Montserrat Monastery, located high in the mountains of Catalonia, is one of the most stunning and spiritual destinations near Barcelona. If you're planning to visit, here are the best ways to get there.
Your journey typically starts in Barcelona at Plaça d’Espanya, where you will take the R5 train towards Manresa. You can choose between the Cable Car (Aeri de Montserrat), the Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montserrat), or even hiking.
Important: Before purchasing your ticket, you must choose between the Cable Car (Aeri de Montserrat) or Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montserrat) since the train stops at different stations for each option. Once you reach Montserrat you have these options to reach the top.
There are three main hiking routes to Montserrat, each with different start points and characteristics.
Montserrat features two main funiculars—Funicular de Sant Joan and Funicular de Santa Cova. These funiculars improve the experience of exploring Montserrat’s breathtaking landscapes and religious sites.
Forget juggling multiple tickets, navigating transport schedules, or figuring out how to get around. A guided tour covers everything, from transport to entry tickets, so you can enjoy the journey.
No need to stress about train schedules or booking multiple tickets—day trips include direct transportation from Barcelona to Montserrat and back, eliminating logistical challenges so you can focus on the experience.
Montserrat isn’t just about the views—its history, legends, and hidden secrets make it even more fascinating. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll unlock the stories behind the Black Madonna, the Benedictine monks, and the mysterious rock formations that have inspired visitors for centuries.
Many guided tours offer unique extras like wine tastings, hiking trails, horse rides, hot air balloon experiences, or behind-the-scenes monastery access. These exclusive perks make your trip far more memorable than just wandering on your own.
No need to stress over train times, funicular schedules, or lunch options. Everything is planned for you, so you can relax, take in the views, and enjoy every moment without the logistical headaches.
If you're driving to Montserrat, there are two main parking options—one at the Cremallera de Monistrol Vila rack railway station and another right next to Montserrat Monastery. Choosing the right parking spot depends on whether you want to drive all the way up to the monastery or take the scenic rack railway for an added adventure.
The best way depends on your preference. Driving is the fastest option, but you’ll need to find parking. Taking the train combined with the rack railway or cable car offers a scenic journey. A guided tour is the most convenient choice, as it includes transport, tickets, and sometimes even a meal.
The cable car is the quicker option, taking just five minutes, and provides breathtaking aerial views of the mountain. The rack railway, while slower at around 15 minutes, offers a smoother, more comfortable ride with large windows for scenic views. The rack railway is the better choice if you're afraid of heights.
No, there isn’t a direct train. You need to take the R5 train from Plaça d’Espanya to either Aeri de Montserrat (for the cable car) or Monistrol de Montserrat (for the rack railway). From there, you’ll transfer to your chosen transport up the mountain.
Yes, you can drive to Montserrat via the A-2 or AP-7 highways. There are parking options at Monistrol de Montserrat, where you can transfer to the rack railway, or at the cable car station. There’s also limited parking near the monastery itself, but spaces fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
Yes, there are direct buses operated by companies like Julià that run daily from Barcelona (e.g., from Sants station) to Montserrat. Buses leave at 9:15am and return in the late afternoon or evening
Simply take the rack railway or cable car back down to the train stations at Monistrol or Aeri de Montserrat. From there, board the R5 train back to Barcelona. Make sure to check the last departure times to avoid getting stranded.
The last rack railway departs Montserrat around 6:15pm while the last cable car usually leaves at 6pm. The final train from Monistrol de Montserrat back to Barcelona is around 7pm, but times can vary, so always check the schedule to avoid getting stranded.
Yes, the rack railway is fully accessible, with step-free boarding and space for wheelchairs. The cable car, however, requires stepping into a moving cabin, which may be challenging. Around the monastery, some paths have steep inclines, but there are accessible routes.
It’s possible but not ideal. Montserrat has enough to see for a full day, but if you're short on time, some tours combine Montserrat with destinations like Girona or a wine region. Leaving Montserrat by mid-afternoon would allow time for another short excursion.
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