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About the train journey from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació

Want to travel from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació usually takes 18 hours 42 minutes on average to travel 261 miles (420 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 13 hours 43 minutes. You can expect to find 3 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren’t any direct services running between Bilbao and Tarragona Estació, you’ll need to make 1 change on your way to Tarragona Estació. You'll be travelling on a Renfe service during your journey to Tarragona Estació, which is the main train operator in Spain. Offering modern, comfortable and air-conditioned trains throughout the country, you'll get there feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Tarragona Estació, 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.

Trains to Tarragona Estació from Bilbao

First train

07:00

Last train

17:35

Departure stationBilbao
Arrival stationTarragona Estació
Journey time

From 13h 43m

Distance

261 miles (420 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train and bus operators

ALSA, Renfe

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació?

Want to know more about your journey from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you get to Tarragona Estació from Bilbao?

To travel to Tarragona Estació from Bilbao, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 18 hours and 42 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 13 hours and 43 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació?

Trains from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació take an average of 18 hours and 42 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 13 hours and 43 minutes. You'll usually find 3 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Bilbao and Tarragona Estació by train?

The quickest journey time between Bilbao and Tarragona Estació by train is 13 hours and 43 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació?

No, there are no direct trains running from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació, you’ll usually need to make at least 1 change during the journey.

What are the train times from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació?

Check out the next trains departing from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació for Tuesday 14th October 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
06:0019:4313h 43m, 4 changes
14:1809:1018h 52m, 1 change
16:3516:0823h 33m, 3 changes

Renfe and Alvia trains from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació

You can travel from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació on Renfe and Alvia trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

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.

Renfe's Alvia services combine high-speed tracks with lower speed sections, reaching speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h) on international lines and 125 mph (200 km/h) on conventional lines. These trains connect the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante with the other main Spanish cities. Alvia offers two types of classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). The latter has wider seats, carriages with fewer seats, offers complimentary food and drinks, free newspapers, and access to parking and Club meeting rooms.

What Alvia classes are there from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Alvia when travelling from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació.

What are the onboard services on Alvia?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?

On Alvia trains you can take up to three pieces of luggage on board, provided that they are less than 290cm long and weigh less than 25kg in total. Pushchairs and instruments smaller than 30 x 120 x 38 cm are also classed as hand luggage.

RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

Most Alvia trains have an onboard café-bar, as well as an at-seat trolley service with a wide selection of food and drinks.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

On board Alvia services, you can connect to PlayRenfe, a platform offering free WiFi and hours of entertainment.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

Children under 4 travel free on Alvia services with a free child's ticket. Plus, passengers under 14 get a 40% discount on their chosen tariff.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

With Alvia, folded bicycles that are less than 180cm long and are stored in a case count as hand luggage. If your bike is larger than this, it will count as special luggage and must be no larger than 120 x 90 x 40 cm - you must also detach the pedals and rotate the handlebars 90 degrees.

PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

You can take your pet with you if they weigh less than 10kg, travel in a carrier no larger than 60 x 35 x 35 cm, and have a pet ticket. In Elige Confort a pet ticket is free, while in Básico a pet ticket costs 25% of the price of a ticket.

WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

Alvia has an assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility or a disability. To arrange assistance, you can call (+34) 900 400 555 (international calling charges may apply).

How do I find cheap train tickets from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació?

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

The price of train tickets from Bilbao to Tarragona Estació starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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