Montserrat Day Trip from Barcelona

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|Updated on December 27, 2025|

Looking for the perfect day trip from Barcelona? Montserrat, Spain, with its stunning multi-peaked mountains and scenic views, is just an hour away by train and should be at the top of your Barcelona day trip list.

 

I was in Barcelona only a few days and really short on time, as you can imagine, but I couldn’t miss seeing Montserrat and headed there early in the morning. It took me a while to get there because I wasn’t aware of the rare Montserrat R5 train schedule, and, as a fact, I missed one. However, once I got there, I was amazed by the incredible views and beautiful pieces of nature it offered.

       

Top Things to Do in Montserrat, Spain

 

After reaching the peak, you’ll find various photo-worthy locations where you can take a bunch of selfies. If you arrive at the right time, which is early morning, it won’t be as crowded. However, there are a few things you will want to explore once you are there.

• Check out the art museum to see amazing works by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.
• Visit the Montserrat Monastery and the Black Madonna. You can make a wish by gently touching or kissing the ball she holds. The statue is inside, so ask a staff member where to find it. (The line was really long when I went, so I didn’t get a chance to see it.)
• Take a walk along the Cami dels Degotalls, a path full of sculptures, big trees, and pretty plants as you head toward Monistrol.

 

Tip: Make sure you come very early or in the afternoon if you plan to do that, to avoid the lines. Also, it will be less crowded at the time of the Boy’s Choir Performance, which is at 1:00 pm. It is free, but you can donate some money at any of the boxes located there.

 

• Walk on the Cami dels Degotalls. To get there, you need to follow the directions to Monistrol. You will see many impressive sculptures, big trees, and other plants on the road.

 

 

Check all Montserrat tours here.

Barcelona to Montserrat: How to Get There

 

Traveling to Montserrat from Barcelona is simple, with several transportation options available to suit your needs. One of the most convenient and accessible ways to get to Montserrat is by train. There will be some scenic views on your way, so make sure you sit by the window.

 

You will need to go to Plaça España train station and follow the directions towards the R5 train. Once you get to the metro station from wherever you are, you must buy a separate ticket to the train station to take the Barcelona R5 train. The Barcelona R5 train ticket price is just €12.30 round-trip, which is pretty affordable. You can buy train tickets to Montserrat online or in person at the station.

 

A regular metro ticket won’t take you to Montserrat. You’ll need a special ticket, which you can buy at the metro station. You can choose to travel by cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) or the rack railway, and the staff can help you decide which is best and explain the prices.

 

Once you buy a cable car ticket, you can’t switch to the rack railway. Choose carefully.

 

Avoid this mistake on your Montserrat trip

Don’t make the same mistake I did. Check the Montserrat R5 train schedule before you go. I missed a train by just 5 minutes and had to wait an hour for the next one.

 

Google Maps can be confusing, as not all trains are clearly marked. To be sure, it’s better to ask the driver.

 

The R5 train to Manresa (Montserrat’s final stop) takes about an hour and drops you at Aeri de Montserrat. From there, you can take either the cable car or the rack railway. I got off at the wrong stop because of Google Maps and had to buy a new cable car ticket, but the ride wasn’t long or scary, and I finally made it to the top.

 

Pro-tips:

• If you choose a cable car ride ticket, you must get off at the Aeri de Montserrat stop.
• If you choose a rack railway ride ticket, you must get off at Monistrol de Montserrat.

 

Once you get to Montserrat, you go towards the big hill, which will be your main destination. There are also many cute small souvenir shops and cafes/restaurants around, which are a bit pricey.

 

Montserrat Barcelona opening hours: From 7.30 am to 8 pm daily.

• Some staff may not speak English, so don’t rely on them for directions.
• Long lines can form if you explore without a tour.
• Many places at the station accept cash only for snacks or drinks.
• If you take the cable car, you’ll share the small cabin with about 20 people.
• Montserrat is popular, so expect crowds.

What to Pack for Montserrat

I don’t recommend bringing too much with you, since you’ll be walking a lot. Keep it light so you can stay comfortable and enjoy your trip.

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Have a light backpack/purse
• Take a camera/phone
• Wear sunscreen and a hat
• Take a bottle of water or a reusable water bottle
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear light clothes as it might be pretty hot, especially if you visit in the summer.

Montserrat FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Montserrat from Barcelona?

No, if you’re traveling from Barcelona within Spain, you don’t need a visa. Just make sure you have your ID or passport with you.

Can I drive to Montserrat instead of taking the train?

Yes, you can drive, but it’s usually easier and faster to take the R5 train. Driving gives flexibility, but parking can be limited at the top.

How much is the train ticket to Montserrat?

A round-trip ticket on the R5 train costs around €12.30, which is affordable. You can buy tickets online or at the station.

Which is better: the cable car or the rack railway?

Both are scenic. The cable car takes you straight to the Aeri de Montserrat stop, while the rack railway goes to Monistrol de Montserrat. Pick one carefully because you can’t swap tickets.

How long should I plan to spend at Montserrat?

It depends on what you want to do. A few hours is enough to enjoy the views, walk around, and see the main sights. If you want to hike or explore more thoroughly, start early and plan for a full day.

 

Final Thoughts

Getting to Montserrat from Barcelona by train is really easy, and it’s absolutely worth the trip. My visit was delightful, and I had a perfect time exploring the stunning views and peaceful surroundings.

 

Montserrat is the ideal spot to relax, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the natural beauty. It’s definitely a must-see on your Barcelona itinerary.

 

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