How to Get to Montserrat from Barcelona: The Best Day Trip!
So you've been in Barcelona for a bit, and while the city is amazing, you're craving something different. Maybe some fresh air, actual mountains, and a break from the noise? Let me introduce you to Montserrat - my favorite escape when city life gets too much. It's this incredible mountain monastery about an hour outside Barcelona, and honestly, it's one of those trips that everyone should do at least once.
Here's the thing: getting there is way easier than people think. You take a train from Plaça Espanya, ride up in a cool rack railway through the rocks, and suddenly you're surrounded by these massive stone formations that look like they're from another planet. Plus, if you've got T-jove (and you should!), the train ride is already covered. Not bad for a day trip, right?
The Quick Facts
Let me give you the basics upfront so you know what you're getting into:
Distance: About 50km northwest of Barcelona Journey time: 50-60 minutes by train, then 15 minutes up the mountain Minimum time needed: 4-5 hours if you're really rushing Recommended: 7-8 hours to actually enjoy it Cost: Around €20-25 total (less if you pack lunch) T-jove coverage: Yes! Zones 1-7 covers you to Montserrat Best for: Hiking, incredible views, spiritual vibes, group adventures
Getting There: The Not-Complicated-At-All Guide
Alright, so here's how this works. You're taking the FGC R5 line from Plaça Espanya directly to Montserrat. FGC is basically the Catalan train system that goes to mountain destinations - it's not the regular metro, but your T-mobilitat card works the same way.
Meeting Points (If You're Going With Friends)
Plaça Espanya is your best bet. The FGC station is right there at the square - you know that big plaza with the fountains and the two towers? That's the one. You can get there on metro L1, L3, or L8. If you're meeting up with people, wait by the fountains or near the Arenas shopping center side - you can't miss each other there.
Sants Estació works too if everyone's coming from that direction. It's the main train station, so lots of connections. From there you can walk to Plaça Espanya in about 10 minutes or take the metro one stop.
Plaça Catalunya is the most central spot in Barcelona, so if people are coming from all over, this could make sense. From there, just hop on L1 or L3 heading to Plaça Espanya. Takes about 15 minutes.
The Train Ride
Trains start running pretty early - around 8:36 AM for the first one, then roughly every hour throughout the day. The last train back from Montserrat is usually around 6:15 PM, but seriously, check the FGC website before you go because schedules can change.
The ride takes about 50 minutes and honestly, it's pretty scenic once you leave the city. You'll see the landscape gradually shift from urban to mountains. Just sit back, maybe grab a window seat, and enjoy it. Bring snacks if you want - this is Spain, no one's going to tell you not to eat on the train.
Your T-jove covers this completely, by the way. If you don't have T-jove, a one-way ticket is around €5-6.
Going Up: Three Stations, Three Options
Here's where it gets fun - the R5 train actually has three different Montserrat stops depending on how you want to get up:
Montserrat-Aeri - This is for the cable car Cremallera de Montserrat - This is for the rack railway Monistrol de Montserrat - This is if you want to walk all the way up (masochist route, respect!)
Most people get off at one of the first two. Now, they sell combination tickets that bundle everything together, but honestly? I'd skip those. They lock you into one type of transport, and the fun part is mixing them up! Trust me on this.
The Aeri (Cable Car) - Opening back in 1930, this thing is a classic. You're literally dangling in a cable car as it climbs straight up the mountain face. Takes about 5 minutes and costs around €9.50 one-way or €15 round-trip. The views as you ascend are absolutely insane - you can see the whole valley spreading out below you. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, but it's worth the squeeze. If you're afraid of heights... well, you'll either love this or hate it!
The Cremallera (Rack Railway) - This narrow-gauge train has been chugging up and down since 1892. It takes about 15 minutes and winds its way up the steep mountainside at angles that seem impossible. Costs around €7.50 one-way or €12 round-trip. There's something super satisfying about hearing those mechanical gears working as you climb. Plus, the views are incredible and you get more time to enjoy them.
Or you could walk! Yeah, there's actually a footpath from the bottom all the way up to the monastery. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour of steady climbing. Free, great exercise, and you'll feel extra accomplished when you get to the top. Just know that this is before your "real" hiking starts, so save some energy!
My recommendation: Take the cable car UP (more dramatic, gets you hyped) and the rack railway DOWN. Here's why - the rack railway station is right at the monastery, so when you're done for the day, you just walk to the station and ride down. Then you're deposited directly at the platform for the R5 train back to Barcelona - you don't even need to change platforms! Meanwhile, all the cable car people have to get off and walk over, so you'll snag a seat on the train before them. It's the little victories, you know?
Timing Your Day: Choose Your Own Adventure
The "Quick Visit" (4-5 Hours Total)
Wake up: 8:00 AM Leave Barcelona: 8:36 AM train At Montserrat: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Back in Barcelona: 2:30 PM
This is for people who have something else that day or just want a taste. You'll ride up, walk around the monastery, take some photos, maybe grab a quick snack, and head back. It's not ideal but hey, sometimes that's all the time you've got.
The "Actually Enjoy It" Trip (7-8 Hours)
Wake up: 7:30 AM Leave Barcelona: 8:36 AM train At Montserrat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Back in Barcelona: 5:30 PM
This is the sweet spot. You've got time to do a proper hike, eat lunch, explore the monastery, and not feel rushed. This is what I'd recommend for most people.
The "Full Mountain Experience" (9-10 Hours)
Wake up: 6:30 AM (I know, I know...) Leave Barcelona: First train around 8:36 AM At Montserrat: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Back in Barcelona: 7:00 PM
For the serious hikers and people who want to do multiple trails or just really soak it all in. Bring a good lunch, pack snacks, and plan to make a whole day of it.
The Hiking: Something for Everyone
Here's what I love about Montserrat - you can be a total beginner or a serious hiker and there's something for you. Let me break down the options:
Santa Cova Trail - The "I'm Not Really a Hiker" Option
Distance: 3km round trip Time: 45-60 minutes Difficulty: Easy (but you'll still feel it!) What you get: Views, spiritual vibes, sense of accomplishment
This is the most popular trail and for good reason. It takes you down (yes, down first) through the mountain to this small chapel called Santa Cova, which has religious significance. The path is well-maintained with some stairs, nothing too scary. The views are gorgeous and it's totally doable even if your last hike was... never?
The "down first" part is key - remember you have to come back UP at the end. But it's really not that bad, I promise. Take it slow, bring water, and you'll be fine.
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler and less crowded.
Sant Joan Trail - The "I Can Handle Some Real Hiking" Option
Distance: 5km round trip Time: 2-2.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate What you get: Proper hiking, incredible views, bragging rights
This is where it starts to feel like actual mountain hiking. There's a Sant Joan funicular that takes you as high as you can get on Montserrat (saves your legs), then you hike from there. Or you can hike up the whole way if you're feeling ambitious - your call!
The trail takes you past several shrines up to the Sant Joan hermitage, and there are actually multiple hiking paths up there including routes that can take you all the way back down the mountain if you want to make it an adventure. The path is rockier, steeper in sections, and you'll definitely work up a sweat.
But man, the views from up there? Totally worth it. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Pyrenees. Plus you get that great feeling of "I actually hiked a mountain today."
You'll want proper shoes for this one - not flip flops, not casual sneakers. Actual hiking shoes or at least good athletic shoes with grip.
Sant Jeroni - The "Show Me What You've Got" Summit
Distance: 7km round trip Time: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Hard What you get: The highest point of Montserrat (1,236m), ultimate bragging rights
This is the real deal. Sant Jeroni is the actual summit of Montserrat and the trail is steep, rocky, and exposed in places. You need to be in decent shape and comfortable with heights. But if you can handle it? It's incredible.
I'd say only do this if you're confident in your hiking abilities and have plenty of time. It's not technical climbing or anything, but it's a workout for sure.
What to Bring: The Essentials
Shoes: Cannot stress this enough - wear actual hiking shoes or at least running shoes with good grip. The trails are rocky and you will regret wearing the wrong shoes. I've seen people in sandals and it's just... don't be that person.
Water: Bring at least 1.5-2 liters per person. There are water fountains at the monastery but not on most trails. Summer heat up there is no joke.
Snacks/Lunch: You can eat at the monastery restaurant (around €12-15 for a meal) or bring your own. I usually pack a sandwich from a bakery in Barcelona plus some fruit and nuts. There's something nice about eating lunch on a mountain.
Layers: Montserrat is cooler than Barcelona, especially in spring and fall. Even in summer, mornings can be chilly. Bring a light jacket and definitely don't skip the sunscreen - that altitude sun hits different.
Backpack: Something comfortable to carry your stuff. A regular school backpack works fine.
The Weather Thing
Summer (June-August) is warm but can get HOT during midday. Go early if you can. That said, the monastery is usually 5-10°C cooler than Barcelona, so it's actually a nice escape from city heat.
Spring and fall (April-May, September-October) are perfect. Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and the light is beautiful for photos. Just bring layers because it can be breezy.
Winter (November-March) is cold but totally doable. Pack warm clothes, check if there's any snow or ice on the trails, and embrace the dramatic moody vibes. Winter Montserrat hits different - fewer tourists and this peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.
Rain? Check the forecast. Light drizzle is manageable, but if it's properly raining, maybe save it for another day. The rocks get slippery and the visibility drops.
At the Top: What to Actually Do
Once you arrive at the monastery area, you'll find there's free Wi-Fi everywhere (yes, really!), plus a visitor center with maps if you need orientation. Download the Montserrat app before you go - it's actually useful and works as an audio guide.
The basilica is free to check out if you want - it's got impressive architecture and the famous Black Madonna statue (you'll need to reserve a time slot for that if you want to see it up close). There's also a boys' choir that performs at 1:00 PM on weekdays, though they take holidays sometimes. And there's an art museum with some big names like Picasso and Caravaggio.
But let's be real - you're probably here for the hiking and the views, right? The monastery is cool to walk around for 20-30 minutes, snap some photos, but the real magic is in the trails and the mountains themselves.
Budget Breakdown
Let's say you have T-jove and you're doing the moderate day trip:
- Train: Covered by T-jove (or €5-6 each way without)
- Cremallera up: €7.50
- Cremallera down: €7.50 (or €12 round-trip)
- Lunch at restaurant: €12-15
- Total: Around €25-30
If you pack lunch from Barcelona: Closer to €15-20 total.
Not bad for a full day in the mountains, right?
Going With a Group (Highly Recommended!)
Look, you can absolutely do Montserrat solo and have a great time. But there's something about doing this kind of trip with other people - sharing the experience, motivating each other on the climbs, having someone to take photos for you, laughing about how out of breath everyone is.
If you're in Barcelona and don't have a crew to go with, check out our BIS hiking events. We organize group trips to Montserrat regularly - everyone's in the same boat (usually international students and young people), someone organizes the logistics, and you just show up and enjoy. Plus you'll probably make some friends along the way.
Common Mistakes (Learn From My Pain)
Starting too late: Last train back is around 6:15 PM. If you miss it, you're figuring out a taxi or waiting around for hours. Work backwards from that time and give yourself buffer.
Wrong shoes: I mentioned this already but seriously. I saw someone hiking in Converse once and they were miserable.
Not bringing enough water: Dehydration headache will ruin your day. Bring more than you think you need.
Rushing through it: If you only have 4 hours, fine, but don't try to cram in multiple trails and the monastery and lunch. Pick what matters most and enjoy it.
Going on a weekend in summer: It's CROWDED. If you can go on a weekday, do it. Otherwise, go as early as possible.
Final Thoughts
Montserrat is one of those places that sounds more complicated than it actually is. Once you do it once, you'll realize how easy it is to get there, and you'll probably want to go back. Different seasons, different trails, bringing different people - it's always a bit different.
Whether you're looking for an Instagram-worthy adventure, a spiritual experience, good exercise, or just a break from the city, Montserrat delivers. And hey, worst case? You spent a day in the mountains instead of scrolling on your phone in your room. That's a win in my book.
So check the train schedule, charge your phone, pack some snacks, and go do it. The mountains are calling and all that. And if you see someone at the top looking accomplished and slightly sweaty? That might be me. Say hi!
Check our events page for our next organized Montserrat trip - or just grab some friends and go make your own adventure. Either way, you won't regret it.