Barcelona to Montserrat day trip – Guide 2020

When it comes to Barcelona, visiting Montserrat Mountain is on the top of the list of day trips! In this article we are going to explain a perfect day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona including how to reach there.

So, if you have time and you stay more than one week, you can enjoy a bit different experience by spending a whole day for a nice activity out of the city to escape the hustle and bustle of it.

Why you should take a day trip to Montserrat

The word “Montserrat” comes from Catalan language and it literally means “saw”. Located close to Barcelona (approximately 1:30h away), this multi-peaked mountain range, is a gem in the autonomous community of Catalonia for everybody, especially hiking lovers. While you are there, take into account that, there are things which make your visit more memorable.

There are two main reasons that normally people visit Montserrat. One is the special form of mountain with an impressive architecture and of course breathtaking views and also some for religious reason because of famous basilica located there.

What to visit in Montserrat

• Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey: Located in Monistrol de Montserratis, this abbey was established in the 11th century, of the Order of Saint Benedict and dedicated to Virgin of Montserrat. It is remarkable for enshrining the image of the Virgin of Montserrat. The monastery is home to almost 80 monks.
• The Basilica: Originally built in 16th and later rebuilt totally in 19th century due to destruction in the Peninsular War, the Basilica of Montserrat, apart from its architectural feature, it is an important shrine for many Christians mainly for the statue of the Madonna and Child which is located right above the main altar. There is a portico on the right side of the basilica to reach there and visit the Virgin of Montserrat or as they call it “La Moreneta” because of its dark skin color. Be aware that there is a queue to visit it.
• The Montserrat Museum: With more than 1300 art pieces including works by world known artists like Salvador Dalí, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso you will see an amazing artistic and archaeological heritage at the thousand-year-old Abbey of Montserrat. This museum is divided into three sections including modern painting, archeology of the biblical East and ancient painting.
• Santa Cova: This is a small chapel where, it is supposed that the Virgin Statue originally was found there. Also, the way that ends to Santa Cova is  very beautiful and scenic.
• Sant Jeroni: It is Montserrat’s highest peak and there is a footpath leading Sant Jeroni from the monastery. The view up there is breathtaking and totally is worth the almost 3-hour hike toward it. There you have the best view of Catalonia and if you are lucky enough with the weather you may also see Mallorca island.

How to get to Montserrat

Luckily you have many options to reach there. You can go by your car which is approximately one-hour journey. It is a convenient option but if you arrive late especially in weekends you may encounter parking problem. Take into account that parking slots can be already full early hours.

You can also go with a tour or on your own by public transport which I am going to explain more these two options as they are the most common ways to get there.

1. Tour

This is the most convenient option. There are a lot of agencies offering day-trip tours from Barcelona to Montserrat. below you can book your tour to Montserrat.

2. Public transport

The next option is to make this journey by using public transport. There are trains from Barcelona to Montserrat every day. The trains leave from Plaza España every hour starting from 8:30am and the last one returns to Barcelona from Aeri de Montserrat at 7:00pm (1 March to 31 October) and 5:15pm (1 November to 28 February). Be careful to not lose the last train back to Barcelona, otherwise you would enjoy a night in a hotel there in Montserrat : )

Attention: The journey toward Montserrat from Barcelona with train has two option either train + cable car or train+rack railway. Although they both cost the same price but there are some differences between the two options that I am going to explain below. In addition they are not interchangeable and when you choose one the go and back would be the same. Therefore, make sure according to what I explain below, which one you prefer when you are going to purchase them.

If you choose this option, the detail of your journey will be like below:

Train + Cable Car

• Starting point: Plaza Espanya in Barcelona, line R5
• The station that you need to change to cable car: Aeri de Montserrat
• Price: Train from Barcelona costs €5.25 and for the updated prices of the cable car visit the Aeri de Montserrat website. 
• Pros & Cons: It is faster than rack railway, however in each trip few people can get on. So sometimes you will have a queue. On the way back also it leaves later than the rack railway, hence, you will be in the last ones taking the train back to Barcelona and may not be able to have a seat for a journey of 1 hour.

Train + Rack Railway

• Starting point: Plaza Espanya in Barcelona, line R5
• The station that you need to change the cremallera: Monistrol de Montserrat
• Price: Train from Barcelona costs €5.25 and for the updated prices of rack railway visit the Cremallara de Montserrat website.
• Pros & Cons: That is the scenic option. You will love the view. Also, it is more convenient, at the same time on your way back you will be among people who enter first to the Barcelona train.

Combined tickets

There are also combined tickets are known as TOT and TRANS which includes more options.

TRANS Ticket

This ticket includes :

•  Metro ticket to Plaza España where you take the train to Montserrat.
• A round train ticket between Montserrat and Barcelona.
• A round ticket of rack railway or the cable car.
• A round ticket of the funicular around Montserrat.
• Audiovisual Space entrance ticket

TOT Ticket

The ToT Ticket is an all-inclusive ticket that includes:

Travel Tips

• Either you go by car (because of parking slot) or by train (because of longer journey or losing a train and waiting 1 hour for the next one) try to be an early bird!
• If you go by train preferably buy the tickets online before hand.
• Try to take enough snack or small meal according to your plan for hiking. The shops there in Montserrat are very expensive.

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