The Montserrat Cable Car, known as Aeri de Montserrat, is one of the most exciting ways to reach Montserrat Monastery.
Suspended high above the ground, it offers breathtaking views of the rugged Catalan landscape and a quick, efficient ascent up the mountain.
But should you be taking it, and how is it done?
How the Montserrat Cable Car Works
The cable car has been in operation since 1930, making it a historic yet reliable mode of transport.
It takes about five minutes to ascend from the base of the mountain to the monastery, covering a steep incline with gradients up to 45%.
The cabins are bright yellow and accommodate up to 35 people per ride.
They depart every 15 minutes, ensuring a smooth flow of visitors.
Where to Catch the Montserrat Cable Car
The cable car station is located at the Aeri de Montserrat stop on the R5 train line from Barcelona using the FGC railway system.
If you’re traveling from Plaça d’Espanya, make sure to get off at this stop to access the cable car.
Tickets can be purchased at the station, but buying them online can save time, especially during peak seasons.
In my post covering the Barcelona train to Montserrat you can get more info there.
It is strongly recommended to book your cable car tickets in advance:
How to Use the Aeri de Montserrat
Upon arrival at the Aeri de Montserrat station – either by train or by driving to Montserrat from Barcelona – purchase your ticket if you haven’t done so online.
Follow the signs to the boarding area, where cable cars depart every 15 minutes.
Once inside, enjoy the scenic ride and be prepared for a quick but steep ascent.
Think it’s all too much? Consider taking one of the best tours from Barcelona to Montserrat – you’ll barely need to lift a finger.
Montserrat Cable Car Prices
Ticket prices for the Aeri de Montserrat vary depending on age.
It also varies whether you purchase a round-trip or one-way ticket, though most people book return tickets.
| Montserrat Cable Car (Return) | Online Price |
| Adults (14+) | €14.00 |
| Youth (4-13) | €7.00 |
| Children (0 – 3) | Free |
As you can see, discounts are available for younger guests
Related: Is Visiting Montserrat Worth It?
Montserrat Cable Car Timetable
The cable car runs frequently, approximately every 15 minutes, but schedules may vary slightly depending on the season.
It’s best to check the latest timetable online before your visit.
Here’s a quick summary of the cable car operating hours:
| Montserrat Cable Car | Hours |
| January 1st to February 28th | 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM (6:15 pm on weekends) |
| March 1st to October 31st | 8:45 AM – 7:00 PM |
| November 1st to December 31st | 9:30 AM – 5:15 PM (6:15 pm on weekends) |
What’s the Cable Car to Montserrat Trip Like?
Riding the Montserrat cable car was a thrilling experience. The moment the cabin lifted off, I felt a rush of excitement. The ground quickly dropped away, and suddenly, the jagged Montserrat peaks were right in front of me.
The view was unreal: rolling hills, deep valleys, and the monastery perched high above.
One thing I loved? The smooth yet steep climb.
It only takes about five minutes, but it feels like floating up into the clouds. I had my camera ready, but honestly, I just stood there, taking it all in.
The higher we went, the more spectacular the view got.
The time I went, the cable car wasn’t too crowded, which made it easy to move around and get the best angles for photos.
If you’re afraid of heights, it might be a bit nerve-wracking, especially when the cabin sways slightly. In this case, you may want to take the easier Montserrat Rack Railway up.
👉 My tip? Try to stand near the front windows for the best view going up. And if you can, take the earliest ride to beat the crowds and see the mountain in the soft morning light.
Disabled Access to the Montserrat Cable Car
The Montserrat Cable Car is unfortunately not accessible to those with limited mobility.
The cabins are simply not designed to accommodate wheelchairs – check out my Montserrat disabled access guide for more info.
For more information check out my post on disabled access at Barcelona attractions.
📌 Alternative: Barcelona to Montserrat Bus
📌 One more reason to visit: The Montserrat Boys Choir
Aeri de Montserrat FAQ
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Is the Montserrat Cable Car Safe?
Absolutely, the Montserrat Cable Car is safe. The cable car is regularly maintained and follows strict safety regulations. It has been operating for nearly a century with an excellent safety record.
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How much is the cable car to Montserrat?
A round-trip ticket for the Montserrat cable car (Aeri de Montserrat) costs approximately €14.00, while a one-way ticket is around €7.00. Prices may vary slightly, so best always to double check.
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How to get to Montserrat cable car?
Take a train from Barcelona’s Plaça Espanya station on the R5 line toward Manresa. Get off at Aeri de Montserrat station, where the cable car departs. Trains run regularly, and the journey takes about an hour.
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Does the Montserrat cable car sway?
Yes, like most aerial cable cars, the Montserrat cable car may sway slightly due to wind or movement. However, it is designed for safety and stability, providing a smooth and scenic ride up the mountain.
Content Manager
14 years of Barcelona experience and not slowing down anytime soon! I've seen the city through the eyes of a misguided, Sangria-filled tourist and a responsible local fluent in Spanish and everything Barcelona. I co-founded Barcelona Hacks to help visitors discover the city with insider info - just try me! :)
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