Barcelona to Montserrat by Train: Timetables + Prices 🚆

The Barcelona to Montserrat train is easy enough, but unfortunately it won’t take you all the way up the mountain.

That’s why I’m here with a guide on how to get Montserrat by train, so you don’t end up lost in rural Catalonia!

Let’s take a deeper look on the train journey and what else you’ll need to do to see this spectacular mountain.

How to Get to Montserrat from Barcelona by Train

The train journey from Barcelona to Montserrat starts at Barcelona’s Plaça d’Espanya station.

Here, you’ll find the R5 line operated by FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya).

The Montserrat train departs hourly, which means it’s super convenient for visitors.

The ride offers a scenic view of the Catalan countryside, so get your cameras ready – though it fails to compare with what you’ll see next!

In all, it takes approximately one hour to reach the foothills of Montserrat.

From there, you then have two options to ascend the mountain: the Aeri de Montserrat cable car or the Montserrat Rack Railway.

Difference Between the Cable Car and Rack Railway

Cable Car (Aeri de Montserrat)

The first stop after the Montserrat train, this cable car known as Aeri de Montserrat, offers a quick and scenic ascent.

Suspended high above the rugged landscape, it provides breathtaking aerial views as it climbs towards the Montserrat monastery.

This option departs from the Aeri de Montserrat station, which is one stop before the rack railway station on the train route from Barcelona.

Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montserrat)

The Montserrat rack railway, the second stop listed here, is also called the Cremallera or Cog Wheel Train: a mountain train that follows a slow and steady incline to the monastery.

It departs from Monistrol de Montserrat, the next stop after Aeri de Montserrat on the train route.

This option is ideal for those who prefer a gradual ascent with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Something to Consider: the ToT Montserrat Ticket

As we see, visiting Montserrat involves multiple transport steps, and purchasing several tickets separately can be confusing for first-time visitors.

That’s why most tourists make it a proper day trip by getting an all-inclusive package.

The ToT Montserrat ticket simplifies the process by including everything in one package.

This ticket covers:

• Metro fare to Plaça d’Espanya station in Barcelona.
• Train fare from Barcelona to the base of Montserrat.
• A choice between the rack railway or the cable car up to the monastery.
• Admission to the basilica + the famous Black Madonna.
• Tickets for the Sant Joan and Santa Cova funiculars for exploring different parts of the mountain.
• A buffet meal at the Montserrat restaurant.
• Entrance to the Montserrat Museum.
• Access to the Montserrat audio-visual center.

FYI: when purchasing the ToT Montserrat ticket, you must choose between the rack railway or the cable car.

You cannot mix and match for the journey up and down the mountain: the selected transport applies to both the ascent and descent.

This exclusive deal is only through the Barcelona Tourism board, and can be found clicking the button below:

Train from Barcelona to Montserrat​ Timetable

As I mentioned before, trains to Montserrat from Plaça d’Espanya run hourly.

The first train departs early in the morning, and the last return train leaves Montserrat in the evening.

It is advisable to check the latest schedule on the FGC official website before planning your trip.

Montserrat to Barcelona Train Timetable

Return trains from Montserrat to Barcelona follow a similar hourly schedule.

Be mindful of the last departure to avoid being stranded.

FYI: train times may vary slightly on weekends and holidays.

How Long Does the Train Journey Take from Barcelona To Montserrat?

The train ride from Barcelona to the base of Montserrat takes about one hour.

Additional time should be considered for the ascent via cable car or rack railway, which takes approximately 5-15 minutes depending on the chosen method.

Montserrat Train Stops

The train journey from Barcelona to Montserrat includes key stops:

• Aeri de Montserrat: Stop for the cable car, also reachable if you’re going to Montserrat by car.
• Monistrol de Montserrat: Stop for the rack railway.

Choosing the right stop depends on whether you opt for the cable car or the rack railway.

Make sure you exit at the correct station to avoid confusion – the next stop will come up on the screen, so there’s no need to worry.

My Personal Experience with the Montserrat Train

I remember my first trip to Montserrat vividly, though unfortunately (wait… I mean fortunately!) the train to Montserrat from Barcelona wasn’t one of the memories.

Honestly, it’s just a commuter-like train that takes you to the foothills of the mountain – the real fun begins the second you step off!

Opting for the cable car, I was in awe as we ascended, the sprawling landscape unfolding beneath me.

The convenience of the combined Tot Montserrat ticket made the journey hassle-free, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the experience.

My personal tip? Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the serene morning atmosphere.

📌 Alternative: Barcelona to Montserrat Bus

Barcelona to Montserrat by Train FAQ

• How long does the train journey from Barcelona to Montserrat take?

  The train ride from Plaça d’Espanya to the base of Montserrat takes approximately one hour.

• Can I purchase Montserrat train tickets in advance?

  Yes, combined tickets like the Tot Montserrat card can be purchased online in advance, saving time and money.

• How much does the train from Barcelona to Montserrat cost?

  Single train tickets from Barcelona to Montserrat cost €13.75 (€26.30 return).

• Where do I catch the train from Barcelona to Montserrat?

  The train from Barcelona to Montserrat departs from Espanya station, found in the Sants neighbourhood of Barcelona.