High-Speed Rail · Car · Bus · Plane
Getting to Tarragona
Tarragona is 35 minutes from Barcelona by high-speed rail, 2h30 from Madrid and well connected with all of Spain and Europe.
Tarragona by the numbers
| From | Distance | By train | By car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 90 km | 35 min (AVE) | 1h 10 min |
| Madrid | 555 km | 2h 30 min (AVE) | 5h 30 min |
| Valencia | 240 km | 1h 45 min | 2h 30 min |
| Zaragoza | 290 km | 1h 30 min | 2h |
| Reus | 15 km | 12 min | 20 min |
| Cambrils | 18 km | 18 min | 20 min |
| Salou | 12 km | 14 min | 15 min |
| Priorat | 30 km | No direct | 35 min |
| Ebro Delta | 80 km | No direct | 1h |
| Poblet | 45 km | No direct | 50 min |
AVE · High-Speed Train
The most comfortable option from Barcelona and Madrid
| From | Time | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona Sants | 35 min | €7–25 (regional) · €15–50 (AVE) |
| Madrid Atocha | 2h 30 min | €25–80 |
| Valencia Joaquín Sorolla | 1h 45 min | €15–45 |
| Zaragoza Delicias | 1h 30 min | €20–55 |
Barcelona Sants:The most used connection. Regional trains also run directly.
Madrid Atocha:Direct AVE or with a stop at Camp de Tarragona station (4 km from centre).
Valencia Joaquín Sorolla:Direct connection along the Mediterranean coast.
Zaragoza Delicias:Direct AVE or combined with regional train to Tarragona.
Stations / Car parks
Book in advance on Renfe.com: AVE tickets Madrid–Tarragona can drop below €25 if purchased 15+ days ahead.
Car
Ideal if you want to visit the surroundings (Priorat, Ebro Delta)
| From | Time | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 1h – 1h 20 min | AP-7 toll: ~€9 · Fuel variable |
| Madrid | 5h – 5h 30 min | Variable tolls · ~350 km |
| Valencia | 2h 30 min | Tolls ~€15 |
| Zaragoza | 2h | No toll on A-27 |
Barcelona:The AP-7 is the fastest. The N-340 follows the coast and is more scenic.
Madrid:Long but comfortable motorway route. Ideal if you want freedom of movement.
Valencia:Along the Mediterranean motorway following the coast.
Zaragoza:The A-27 is the most direct route from inland Aragon.
Stations / Car parks
The historic centre of Tarragona is completely pedestrianised. Leave your car in a car park on the first day and explore on foot: it's the best way to discover the city.
Bus
Economical option from Barcelona and other cities
| From | Time | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona (Nord) | 1h 30 min – 2h | €8–15 |
| Reus | 30 min | €3–5 |
| Salou / Cambrils | 20–30 min | €2–4 |
Barcelona (Nord):Most economical option from Barcelona. Departs from Estació del Nord. Also from El Prat Airport.
Reus:Frequent local connection from Reus, useful if arriving at Reus airport.
Salou / Cambrils:Local connection with the Costa Daurada.
Stations / Car parks
From El Prat Airport (Barcelona), there are direct buses to Tarragona without going through Barcelona city centre. Check Monbus routes.
Plane
Reus Airport 15 km away · El Prat 90 km away
| From | Time | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Reus Airport (REU) | 15–20 min by taxi · 30 min by bus | Taxi ~€20 · Bus ~€3 |
| Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) | 1h 20 min by train · 1h by car | Train ~€15–25 · Taxi ~€90–110 |
Reus Airport (REU):The nearest airport. Charter flights in summer from UK, Germany, Netherlands. Ryanair operates seasonally.
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN):The most internationally connected. Combine metro to Sants (15 min) + AVE to Tarragona (35 min) = ~1h door to door.
From El Prat, the smartest route: Metro L9 Sul to Zona Universitària → train to Passeig de Gràcia or Sants → AVE to Tarragona. Total time: 1h–1h 15 min.
Getting around Tarragona
The historic centre is small and pedestrianised. For most visits, you don't need any transport.
On foot
Tarragona's historic centre — Part Alta, Eixample, Rambla Nova and El Serrallo — is completely pedestrianised and compact. From the Amphitheatre to the Cathedral: 10 minutes. From Rambla Nova to El Serrallo: 15 minutes. You don't need any transport to see the UNESCO monuments.
City bus
EMT Tarragona operates the urban bus network. The most useful lines for tourists: Line 2 (northern beaches: Arrabassada, La Mora) · Line 5 (Playa Larga, south) · Line 9 (La Mora). Bus pass or cash payment to the driver.
Taxi / Rideshare
Taxis available at ranks near Rambla Nova, the train station and Plaça Imperial Tarraco. Cabify also operates in Tarragona. For reaching Pont del Diable (4 km) or Camp de Tarragona station (4 km), they're the most practical option.
Bicycle
Tarragona has a cycle path along the seafront and the coast. Bike rental is available in the centre. For Playa del Miracle and Arrabassada beach, cycling is a very pleasant option in summer.
Commuter train
Rodalies commuter trains (R14, R15, R16) connect Tarragona with Cambrils (18 km, 20 min), Salou (12 km, 15 min) and PortAventura station. Very useful for day trips along the Costa Daurada without a car.
🗺️ Day trips from Tarragona
Tarragona is the perfect base for exploring the region. Priorat, Ebro Delta, Poblet Monastery (UNESCO), Reus (Gaudí's birthplace), Siurana and Cambrils are all within 80 km.