MileHacker Logo
Getting Around Tarragona

Getting Around Tarragona

Tarragona Catalonia, Spain Travel Guide

Public Transit Overview

Buses, run by EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transports de Tarragona), serve as the primary mode of public transport within Tarragona city. The network connects all major areas, including the city center, Old Town (Part Alta), beaches, and residential neighborhoods. Buses provide an affordable way to cover longer distances within the city.

centers for bus lines include Plaçan Imperial Tarraco, a major roundabout that serves as a connection point for many routes. The Bus Station (Estació d'Autobusos) and the Train Station (Estació de Rodalies) also operate as key centers. You can find route get maps at the bus station, visitor information centers, and online on the EMT Tarragona website.

Ticketing & Accessibility

  • Single Ticket: Purchase directly from the bus driver, typically €1.50-€2.00.
  • T-10 Card: A multi-trip card for A single0 journeys, offering a noticeable discount. Available at kiosks, tobacconists, and newsagents.
  • Accessibility: Many modern EMT buses feature ramps for wheelchair access and designated spaces for strollers or wheelchairs.
  • Hours: Most lines operate from early morning (around 6 AM) until late evening (usually 10 PM or 11 PM), with reduced service on Sundays and public holidays.

Navigate with Google Maps

Utilize Google Maps for real-time bus information, including routes, stop locations, and estimated arrival times for efficient travel.

Opt for a T-10 Card

If you anticipate more than a few bus trips, purchase a T-10 card; the cost savings per ride accumulate quickly, making it a valuable investment.

Validate Your Ticket

Always get your ticket stamped or T-10 card by tapping it on the electronic reader near the driver immediately upon boarding the bus.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxi Information
  • Identification: Licensed taxis are white cars with a green light on the roof, indicating availability. They clearly show a taxi sign and the meter.
  • Hailing: Hail taxis on the street if the green light is on, or find them at designated stands near the train/bus station and Plaçan Imperial Tarraco. Order by phone or app.
  • Fares & Payment: Metered pricing for rides (base fare + per-kilometer charge). Surcharges apply for night service, weekends, holidays, airport/station pickups, and large luggage. A short city ride costs €7-€15. Taxis generally accept both cash and card; confirm card payment with the driver beforehand.
Ride-Sharing & Safety
  • Recommended Apps: A Ride-hailing app (formerly MyTaxi) is a widely used app for licensed taxis in Spain, often allowing in-app payments. Cabify may be available but is not as common than in larger cities. Uber is not widely available in Tarragona for transportation-hailing; local taxis are the greater common choice.
  • Safety: Licensed taxis are generally safe. Confirm the driver starts the meter. When using apps, ensure the vehicle and driver match the app's details for your security.
  • Always prioritize licensed taxis or reputable app-based services to ensure safe and regulated transportation.

Rental Options & Self-Driving

Car Rental

Book online in advance for better rates. Pick up at BCN, REU airports, or within Tarragona. Requires valid driver'a driver's license and sometimes an IDP for non-EU citizens. Credit card in driver's name for deposit. Minimum age often 21/23 with additional fees for those YOUNGER than 25.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Available from niche shops in Tarragona, especially in warmer months. Requirements are similar to car rentals, often in need of a specific motorcycle license. Provides an agile way to explore.

Bicycle Rentals

Several shops offer daily/hourly rentals, including e-bikes, excellent for exploring the city and coastal paths. Bici de Ciutat is a municipal bike-sharing service mainly for people who live there; inquire at the visitor center for visitor access.

Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the right. Speed limits are marked (120 kilometers per hour motorways, 90 km/h rural, 50 km/h urban). Seatbelts mandatory. Mobile phone use prohibited. Parking is challenging in The Old city; use underground garages or blue zones (paid street parking). Green zones are mainly for residents.

Walking & Cycling

Tarragona'the layout of renders walking and cycling pleasant for touring its numerous sights. The Old Town (Part Alta) is best seen by walking, with its narrow, winding streets, Ancient roman remains, and charming plazas inviting leisurely strolls. The Rambla Nova, the city's main promenade, is pedestrian-friendly-friendly, offering a pleasant walk down to the Balcó del Mediterrani, bordered by shops and cafes. The Coastal Path (Camí de Ronda) provides beautiful hiking trails along the coast, connecting various beaches and coves.

Guided & Self-Guided Walks

  • Guided Tours: Various companies offer guided walking tours focusing on Roman history, medieval Tarragona, or food tours. Inquire at the Tarragona Tourist Board for options tailored to your interests.
  • Self-Guided Exploration: Obtain free-of-charge maps and audio guides from the tourist office or via travel apps. These resources empower you to explore at your own pace, uncovering secret gems and historical narratives.
  • The Roman Amphitheatre region and the city walls are specifically rewarding for pedestrian exploration, offering distinct scenery and historical immersion.
  • Consider planning your pedestrian paths around the city's viewpoints, which present panoramic scenic outlooks of the coast and historic structures.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

  • Tarragona increasingly develops bike lanes (carrils bici), particularly along the coast and main avenues, improving cycling safety and access.
  • Cyclists should maintain awareness of traffic, notably outside special lanes. Helmets are suggested for safety.
  • No-car-free zones and cyclists: Tarragona does not feature specific "no-go" areas. Exercise normal caution at night. Heavy traffic zones offer less pleasant conditions for cycling, so prioritize designated bike lanes or quieter roads for an enjoyable experience.
  • Enjoy scenic coastal rides, benefiting from the mild climate and dedicated paths.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

The Tarragona Bus Turístic is a hop-on-hop-off service operating seasonally. It encompasses the main attractions, presenting a convenient a look at the city and easy access to major sites.

  • Check seasonal availability before organizing your journey around this service.
  • Provides a good starting point for getting acquainted with the urban area'the layout of.
  • Offers commentary on landmarks and historical points.
Water Transportation

Boat taxis and other water transportation services are generally limited to seasonal tourist excursions along the coast or to nearby beaches. They do not operate as regular public transport methods.

  • Ideal for scenic coastal tours or reaching more difficult to access coves.
  • Confirm operating schedules, especially outside peak tourist season.
  • May provide distinctive viewpoints of the city from the sea.
Unique Local Transport

Tarragona does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems of this nature, using its bus network and walkability.

  • The city's historical layout lends itself to on-foot exploration.
  • The bus system addresses most urban transport needs.
  • Enjoy the historical ambiance without specialized vertical transport.

Accessibility Considerations

Mobility Challenges in Old Town
  • The Old Town, with its stone pavers and hills, may pose difficulties for those with mobility issues.
  • Consider walking tours or routes that avoid steep inclines or extensive uneven surfaces.
  • Research specific accessibility information for attractions beforehand.
Improved Accessibility in Newer Areas
  • Newer areas and many public buildings offer improved accessibility aspects for visitors.
  • EMT buses are generally accessible with ramps, providing a viable transport option for many.
  • Prior planning with accommodations and attractions can greatly enhance the travel experience for individuals with mobility needs.

Final Navigation Tip

While public transport covers most of Tarragona, its compact Old Town truly shines when explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and wander through its old streets to discover its true character.

For longer distances, buses offer a practical solution, and cabs or ride-sharing-sharing apps provide direct alternatives.