Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It has the widest network of high-speed trains in Europe, linking major cities with AVE, AV-City, Avant, Alvia, and Euromed trains. Long-distance routes are served by Altaria and Talgo trains, while regional routes are operated by Media Distancia, Regional and Express Regional trains. Renfe also operates on international routes to France and Portugal. Renfe trains offer four different travel classes, depending on the train you’re travelling on – Turista (Standard), Turista Plus (Premium Economy), Preferente (Business Class) and Club (First Class).
AVE is Renfe's high-speed train, with trains capable of reaching up to 330 km/h. It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer four comfort classes – Turista (standard class), Turista Plus (wider, more comfortable seats), Preferente (lounge access, wide leather seats, food and drink service) and Club (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.
Designed to complement its AVE high-speed service, Renfe’s AV-City trains usually offer cheaper fares than the AVE. The trains have two comfort classes available – Turista (standard) and Turista Plus (wider, more comfortable seats and extra legroom). All trains have air conditioning and WiFi on board, and most also have a buffet carriage serving food and beverages.
Able to reach speeds of at 250 km/h, Avant trains operate short and medium distance high-speed services. These trains are intended to cover journeys within the same autonomous community or in two neighbouring communes. For this reason, trains generally don’t offer catering services and travel less than 200 km. They have two types of comfort classes – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class).
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Tarragona to Barcelona by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guide to check when European train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
The average journey time between Tarragona and Barcelona is 1 hour and 9 minutes and the fastest journey time is 49 minutes. On an average weekday, there are 41 trains per day travelling from Tarragona to Barcelona. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use our journey planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The first train from Tarragona to Barcelona departs at 05:55. The last train from Tarragona to Barcelona departs at 23:10. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services. Alternatively, some popular routes may run throughout the night at a reduced frequency. There may also be less services on weekends and holidays; use our journey planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Tarragona to Barcelona without having to change trains. There are 41 direct trains from Tarragona to Barcelona. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.