Tarragona to Barcelona Day Trip

[Sorcerer]

On behalf of some family members I am looking into sorting out a day trip from Tarragona to Barcelona (leaving around 8:00, returning around 20:00). Of the booking sites I've used (Trainline, Renfe and SpainRail) most journeys seem to be for Camp de Tarragona to Barcelona Sants with Renfe. The time to travel from their location to either Camp de Tarragona or Tarragona Estacio seems roughly the same and the latter station doesn't offer much services it seems either.

They are staying in Salou so unfortunately this also likely means they'll be needing to get a taxi or transport to the station. Interestingly fares seem to half if trying to book the day before. Every other day but tomorrow seems to be double the price, so I'm tempted to just tell them to buy the tickets on the day rather than try to book it in advance. Can anyone who has ever travelled on Spanish railways offer any further advice?

 

[Class73Electro]

On behalf of some family members I am looking into sorting out a day trip from Tarragona to Barcelona (leaving around 8:00, returning around 20:00). Of the booking sites I've used (Trainline, Renfe and SpainRail) most journeys seem to be for Camp de Tarragona to Barcelona Sants with Renfe. The time to travel from their location to either Camp de Tarragona or Tarragona Estacio seems roughly the same and the latter station doesn't offer much services it seems either.

They are staying in Salou so unfortunately this also likely means they'll be needing to get a taxi or transport to the station. Interestingly fares seem to half if trying to book the day before. Every other day but tomorrow seems to be double the price, so I'm tempted to just tell them to buy the tickets on the day rather than try to book it in advance. Can anyone who has ever travelled on Spanish railways offer any further advice?

Did Barcelona Airport to Salou couple of weeks back. There is a Rail Replacement bus for some of the journey (Tarragone to Sant Vicenç de Calders) . Strangely the journey was free both ways (asked numerous people!)

Edit: Also there is a (limited!) service from Salou PortAventure to Tarragona

 

[30907]

Check the Rodalies de Catalunya site (sorry, internet access at Jn is iffy ...).

 

[delayedby7mins]

If they're staying in Salou it may be easier to go from Cambrils?

I stayed in Cambrils a couple of years ago. I bought a Cambrils to Barcelona single from the ticket desk at the station. Cost just under €10.

The Camp De Tarragona station is quite a way outside Tarragona.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

There are engineering works in the Garraf Tunnel (east of Sitges) until the middle of June. Single line working is in place, but it means there are only 2 trains per hour Barcelona to Sant Vicenç de Calders. Regional services to Tarragona and beyond are starting from Sant Vicenç de Calders so it is still possible to make the journey, albeit with extended journey times. Buses are also provided between Sant Vicenç de Calders and El Prat de Llobregat, from where the normal train service into Barcelona is running.

Camp De Tarragona is a non-starter - it is miles outside Tarragona plus having the penalty of premium fares.

 

[Sorcerer]

So Camp de Tarragona seems to be off the table then. I suppose now I just need to find them a way to get on the R16 or R17 route that'll take them to Barcelona. Google Maps seems to suggest the travel time from the resort to both Tarragona stations (Estacio and Camp) is about the same but I want to make it as convenient as possible.