Know before you book: Choosing the right Montserrat day trip

  • Enjoy a hassle-free visit with a tour that includes round-trip transport and a guide!
  • Want something beyond the usual? Opt for a horse ride, through Montserrat’s trails or a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the Catalan countryside for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective.
  • If scenic views are a priority, book a tour with a cogwheel train transfer —the ride up the mountainside is breathtaking.
  • Want to pair your adventure with local flavors? Choose a tour with a Catalan food experience, such as a traditional farmhouse lunch or tapas brunch with wine—perfect for food and wine lovers.
  • Do you love to hike? Book a scenic hike ticket to explore Montserrat’s scenic trails with a professional mountain guide, taking in breathtaking views and unique rock formations!
  • Maximize your Montserrat experience and visit three places with one ticket! Discover the majestic Montserrat Monastery, wander through Girona's enchanting medieval streets, and unwind along the breathtaking Costa Brava coastline.

Plan your visit to Montserrat

Your Barcelona to Montserrat day trip options explained

TourDurationAudio Guide or Guided TourAttractions IncludedBest forBuy Now

Montserrat Monastery with Black Madonna Access, Audio Guide & Train Tickets from Barcelona

Flexible duration

Multilingual Audio Guide

Monastery visit, rack railway, audio-visual exhibit, and Black Madonna

Self-paced explorers

From €18

From Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip with Black Madonna

6 hours

Guided Tour

Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery, Black Madonna, and audiovisual exhibit.

First-time visitors

From €46.80

From Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip with Black Madonna, Tasting Experience & Lunch

7 hours

Guided Tour

Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery, rack-railway and optional visit to Black Madonna

Foodies & wine lovers

From €47.60

From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Scenic Mountain Hike

6 hours- 6.5 hours

Guided Tour

Monastery visit, Sant Joan Railway, guided hike in Montserrat Natural Park

Active travelers

From €57

From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Horseback Riding

6 hours

Guided Tour

Monastery tour, horseback ride in Montserrat National Park

Outdoor lovers & nature enthusiasts

From €79.95

From Barcelona: Montserrat Hot Air Balloon Ride & Monastery Visit

5-9 hours

Guided Tour

Hot air balloon ride over Montserrat, optional Montserrat Monastery visit

Photographers

From €75

From Barcelona: Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Day Trip

12 hours

Guided Tour

Montserrat Monastery, Girona’s Jewish Quarter, Costa Brava village, Arab Baths (except Sundays)

History enthusiasts

From €109.99

Offbeat things to do in Montserrat

Barcelona to Montserrat day trip map

The three primary modes of transportation are:

  • Car: Driving is a scenic option that takes about an hour along the A-2 motorway. 
  • Bus: A direct bus service from Estació Sants takes approximately 90 minutes, 
  • Train: The most popular method is taking the R5 train from Plaça España, which takes around an hour to reach the foot of Montserrat.

Once in Montserrat, visitors can ascend to the monastery via two main options Cable Car and Rack Railway (cogwheel train)

How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona?

Not satisfied with the options? Click here for more transportation options from Barcelona to Montserrat to ensure a hassle-free journey!

Rules to keep in mind while visiting Montserrat Monastery

  • You should avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops. Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially if you plan to enter the Basilica or visit the Black Madonna.
  • Photography is allowed in most areas of Montserrat, but it is restricted inside the Basilica, particularly near the Black Madonna. Always check for signs indicating photography rules before taking pictures.
  • Please do not take pictures while visiting the Virgin's throne to avoid disrupting the queue or congregation.
  • If you do not wish to participate in religious ceremonies, kindly avoid entering the basilica while they are ongoing and wait until they conclude.
  • Access to the virgin's throne is restricted during mass.
  • The Crypt, the Chapel, and the area of the Holy Sacraments are designated for devotion and prayer. Please enter these areas only if you are willing to spend a few moments in reflection.
  • Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the monastery, the Basilica, or the museum. If you plan to have a meal, use the designated picnic areas or visit the on-site restaurants.
  • For those exploring Montserrat’s hiking trails, it’s important to stay on marked paths to protect the environment. Avoid picking plants, carving into rocks, or leaving any waste behind.

More Montserrat Monastery tips

How to get around Montserrat

Tips for your Barcelona to Montserrat day trip

  • The best time for you to visit is when the famous Boys Choir (the Escolania) performs - usually at 1pm and 6:45pm from Monday to Friday. The monastery is open on weekends too, but the Boys Choir doesn't sing then.
  • Keep in mind that the Black Madonna has two queues, one to enter the basilica and another long one to get close to the Black Madonna for wish-making. Make sure you choose the right line because the Black Madonna line can be really long!
  • Next to the Mirador restaurant, there's the Stairway to Heaven. It's a stack of concrete blocks that used to be climbed by influencers for Instagram pics. Now, it's fenced off for safety. While it might look cool in photos with the right angle and editing, it's not that impressive in person. For better (and safer) pictures, head to the open circular courtyard with arches next to the parking lot, where you can capture yourself with the mountains in the background.
  • While there are restaurants and cafés at Montserrat, packing some snacks and water is a great idea, especially if you plan to hike. The monastery’s farmers’ market is also a great place to buy honey, cheese, fig cakes, and herbal liqueurs.
  • Montserrat has limited mobile signal in some areas, especially on hiking trails. Download Google Maps offline or carry a physical map if you plan to explore beyond the main monastery area. Some guided tours also provide mobile apps with audio guides.
  • Most visitors take the main hiking paths, but if you’re looking for something quieter, try the Cami de les Aigües trail, which offers scenic views with fewer crowds. If you enjoy a challenge, the hike from Santa Cova to Sant Jeroni is a rewarding option.
  • Most day-trippers leave by late afternoon, but staying until sunset offers a magical, less crowded experience. The golden light over the mountains is stunning, and the monastery feels more peaceful as the crowds disappear.

Need a little help planning your visit? Here’s an itinerary for you!

Frequently asked questions about Barcelona to Montserrat day trip

Montserrat is approximately 60 km (37 miles) northwest of Barcelona, and it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach by train, car, or guided tour.