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Take the train from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena in 9 hours 19 minutes
If you want to travel from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena by train to take around 14 hours 14 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 9 hours 19 minutes on the fastest services. You’ll usually find around 3 trains per day running on this route, which spans 270 miles (434 km). You’ll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Cartagena. AVE, Renfe or OUIGO are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.
You can save money on train tickets from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena if you book in Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena if you book in advance.. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Tarragona Estació to Cartagena by train
| First train | 11:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 15:12 | |
| Departure station | Tarragona Estació | |
| Arrival station | Cartagena | |
| Journey time | From 9h 19m | |
| Distance | 270 miles (434 km) | |
| Frequency | 3 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Train and bus operators |
FAQs about the train journey from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena
Want to know more about your journey from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena?
How far is the train ride from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena?
Who operates the trains from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena?
What is the best way to travel to Cartagena from Tarragona Estació?
What time does the first train run from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena?
How late does the train from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena run?
How many trains go from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena per day?
When do tickets from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena?
AVE, OUIGO, Renfe and Euromed trains from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena
AVE
OUIGO
Renfe
Euromed
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.
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OUIGO is the low-cost brand of French rail company SNCF, who operate trains in France and Spain. In France, all seats on OUIGO are Second Class and tickets can only be purchased online. You can also pay for additional extras, such as reserving a seat in the ‘quiet area’, at-seat power sockets and extra luggage. OUIGO has been operating in Spain since May 2021, and their trains include an onboard bar and a premium class of service called OUIGO Plus.
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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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Euromed is Renfe's high-speed service that travels along the Mediterranean coast. Able to travel at 155 mph (250 km/h), Euromed trains run on the Barcelona – Tarragona – Castellón – Valencia – Alicante route - also known as the "Mediterranean Corridor". With a frequency of up to 12 daily trips between these cities, Euromed trains offer two classes on board – Turista (Second Class) and Preferente (First Class). Designed by Talgo, the trains that run between Barcelona and Alicante offer 63 seats in Preferente and 236 in Turista, with 11 carriages (including a food carriage) and two locomotives, which allows them to travel in both directions.
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AVE and OUIGO classes from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena
Compare the different travel classes offered by AVE and OUIGO when travelling from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena.
AVE
OUIGO
Estándar (Standard Class)
In AVE's Estándar Class, you'll enjoy comfortable fuss-free travel. With luggage storage and air-conditioning throughout, there's access to their bar/restaurant carriage 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- 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
- Bar/restaurant carriage
- Entertainment portal
- Fold-down table
- Reading light
- Power sockets at each seat
- Catering at your seat
- Lounge access
- Larger tables
Standard Class
OUIGO comes with only one class, Standard Class, which is the equivalent of TGV's Second Class. On board you'll find WiFi and a café-bar (on services in Spain). There may be a trolley service on Train Classique services in France. You can pay extra to guarantee a seat with a plug socket, as not all seats currently have one.
- Fold-down table
- Luggage storage
- Bar/restaurant carriage (1)
- Catering at your seat (2)
- WiFi (3)
- Power sockets
- (1) Available on OUIGO Spain services only
- (2) Snack service available on some OUIGO Classique trains
- (3) WiFi available for a fee on services in France; may be free in Spain
Onboard services on AVE and OUIGO
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena.
AVE
OUIGO
With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of luggage that do not exceed 290 cm and 25 kg. In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of luggage are 85 x 55 x 35 cm. Musical instruments also count as hand luggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38 cm and are stored in a case.
If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard bar carriage serving drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff sell food and drinks from a trolley that will pass through the train during the journey.
On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment service. 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.
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.
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, it is considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm).
With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and travels inside a cage or carrier (60 x 35 x 35 cm). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re travelling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.
AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.
One piece of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and one piece of cabin luggage (55 x 35 x 25 cm) can be taken onboard. You can take additional or larger bags with you (max. 30kg) for an extra fee or by paying for OUIGO Plus.
On OUIGO trains in France: an at-seat service of snacks is available on Train classique services. This service is not available on high-speed OUIGO trains.
On OUIGO trains in Spain: OUIBAR is located in coach 4 of each train and offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, plus snacks.
WiFi (OUIFI) and an entertainment portal (OUIFUN) are available at an additional cost.
For OUIGO trains in France: Passengers under 12 years old pay a fixed price for tickets all year round - €5 for journeys on Train classique services, and €8 for high speed services.
For OUIGO trains in Spain: Passengers under 12 pay €5 per ticket for all journeys.
You can take your bicycle on board OUIGO trains if you add the 'Bike' option onto your ticket for an additional fee of at least €5. Your bike must be folded or dismantled and placed in a storage bag for transport.
Pets are only allowed on board OUIGO trains if the 'Pets' option is added to your ticket at the time of booking. (1 pet per adult, per booking, €10 per pet.)
For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).
Cheap train tickets from Tarragona Estació to Cartagena
Book in advance
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 Estació to Cartagena by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
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.
Choose a slower or connecting train
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!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.