Montserrat, Spain Day Trip Guide
If you’re craving some fresh mountain air, history, and an escape just outside Barcelona — Montserrat is your perfect day trip. 🏔️
Located only an hour train ride from the city, this “serrated mountain” (its name literally means that in Catalan) is home to some jaw-dropping peaks, a 1,000-year-old monastery, and some of the most scenic train and cable car rides in Spain. It’s a peaceful break from Barcelona’s crowd — and one of the easiest, most rewarding day trips you can take.
✨ Quick Tip: Montserrat is a popular spot! Book your Montserrat cable car ticket → early to lock in your preferred time and skip long lines.
getting there & around
Getting to Montserrat
There’s no wrong way to reach Montserrat — you can just pick the one that fits your travel style best!
Here are some ways to get there:
1. Train + Cable Car (Aeri de Montserrat)
Fastest and most scenic route — perfect if you want those cinematic mountain views.
Take the R5 train from Plaça d’Espanya and get off at Aeri de Montserrat station. Then you can take the cable car straight up to the monastery (we took it after we came down from San Joan — the views were insane!).
🎟️ Get your Montserrat Cable Car ticket here!
2. Train + Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montserrat)
This one is perfect for those who’d rather stay grounded but still want scenic views.
Take the same R5 train but get off at Monistrol de Montserrat station, then switch to the Cremallera, a fun, steep mountain train that winds its way to the top.
🚆 Book your Montserrat Mountain Card combo ticket
3. Guided Day Tour from Barcelona
This is perfect for anyone who wants to skip ticket juggling and logistics planning. Many tours even include round-trip transport, access to the monastery, and cable car rides.
🚡 Getting around Montserrat
Once at Montserrat, you can continue exploring the upper trails by funiculars!
Funicular de Sant Joan
→ This one takes you up to the top for hiking and jaw-dropping views. (It gets windy up here, so bring a light jacket!)
Funicular de Santa Cova
→ This one leads down toward the sacred Santa Cova cave and shrine.
🎟️ NOTE: Funicular tickets are purchased separately from the main train or cable car. You can still check updated schedules, prices, and buy tickets directly on the official Montserrat site.
best time to visit
BEST OVERALL: May - June, September - October
HEAT WAVES + PEAK SEASON: July - August (arrive by 9:30 AM to beat the rush)
BEST FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: November - February (cold but peaceful, with great visibility all around)
things to do
Once you’re there, there’s so much more than just the view:
Wander the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
Even if you’re not religious, the architecture is stunning.
Visit the Basilica and see the Black Madonna
Unfortunately, when we visited, the Basilica’s interior was closed to the public, so we couldn’t see inside ): But hey — that just gives us an excuse to come back! I’ve seen photos online and it looks absolutely stunning.
Ride the Sant Joan Funicular
Head up to the very top for panoramic mountain views.
Hike to Creu de Sant Miquel or Stairway to Heaven viewpoints
Check off these spots and take photos with these iconic spots!
Explore the Montserrat Museum
Art lovers, this one’s for you — with works by Dalí, Picasso, and even Monet!
🎟️ Save time at the entrance — grab your Monastery + Museum ticket here before you go.
know before you go!
| CATEGORY | INFO |
|---|---|
| 🎫 ADMISSION | Free to wander around, but tickets needed for Basilica and transport (train/cable car) |
| 🕐 BEST TIME | Morning (arrive by 9–10 AM) |
| PERFECT FOR | Nature lovers. Photographers. Hikers. |
| 🐾 PET POLICY | Dogs welcome in outdoor areas, but not on cable cars or trains. |
| 🚻 FACILITIES | Bathrooms in the food court |
| ⏱️ DURATION | 4 – 6 hours (half-day trip) |
| 🚫 ETIQUETTE | Leave no trace — take your trash, stay on trails, and respect quiet spaces near the monastery |
| ♿ ACCESSIBILITY | Yes — paved paths, ramps, and accessible transport options |
| 👟 WHAT TO WEAR | Comfortable shoes (lots of uphill walking), light jacket, and modest clothing if visiting the monastery. |
| 🎒 WHAT TO BRING | Water, sunscreen, camera, and a few snacks for the trails. |
visit info
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Barcelona Tourist Guide: Is Montserrat Worth Visiting?
Montserrat Tourist Guide: Sant Joan Funicular in Montserrat: Funicular to Viewpoint of Montserrat.
Montserrat Tourist Guide: Tourist Attractions in Montserrat
Montserrat Tourist Guide: Visit to Montserrat - “The Trip of a Lifetime”
Wikipedia: Montserrat (mountain)
check out my Barcelona travel vlog!
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The mystical mountain of jagged peaks, monasteries, and views that’ll make you forget city life for a while. Whether you’re planning your first visit or deciding if it’s worth the trip, this Montserrat day trip guide has everything you need — from how to get there to the best time to visit and the tickets you don’t want to miss.