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How to Get to Tarragona

How to Get to Tarragona

Tarragona Catalonia, Spain Travel Guide

Airport Access

Major Airports

Reus Airport (REU): Located approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Tarragona city center. It primarily serves low-budget airlines, such as Ryanair and Jet2, having seasonal flights from various European cities, notably the UK and Ireland.

Barcelona-El Prat BCN

  • Located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Tarragona.
  • Spain's second-busiest airport, featuring an extensive range of international and domestic airlines.
  • The majority of foreign visitors heading to Tarragona fly into BCN.

Airline & Route Details

At BCN, major airlines include Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia, Ba, Lufthansa, Air France, Aa, Delta, United, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, offering global routes.

Direct Flight Access

  • From North America, direct flights to BCN are obtainable from major cities like New York, Miami, Chicago, The City of angels, Toronto, and Montreal.
  • From Asia/Middle East, direct flights to BCN connect from hubs like Doha, Dubai, Singapore, and Seoul.
  • Flight prices change throughout the year, with summer (June-August) and public holidays for it is the priciest. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner assist with finding competitive fares.

Shoulder Season Savings

Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) present a favorable balance of pleasant weather and better prices, making travel more affordable.

Low Season Value

The low season (November-March) generally sees the lowest fares, offering the most affordable-friendly travel opportunities.

Airport Facilities

BCN offers extensive facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental agencies, and currency exchange. Reus Airport presents more basic amenities.

Airport Transfers to Tarragona

From Barcelona-El Prat Airport BCN

  • Train (Renfe): Take the R2 Nord suburban train from BCN Terminal 2 to Barcelona Sants station. From Sants, take a direct regional train (Rodalies de Catalunya R16 line or Media Distancia) to Tarragona. The total journey usually takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
  • Bus (Plana): Empresa Plana operates a direct bus service by BCN Terminals 1 and 2 to Tarragona city center. The journey lasts about 1 hour and is often a very convenient option for direct travel.
  • Taxi: A taxi ride from BCN to Tarragona costs approximately €150-€180.
  • Private Transfer/Car Rental: Pre-booked private transfer services are available, and car hire companies operate at the airport terminals.

From Reus Airport REU

  • Bus (Plana): Empresa Plana provides direct bus service connecting REU to Tarragona city center. The journey takes around 25-30 minutes.
  • Taxi: A taxi ride from REU to Tarragonan expenses approximately €25-€30.
  • Car Rental: Car rental services are easily found at Reus Airport for those preferring to drive independently.
  • Lleida-Alguaire Airport (ILD) is much further inland and has very limited flight options, making it less practical for travel to Tarragona.

Booking & Planning Tips

Advance Flight Booking

Booking your flights well in advance, especially for high season, often leads to better fares. Utilize comparing flight prices websites to find optimal deals.

Transfer Preparedness

For transfers from BCN to Tarragona, compare train and direct bus options. The bus frequently has the most straightforward route.

Rental Car Reservations

If you plan to rent a car, reserve it ahead of time, especially during peak travel periods, to ensure availability and better rates.

Ground Transportation

Train Connections

Renfe, the Spanish National Railway, provides good train connections to Tarragona.

Station Information

  • Camp de Tarragona (High-Speed AVE) Station: Is roughly 10 kilometers inland. Connects to Barcelona (~HALF an hour), Madrid (~2.5 hours), and Valencia (~1.5 hours). A shuttle bus connects this station to the central area.
  • Tarragona (City Center) Station: On the coast, serving regional trains (Rodalies de Catalunya R16 line) to Barcelona (~1 hour 15 minutes to Sants), Tortosa, Valencia, and other coastal towns.
  • Book tickets online via the Renfe website, at station ticket counters, or from vending machines. Booking high-speed tickets in advance is advised for better prices.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Tarragona’s main bus station (Estació d'Autobusos de Tarragona) is centrally located. Major coach operators like Alsa, Empresa Plana, Hife, and Sarfa operate routes connecting Tarragona to Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and various towns within Catalonia and other parts of Spain.

Bus Travel Benefits

  • Buses often present a more affordable alternative to rail for regional travel.
  • They can also offer direct paths to smaller towns not served by direct train lines.
  • This option is especially useful for exploring the broader area beyond the main train corridors.

Self-Driving Essentials

For self-driving, PEOPLE from the eu/eea need a valid national driver's license. Non-EU/EEA citizens require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along along with their valid national driver's license. The minimum driving age is 18, but rental companies often require drivers to be 21 or 23, and may apply a young driver surcharge for those under 25.

Car Rental & Road Tips

  • Major international car rental companies (DiscoverCars.com, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) have offices at Barcelona and Reus airports, and within Tarragona city. Book in advance for better rates.
  • Roads in Spain are generally well-maintained. Toll roads (autopistas) present faster travel, while non-toll roads (autovías and carreteras nacionales) are slower but can reveal scenic routes.
  • Finding parking can be challenging and expensive in city centers. Seek underground parking garages. Blue zones necessitate payment at meters during certain hours.

Driving Laws & Borders

Drive on the right-the right side of the road. Everyone must wear a seatbelt. Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Speed limits are clearly marked. Spain enforces a zero-tolerance regulations for driving under the influence. Be aware of these regulations to ensure safety journey.

Border Information

  • Spain shares land borders with France, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar.
  • As part of the Schengen Area, internal land borders with The french republic and Portugal are accessible, with no routine passport inspection.
  • Standard border checks apply for Andorra and Gibraltar, requiring travelers to be prepared with necessary documentation.

Driving Regulations

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Mobile phone use while driving is not allowed under any circumstances.
  • Speed limits are clearly marked and vary by car type (e.g., ABOUT 75 mph on motorways).
  • Children under 1.35m must use appropriate child seats.
  • Spain upholds a zero-tolerance regulations for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Maritime Access

Ferry & Cruise Services

The Port of Tarragona mostly caters to financial and industrial purposes. However, it functions as a cruise ship port. Cruise lines occasionally include Tarragona on Mediterranean itineraries.

Cruise Port Details

  • No regular passenger ferry services connect Tarragona to other major ports for overall travel.
  • Larger ports like Barcelona or Valencia offer ferries to the Balearic Islands.
  • The Port of Tarragona acts as a make a pause for select cruise itineraries in the Mediterranean.

Port Procedures & Connections

Standard Schengen Area immigration procedures apply for cruise passengers disembarking in Tarragona. This means you will undergo passport control upon entering the Schengen zone. Be made with your travel documents.

Land Transport Connections

  • The cruise terminal stands relatively close to the central area.
  • This proximity allows easy access to taxis or local buses for continuing your journey to your accommodation or attractions.
  • Check your cruise itinerary for specific port arrival and departure information and recommended transfer options.

Smooth Disembarkation

Cruise passengers undergo standard Schengen immigration screening upon entering the zone, streamlining the process at the port.

Convenient Access

The port's proximity to Tarragona's city center enables quick transfers to local taxis or buses, connecting you to urban sights.

Limited Ferry Options

Tarragona's port principally provides for commercial operations, with limited regular passenger water transport services to other major destinations.

Departure Details

Exit Fees & Procedures

You will encounter you won't pay exit fees upon departure from Spain, as these costs are typically included in the airline ticket price. Prepare for your departure from Tarragona with these specifics in mind.

Departure Timing

  • Airports: Arrive at the airport 2-ARRIVE 3 hours early for international flights. For domestic or Schengen flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours beforehand. Allow time for check-in and security screening.
  • Train/Bus Stations: For high-speed trains, show UP 30-45 minutes before departure. For regional trains or buses, 15-20 minutes before departure usually suffices.
  • Confirm your departure terminal and gate in advance, especially at larger airports like BCN, to save time upon arrival.

Departure Facilities

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) offers a full range of facilities for departing travelers, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and VAT refund services. Reus Airport (REU) provides more basic facilities. Tarragona Train and Bus Stations feature cafes, waiting areas, and limited shops for your convenience.

Smooth Departure Pointers

  • Keep all your travel documents, including boarding cards or tickets, easily accessible for smooth processing.
  • Have any remaining local currency ready for last-minute purchases or incidentals at the airport/station.
  • Double-check luggage allowances and limitations for your airline to avoid unexpected fees.

Final Travel Checklist

Before Leaving Accommodation

Check all drawers and closets for forgotten items. Ensure windows and doors are securely locked.

During Transit to Airport/Station

Confirm you have all essential documents (passport, ticket, ID). Be vigilant, especially with luggage.

At Airport/Station

Locate check-in counter/gate promptly. Proceed through security efficiently. Keep liquids and electronics readily accessible.

Seamless Exit

Allocate ample time for your departure, notably for international flights, to navigate check-in and security procedures without rush.