 19:34 Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3h03 | 20:37 20:37Camp de Tarragona | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, 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 £10 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 424 km distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 424 km |
Average train duration 3h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 6:08 |
Last train 21:13 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
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 archaeology museum for Roman Tarragona, displaying sculptures, mosaics and finds that give context to the city's ancient monuments.
Art museum in a historic building with Gothic and modern collections, religious works and temporary exhibitions in the old quarter.
Local history museum with Roman remains under the square and exhibits on Tarragona's urban development across different periods.
Seafront promenade lined with palms and balconies, popular for walks, sea views and easy access to the historic centre.
Broad pedestrian avenue between the station area and old town, known for shops, civic buildings and everyday city life.
Historic upper town of narrow lanes, small squares and stone façades, ideal for wandering between cathedral and Roman remains.
Romesco is Tarragona’s signature sauce of roasted peppers, tomatoes, almonds and olive oil, traditionally served with fish, calçots or seafood.
Calçots are sweet spring onions charred over flames and dipped in romesco. They are central to winter calçotades across Tarragona province.
Xató is a Catalan salad of escarole, salt cod, tuna, anchovies and olives with a nutty romesco-style dressing, popular along this coast.
Established harbour-side dining room specialising in Mediterranean seafood, paellas and market fish with a refined but relaxed atmosphere.
Well-known seafood restaurant in El Serrallo, popular for rice dishes, shellfish and classic coastal cooking in a polished setting.
Traditional tavern-style venue in the old town known for vermouth, tapas and Catalan small plates in a lively historic setting.
Moderate for Spain: dining and local transport are reasonable, while summer accommodation near the coast can raise overall trip costs versus smaller inland cities.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. In cafés, small change is enough. For taxis, round up the fare rather than tipping heavily.
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