Travel from Barcelona to Tarragona, Spain
If you are looking for the best way to travel from Barcelona to Tarragona, Spain we share the best and easy routes to get you from point to point. This is a relatively fast and doable trip you can do for the day or longer depending on how much you want to explore the Costa Daurada region of Spain. Tarragona is the regional capital city with so much to see and do with Unesco World Heritage Site status, medieval Old Town to more central business district with all the typical amenities of modern markets, shopping and dining venues in the city.
If you are looking to get from Barcelona to Tarragona, Spain we outline all the options for you below:
Travel by train from Barcelona to Tarragona
You can take trains from the main train station in the city center at Barcelona Sants station. Two popular options is to take either the Ave high speed trains or Avant trains which gets to to Tarragona in about 35-45 minutes.
There are also regional trains (Rodalies) that take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a more budget-friendly option. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making this a flexible choice.
Travel by bus service
Another option is to take a bus from Barcelona to Tarragona which takes a little longer than train service, but it actually drops you off central in the business district of the city. Buses depart from Barcelona’s Estació del Nord and typically take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Tarragona. This can be a good option if you’re staying closer to the bus station or prefer a direct route. Check out routes and prices to and from Tarragona here for more information.
Travel by car
Driving to Tarragona will give you more flexibility on stopping and going as you please. The city is about 100 kilometers southwest of Barcelona, and the entire trip takes around 1 hour by car. You can take the AP-7 motorway, which is a toll road, or the coastal C-32 road if you prefer a more scenic route. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
How to get around Tarragona city
When you take the train or local bus service, you’ll be dropped in the central business district (by bus) or just on the outskirts of town and close to the harbor (by train service)
To get around the city you can get around easily by bus service, taxi or easily walking to visit the many attractions around the city.
Bus service
Local buses are relatively easy to follow, you can use the Google tool and input where you want to head out from either station to where you want to go. The main bus routes around the city cover the main attractions and landmarks using Bus #
Taxi service
Just outside of the bus or train station, you’ll find taxis lining up to take you to where you want to go immediately.
Walking
Getting around this small city is relatively easy because of the compact size and most of the main attractions are easily located in the Old Town section or some of the newer parts of town.
Why is Tarragona a Unesco World Heritage Site?
Tarragona, in Catalonia, Spain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its significant Roman ruins and historical importance. Known as Tarraco in ancient times, the city was a major administrative and military hub in the Roman Empire.
Here’s why Tarragona earned this designation:
Roman Ruins
The city features well-preserved Roman structures, including an amphitheater, a theater, and extensive city walls. These ruins are among the finest examples of Roman architecture in Spain.
Historical Importance
Tarraco was a key city in the Roman Empire’s Iberian province. It played a major role in the spread of Roman culture and infrastructure in the region.
Architectural Significance
Tarragona’s Roman ruins offer a clear view of Roman urban planning and design. The city’s street layout and public spaces reflect typical Roman city planning.
Cultural Value
The Roman heritage is well-preserved and integrated into modern Tarragona, helping us understand Roman history and culture.
These factors make Tarragona a valuable site for studying Roman history and architecture, justifying its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Check out these posts to visiting Tarragona city
So, what to see and do around Tarragona city? Check out these posts below on attractions and local sites to explore around the city.
Conclusion on travel from Barcelona to Tarragona
There are your options to travel from Barcelona to Tarragona and what to see around the old Roman ruins to the medieval city and then to the modern side of the city.
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