How to Plan a Montserrat Day Trip From Barcelona

Montserrat is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona, and a great place to experience Catalonia’s picturesque landscape and unique history.

Montserrat offers stunning mountain vistas, a historic monastery with the Black Virgin of Montserrat, and plenty of opportunities for hiking around the unique mountains.

You can easily do a Montserrat day trip from Barcelona – either on your own or with a guided tour!

In this post, I want to take you through how to best plan a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona, what there is to do at Montserrat, and some useful travel tips to get the most out of your time at Montserrat.

I visited Montserrat with my mum and her husband last year, when they visited me while living in Barcelona.

We left from Barcelona around 9 am and took one of the first departures with the cable car, and left around 5 pm, and we didn’t get to see and do everything at Montserrat.

While you truly can feel that Montserrat is one of the absolute most popular day trips from Barcelona at the moment, waiting for the train at Plaza España, the beautiful views from the mountain top at Montserrat are completely worth the effort and the touristy feel.

Let’s get under the skin of a Montserrat Day Trip from Barcelona!

A Guide to Montserrat Mountain: The Ultimate Most Popular Day Trip from Barcelona

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Visiting Montserrat – Before You Go

Montserrat is a perfect day trip from Barcelona, no matter whether you are visiting to hike its dramatic peaks, admire the monastery’s religious significance, or simply take in the impressive views.

No matter what the reason you have for visiting Montserrat, adding a day trip to Montserrat to your Barcelona itinerary offers a refreshing escape from Barcelona’s busy streets.

Let’s dive into everything you need to plan the perfect Montserrat day trip from Barcelona!

What is Montserrat, Spain?

Montserrat is a mountain range located near Barcelona in Spain’s Catalonia region. The area is renowned for being the home of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located on the mountain top inside the Montserrat Natural Park.

In Catalan (the local language of Catalonia), Montserrat translates to “saw-toothed mountain”. When visiting or seeing pictures from Montserrat, you will understand this name. The Montserrat mountain range features distinctive jagged peaks.

What is Montserrat in Spain Famous For?

Montserrat is famous for its stunning geological formations, including the saw-toothed peaks, as well as the area’s religious significance as the home to the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.

The Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey houses the unique statue of a Black Madonna, also known as “La Moreneta”.

The Black Madonna attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world looking to catch a glimpse of this unique statue.

The Montserrat mountains are also famous for their hiking opportunities with plenty of hiking trails around the area where you can enjoy the breathtaking views over the mountainous Catalonian landscape.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Montserrat?

You can easily spend a full day at Montserrat, and recommended to leave early in the morning from Barcelona to get the most out of your day trip to Montserrat.

A day trip to Montserrat typically lasts 6 to 8 hours, including travel time from Barcelona.

A Montserrat day trip will allow you enough time to explore the monastery, do a small hike (for example, to the Sant Miguel Cross), and visit the local art museum or take the mountain train further up the hill.

If you wish to hike longer trails or experience the sunset over the mountains, you can also consider staying overnight at Montserrat.

Find accommodation at Montserrat here!

Where is Montserrat?

Montserrat is located inside the Natural Park, Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat, in the Catalan countryside, around 1 to 1.5 hours by car outside Barcelona.

How Far Is Montserrat From Barcelona?

Montserrat is located approximately 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) northwest of Barcelona, making it easily accessible for a day trip.

Montserrat Map

Check out all the best things to do in Montserrat, Spain, on the map. In the top right-hand corner, you can click on the full-screen icon and have the map open directly in your Google Maps app

How To Get to Montserrat From Barcelona?

You have several options for traveling from Barcelona to Montserrat. And it can be quite overwhelming to choose the right mode of transportation for the right price for your Montserrat day trip.

To get to Montserrat from Barcelona, you can:

• Take the train
• Take the bus
• Rent a car
• Join a guided tour

Let’s explore them one by one!

From Barcelona to Montserrat by Train

The most popular and easiest way to get from Barcelona to Montserrat is with the regional FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) train from Plaça Espanya Station in Barcelona.

The train ride from Barcelona to Montserrat takes around one hour.

From Plaça Espanya, take the FGC-train R5 line towards Manresa-Baixador, and get off at Montserrat-Aeri station or Monistrol de Montserrat (more about which one to choose below).

Important: The R5 train doesn’t take you all the way to Montserrat! The train stations are located at the feet of the Montserrat mountains, and to get to the mountain top where the monastery and the main attractions are, you have three options:

• Cable Car
• Rack Railway
• Hiking

Let’s explore them!

Train and Cable Car

To get from the train station in Montserrat to the top of Montserrat, you can choose to take the cable cars, also called Aeri de Montserrat.

From Plaça Espanya in Barcelona, you need to take the FGC train R5-line to Montserrat-Aeri station.

Get off at the Montserrat-Aeri station and follow the signs to the cable car station, which is located right across from the FGC train station.

The cable car leaves you a short walk from the Montserrat monastery and other main attractions in Montserrat.

We took the cable cars both up and down, and the ride offers some of the most stunning views of the surrounding landscape!

Buuut the cable car ride can also be a bit of a terrifying experience if you’re not great with heights! It literally feels like you are “flying” up the mountain slope in a small car attached to a wire.

Get your tickets to the Montserrat Cable Cars

Train and Rack Railway

An alternative is to take the train to Monistrol de Montserrat station, followed by the Montserrat rack railway, or the Cremallera de Montserrat, as it is also called.

Take the FGC train R5-line from Plaça Espanya in Barcelona and get off at Monistrol de Montserrat station, which is the train station right after the Montserrat-Aeri station.

The rack railway to the top of the Montserrat Mountain leaves from the same station as the FGC train. You just simply have to change platforms.

The rack railway is a more family-friendly option and less terrifying if you don’t like heights.

Train and Hiking

Lastly, the most cost-effective option for the more adventurous travellers is to hike from the town, Monistrol de Montserrat, up to the Montserrat Monastery.

From Plaça d’Espanya in Barcelona, take the FGC train R5-line to Monistrol de Montserrat station and hike from there.

The hiking trail from Monistrol de Montserrat is called Drecera dels Tres Quarts (GR96), and it’s part of the local GR-trail network. The hike is 2.3 miles (3.7 kilometres) long and takes around an hour and a half.

Get a detailed guide on how to hike to Montserrat.

From Barcelona to Montserrat by Bus

There is one direct daily bus running from Barcelona to Montserrat, operated by Autocares Julia.

The bus leaves from Barcelona’s Sants bus station at 9:15 am daily, arriving at 10:40 am at Montserrat right in front of the monastery.

The bus back to Barcelona leaves from Montserrat at 5 pm (October through May) or 6 pm (June through September).

Since there is only one daily bus back and forth between Barcelona and Montserrat, it limits your flexibility a bit when choosing to take the bus.

Double-check Autocares Julia’s website for any updates to the bus time schedule (click on the link to the PDF timetable)

A one-way bus ticket is around €6.25, and you can book on Autocares Julia’s website.

From Barcelona to Montserrat by Car

You can also choose to rent a car and drive to Montserrat yourself. Renting a car and driving gives you more flexibility, and is a great option if you’re traveling in a smaller group.

The car drive from Barcelona to Montserrat takes around one hour.

Paid parking is available near the monastery.

Alternatively, you can hire a private transfer or taxi to take you from Barcelona to Montserrat. GetTransfer or WelcomePickUp are great platforms for checking availability and pricing of hiring a private transfer.

Taking a Guided Tour from Barcelona to Montserrat

Montserrat is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona, and there are many different tour operators with guided tours to Montserrat.

The guided tours often include transportation to and from Barcelona, a visit to Montserrat’s highlights with a guide.

Sometimes the guided Montserrat tours also include additional activities like wine and tapas tasting.

The guided Montserrat tours are perfect if you are short on time and want a hassle-free experience where you don’t have to worry about dealing with local transportation.

Book a tour to explore Montserrat!

How to Get Around Montserrat?

Once you are at Montserrat, it is very easy to get around:

• Walking: Most attractions are within walking distance or only accessible on foot. Put on your most comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re planning to do some of the hikes in the area.

• Funiculars: There are two funiculars or mountain trains at Montserrat that help you to get up and down the mountain. One is the Sant Joan funicular, taking you to a viewpoint at the highest point of the Montserrat Mountain, and the other is the Santa Cova funicular, connecting the Montserrat Monastery with the Santa Cova chapel on the hillside.

• Taxi: There are taxis available around the Monastery’s main space, but you don’t really need them, except if you’re planning to take a taxi back to the train station, as everything is super close by and walking is more practical.

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The Best Things to Do in Montserrat, Spain

We have explored a lot about what is the best way to get to Montserrat from Barcelona and the many different ticket options. Now, let’s explore what there is to do at Montserrat on your day trip!

We spent a full day at Montserrat, and still didn’t get to see and do everything at Montserrat, so take this list of the best things to do in Montserrat as an inspiration.

You can pick and choose what you find the most interesting – or stay overnight to get more time to explore!

Let’s get under the skin of the best things to do in Montserrat:

Visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey and the Basilica

The Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, also known as simply the Montserrat Monastery, sits at about 2,360 feet (720 meters) above sea level on the Montserrat mountain range.

Apart from its spiritual and cultural significance, the Montserrat Monastery’s unique location on the mountain top offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Catalan countryside.

The unique location of the monastery, located on a hilltop the dates back to the 11th century.

The Montserrat Monastery dates back to the 11th century and is a Benedictine abbey dedicated to Our Lady of Montserrat (in Catalan, La Mare de Déu de Montserrat), also known as La Moreneta or the Black Madonna.

The basilica is an architectural masterpiece, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside, you’ll find beautiful details and references to the monastery’s and Catalonia’s rich history.

The entrance to the Montserrat Monastery is €8 per person online (€9 at the ticket office).

If you wish to see the Black Madonna or the Boys Choir, you need to book a special ticket.

Opening hours for the basilica:

• Monday to Friday: 7 am to 8 pm.

Location: Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Admire the Black Madonna in Montserrat

The Black Madonna, also called La Moreneta, the Virgin of Montserrat, or the Throne of Our Lady, is one of the most popular things to see in Montserrat.

The Virgin of Montserrat, which dates back to the 12th century, is located on the altar inside the Montserrat Monastery’s basilica. and has been an important religious icon in Catalonia.

The small wooden statue is believed to possess miraculous powers, and people travel from far away to get a glimpse of and offer their prayers to this unique Catalan Madonna.

The Madonna’s darkened appearance is believed to be caused by centuries of exposure to candles and incense, but it definitely adds to her mystique and uniqueness.

To visit the Black Madonna, you have to ensure that you book the entrance ticket to the Monastery that includes a visit to her.

The ticket to visit the Black Madonna and the basilica is €11 per person online (€12 at the ticket office). When reserving your tickets, you need to choose a timeslot for visiting the Black Madonna.

Access to the Black Madonna:

• Monday through Friday:
  • 8 am to 10:30 am
  • 12 am to 6:25 pm
  • 7:30 pm to 8 pm

Location: Inside Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

The Escolania Boys Choir at Montserrat

One of the most popular things to do in Montserrat is to listen to the Boys Choir, also called Escolania de Montserrat.

The Montserrat Boys Choir is one of the oldest and most prestigious boys’ choirs in Europe.

The Boys Choir performs daily during weekdays (Monday through Friday) at 1 pm. You should be at the entrance to the basilica no later than 15 minutes before.

The tickets for the Basilica and hearing the Boys Choir sing are €11, and for seeing both the basilica, the Black Madonna, and the Boys Choir it’s €15 per person.

Even though the Boys Choir is supposed to be one of the big highlights of Montserrat, we skipped it and only did the basilica and the Black Madonna.

Boys Choir Performance Time:

• Monday to Friday: 1 pm

Location: Inside the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Book your ticket to the Montserrat Monastery & the Boys Choir

Wander the Alley of Light

The Alley of Light is a tranquil walkway on the outside of the Montserrat Monastery, where you can buy candles and send a prayer if you want to.

You can access the Alley of Light from the left-hand corner of the square in front of the monastery, or once you finish your visit inside the basilica.

It’s a unique reflective space to wander through and connect with Montserrat’s energy.

Hike to Sant Miquel’s Cross

The Sant Miquel’s Cross is one of the best places to visit on your Montserrat day trip for panoramic views of Montserrat and the surrounding region.

The Sant Miquel’s Cross, also known as Creu de Sant Miquel in Catalan, stands at 2,500 feet (762 meters) above sea level, and offers one of the absolute greatest views of the Montserrat Monastery.

The Sant Miquel’s Cross is located a short hike of around 1.65 miles (2.6 kilometers) from the monastery.

The trail to get to the cross is well-marked, paved, and easy to walk on for most fitness levels. You can use this WikiLoc map to the Cross of Sant Miquel.

On the trail to Sant Miquel’s Cross, you will also cross several sculptures, which are part of an open-air museum at Montserrat.

At the cross, you’ll find a viewpoint on the edge of the mountain where you can stop and take in the majestic scenery and snap unforgettable photos.

Location: Sant Miquel’s Cross, Montserrat

Shop Souvenirs at the Farmer’s Market

Montserrat’s local farmers’ market, el mercadillo, is a great spot for shopping for souvenirs and local goods on your day trip to Montserrat.

The farmer’s market is relatively small, composed of stalls selling locally produced products like extra virgin olive oil, different cheeses, mountain bee honey, and the local liquor Aromes de Montserrat.

The market is located right around the corner from the Montserrat Monastery on the main road from the rack railway station.

Along the main road towards the farmer’s market, you will also find plenty of more traditional souvenir shops if you are on the lookout for a more traditional souvenir.

Take Photos at the Stairway to Heaven

The Stairway to Heaven is a modern art installation by Catalan artist Josep Maria Subirachs in 1976.

The sculpture is 870 meters tall and consists of stacked cubes that create the illusion of an infinite staircase reaching the sky.

In Catalan, the sculpture is called Escala de l’enteniment, which translates to the Stairway of Understanding. The steps are meant to represent the ascent from the material world (the lower steps) to the intellectual and spiritual world (the upper steps). The last step is a perfectly squared and polished cube, representing God.

You might not know the name Josep Maria Subirachs by heart, but actually, he was one of the artists behind the continuous work on the famous Sagrada Familia, where he worked on creating the Passion Façade.

While it can be tempting to climb the Stairway to Heaven to get an even better view of the mountain landscape, the sculpture is fenced, and you couldn’t try your luck.

Location: Stairway to Heaven, Montserrat

Enjoy Local Art at the Montserrat Museum

Montserrat Museum, or Museu de Montserrat in Catalan, is a local art museum located a stone’s throw from the Montserrat Monastery.

The museum showcases an impressive collection of works by renowned artists, including Dalí, Picasso, El Greco, and Caravaggio.

The museum is housed in underground spaces created by the Catalan modernist architect, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, between 1928 and 1933. In 2023, the museum expanded to include the remains of some of Montserrat’s oldest buildings.

If you’re into art, the unique collection of both antique and modern paintings, sculptures, and other artefacts is definitely worth a visit. Make sure you allow plenty of time to explore its diverse collections.

The entrance to Montserrat Museum is €12 for adults, and discounts are available for students, seniors, and children under 16 years old.

You purchase your entrance tickets online or at the museum’s ticket office.

Opening hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5:45 pm

Location:

Book your tickets to the Montserrat Museum and Monastery

Hike to Santa Cova Chapel

The Santa Cova Chapel is a small hillside chapel and cave located just below the main area of Montserrat Monastery.

The Santa Cova Chapel, also referred to as “the Holy Grotto”, holds special significance as the legendary states it is the legendary place where Montserrat’s Black Madonna was discovered.

The discovery of the Black Madonna turned Montserrat into a popular pilgrimage destination.

The chapel dates back to the end of the 17th century, and it was built beneath the cave where the Black Madonna was discovered.

You can reach the Santa Cova Chapel either by walking there from the monastery or by taking the Santa Cova funicular.

The walk from the monastery to Santa Cova is about 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) downhill, and is known as a scenic route carved along the edge of the mountain offering dramatic views of the surrounding Montserrat Mountains.

The funicular doesn’t take you all the way to the Santa Cova, and you still have to walk the rest of the way. On the way from the funicular station to the chapel, there is an outdoor sculpture park featuring works of some of Catalan modernism’s most important artists, including Antoni Gaudí.

The Santa Cova funicular costs €4.30 one-way and €6.60 for a round-trip for adults; discounted prices are available for seniors and children. You can check the Santa Cova funicular’s timetable at TurisTren.

Location: Santa Cova, Camí de la Santa Cova, Montserrat

Explore more of Montserrat

Ride the Sant Joan Funicular

The Sant Joan funicular is a mountain train connecting the Montserrat Monastery with an impressive viewpoint at one of the highest points in Montserrat.

The funicular’s upper station and viewpoint are located 1,000 metres above sea level, and offer an impressive view of the Montserrat Monastery and the beautiful surrounding mountains.

Apart from the impressive views, the upper station of the Sant Joan funicular is also a great starting point for hikes around the Montserrat Natural Park.

The ride takes around 7 minutes, and its steep ascent provides an impressive perspective of the mountain’s rugged terrain.

The Sant Joan funicular runs from just in front of the monastery, and the towering railway going uphill is hard to miss.

The Sant Joan funicular costs €11 one-way and €17 for a round-trip for adults, discounted prices are available for seniors and children.

We skipped the Sant Joan funicular and can visit the Montserrat Museum instead.

Opening hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 6 pm (seasonal changes might apply)

Location: Sant Joan Funicular, behind the rack railway station, Montserrat

Visit Montserrat Audio Visual Space

Montserrat Audio Visual Space is a small exhibition called “Montserrat Behind Closed Doors” showcasing the life of the monks in the Benedictine community at Montserrat.

The audiovisual museum, called Espai Audio Visual in Catalan, displays interactive videos and models and takes you through Montserrat’s history, natural surroundings, and cultural heritage.

You’ll learn about the origins of the monastery, the significance of the Black Madonna, and how Montserrat became such an important pilgrimage site in Catalonia.

The Audio Visual Space is located right in front of the rack railway station at Montserrat, and near the monastery’s main square.

Access to the Audio Visual Space is usually included in the combination tickets or tickets to other of Montserrat’s main attractions. If not, admission to the Audio Visual Space is € 5.50 per person, with discounted prices available for seniors and children.

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 8 pm

Location: Montserrat Audio Visual Space, in front of the Rack Railway Station, Montserrat.

Book your Montserrat Experience

 

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Get the Most Out of a Day Trip to Montserrat

Montserrat offers a great mix of natural beauty and historical sites.

To get the most out of time in Montserrat, here are some travel tips and ideas for top-rated tours and activities in Montserrat, and a recommendation for travel insurance.

You can also use Montserrat Monastery as the starting point to explore other parts of the Montserrat Mountains and turn your day trip into a longer stay to explore the surroundings.

Tips for Visiting Montserrat

A Montserrat day trip is one of the most popular activities to do outside Barcelona, and it can get very busy.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your day trip to Montserrat:

• Avoid the Crowds by Coming Early or Staying Late – Mornings and late afternoons are usually quieter times to explore Montserrat.

• Dress Appropriately – It’s recommended to wear layers and comfortable shoes suitable for walking and hiking.

• Add a Day Hike – Montserrat has many hiking trails with different durations and difficulty that are perfect for exploring more of the area. If you plan on doing a day hike in Monserrat, you might consider staying overnight. There are a few hotels in Montserrat for staying on the mountain top, and some more hotels available in the nearby town.

Top-rated Tours & Day Trips to Montserrat From Barcelona

Join a guided tour to experience Montserrat’s highlights with ease. Many tours also include a visit to nearby wineries.

• Montserrat Monastery, Easy Hike, Cable Car
• Montserrat Full-Day Trip with Guided Hike
• Montserrat Monastery & Scenic Mountain Hike
• Montserrat Early Trip — Cable Car, Abbey & Hike
• Montserrat, Winery Tour & Lunch with Wine Tasting
• Montserrat Half-Day Wine and Tapas Trip
• Montserrat with Winery Visit and Farmhouse Lunch
• Half-Day Montserrat Experience

Montserrat Day Trip FAQs

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Final Thoughts: Is Montserrat in Spain Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Montserrat is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona for a reason!

The Montserrat mountain combines stunning landscapes, spiritual heritage, and cultural attractions in one perfect day trip destination!

At first, Montserrat can feel quite crowded and mainstream at first, and the area around the entrance to the monastery truly is a hotspot for everyone visiting. But you can easily hit the hiking trails and explore other parts of Montserrat, which are less crowded.

In my opinion, Montserrat is worth visiting for its beautiful views and the unique location of the monastery!

A visit to Montserrat is a great way to experience the beauty of the Catalan countryside and escape Barcelona’s bustling streets for a while.

Next time I visit Montserrat, I hope to bring my dog, Baloo, and go on a longer hike around the area. As you know, if you follow along on the blog, I love to bring Baloo on day trips with me. He, for example, was part of the day trip to Blanes, and he has also visited Sitges several times!

With this Montserrat day trip guide, I hope I have helped you better figure out how to get to Montserrat, which ticket options to choose from, and some of the best things to do in Montserrat!

If you have any questions or comments on visiting Montserrat, feel free to share them in the comments below!