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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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About the train journey from Málaga to Tarragona
Want to travel from Málaga to Tarragona by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Málaga to Tarragona usually takes 8 hours 49 minutes on average to travel 692 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 7 hours 17 minutes. You can expect to find 15 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Málaga and Tarragona, you'll need to make 1 change on your way to Tarragona. You can choose to travel with AVE or Renfe to get to Tarragona – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Málaga to Tarragona in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from $61.00.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Tarragona, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Málaga to Tarragona by train
It takes an average of 8h 49m to travel from Málaga to Tarragona by train, over a distance of around 430 miles (692 km). There are normally 15 trains per day traveling from Málaga to Tarragona and tickets for this journey start from $61 when you book in advance.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Málaga to Tarragona?
Want to know more about your journey from Málaga to Tarragona? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How fast can trains travel from Málaga to Tarragona?
Are there any direct trains from Málaga to Tarragona?
How far is the train ride from Málaga to Tarragona?
Who operates the trains from Málaga to Tarragona?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Málaga to Tarragona?
What is the best way to travel to Tarragona from Málaga?
What time does the first train run from Málaga to Tarragona?
How late does the train from Málaga to Tarragona run?
How many trains go from Málaga to Tarragona per day?
When do tickets from Málaga to Tarragona go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Málaga to Tarragona?
AVE and Renfe trains from Málaga to Tarragona
AVE
Renfe
AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.
More information
Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.
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What AVE classes are there from Málaga to Tarragona?
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE when traveling from Málaga to Tarragona.
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With baggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their dining car serving drinks and snacks and seats are usually in a row of 2 or 4 around a table. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Confort (First Class)
Onboard AVE's Confort Class, you’ll enjoy all the amenities of Estándar Class as well as extra perks, such as complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers and more. Don't forget to enjoy access to Renfe's Club Rooms before your trip to kick it off in style. On board, you'll enjoy:
- Free WiFi
- Seat reservation
- Dining car
- Entertainment pass
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- In-seat meal service
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
What are the onboard services on AVE?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Málaga to Tarragona.
What baggage limits are there? | With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of baggage that do not exceed 290cm (114.1 inches) and 25kg (55.1 pounds). In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of baggage are 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches). Musical instruments also count as hand baggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38cm (11.8 x 47.2 x 14.9 inches) and are stored in a case. |
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What food and drink is available? | If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard dining car. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff will pass through each car with a food and drink cart. |
What onboard entertainment is available? | On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment pass. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series. |
What facilities are there for travel with children? | Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices. |
Can I bring a bike on board? | On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm (70.8 inches), it's considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm or 47.2 x 35.4 x 15.7 inches). |
Can I bring pets on board? | With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg (22 pounds) and travels inside a cage or carrier that measures max 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23 x 13 x 13 inches). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re traveling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free. |
What special assistance is available? | AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly. |
How do I find cheap train tickets from Málaga to Tarragona?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Buy a rail pass
4. Choose a slower or connecting train
5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.