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- Montserrat Monastery Tickets
- History
- Montserrat Rack Railway
- Barcelona to Montserrat tours
- Montserrat Winery Tour
- Museum of Montserrat
- Black Madonna
- Dining
- Sagrada Familia
- Park Güell
- Barcelona Flamenco Show Tickets
- Camp Nou Tours
- Moco Museum Barcelona
- Casa Batllo
- Casa Mila Tickets
- The World of Banksy Barcelona
- Portaventura World
- Gaudi Tours Barcelona
- Hola Barcelona Travel Card
- Wax Museum Barcelona
- Palau de la Música Catalana Tickets
- Erotic Museum of Barcelona
- Barcelona Zoo
- Big Fun Museum
- Barcelona Aquarium
Montserrat Rack Railway & Barcelona to Montserrat train
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Julia Travel Barcelona at Planta baja delante
Get Ready to Explore! Meet your friendly guide at Julià Travel Barcelona (Carrer d'Alí-Bei, 80 Local nº 180 - Planta baja Delante del andén 19 / In front of the Platform 19, 08013 Barcelona, Spain)
59 km
64 minutes
1
Montserrat Monastery
2 attractions
2 activities
Tickets included
Dating back to the 11th century, Montserrat Monastery perches atop distinctive rock formations, attracting visitors to its revered Black Madonna statue. With a millennium of history, the monastery showcases artistic treasures by El Greco and Caravaggio, while the Escolania de Montserrat, Europe's oldest boys' choir, captivates audiences with centuries-old melodies.
Highlights
1. Ride the Rack Railway
Included in price
Get ready for a unique experience riding the rack railway uphill. You'll soak in the beauty of jagged peaks as you reach a height of over 4,000 feet.
2. Basilica of Montserrat
Tickets included
Listen to fascinating stories of miraculous apparitions as you admire the famous Black Madonna, a 12th-century Romanesque carving. Your timed entry ticket ensures a seamless visit to the Basilica of Montserrat.
3. Museum of Montserrat
Tickets included
Enjoy free time to explore the museum which is a treasure trove of Montserrat's art and history. Enjoy masterpieces by famous artists like Monet, Dali, and Picasso and explore ancient artifacts from civilizations like Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. You can also enjoy locally produced liquors, crafted by the monks themselves!
4. Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
Included in price
Discover the magic of Montserrat in this open-air museum! Explore the legendary Holy Grotto, linked to the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary. Then, step into the world of "Montserrat Portes Endins," an audiovisual journey that reveals the secrets of the monastery and its surroundings.
2
END POINT
Julia Travel Barcelona at Planta baja delante
Visit Montserrat and explore its monastery and Black Madonna on a guided tour.
- Day Out: Set off from Barcelona in a comfortable AC coach and journey to Montserrat’s breathtaking mountains. Visit the historic monastery with an expert guide. Explore a local vineyard for an organic wine tasting, with an option to enjoy a tapas brunch or a three-course Catalan lunch.
- You’ll Get: Enjoy a full-day guided experience with an expert English-speaking guide. Explore Montserrat Monastery, home to the Black Madonna, and visit a historic vineyard for an organic wine tasting. Complete your journey with a traditional Catalan meal, depending on your selected option.
- Montserrat Monastery: Located on Montserrat’s rocky mountain, this historic Benedictine monastery dates back to the 11th century.
- Black Madonna: The Montserrat Black Madonna is a 12th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have magical powers.
- Upgrades: Choose between a tapas brunch or a three-course Catalan lunch
Visit Montserrat and explore its monastery and Black Madonna on a guided tour.
- Day Out: Set off from Barcelona in a comfortable AC coach and journey to Montserrat’s breathtaking mountains. Visit the historic monastery with an expert guide. Explore a local vineyard for an organic wine tasting, with an option to enjoy a tapas brunch or a three-course Catalan lunch.
- You’ll Get: Enjoy a full-day guided experience with an expert English-speaking guide. Explore Montserrat Monastery, home to the Black Madonna, and visit a historic vineyard for an organic wine tasting. Complete your journey with a traditional Catalan meal, depending on your selected option.
- Montserrat Monastery: Located on Montserrat’s rocky mountain, this historic Benedictine monastery dates back to the 11th century.
- Black Madonna: The Montserrat Black Madonna is a 12th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have magical powers.
- Upgrades: Choose between a tapas brunch or a three-course Catalan lunch
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery
- AC coach transfers from Barcelona
- Expert English and Spanish-speaking monolingual/bilingual guide (as per option selected)
- Timed entry to Black Madonna
- Entry to the Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
- Local liquor tasting
- Radio guide system
- Tip: Treat yourself to Mató, a type of fresh cheese that is used to make a traditional dessert, meil i mató, which is made of cheese and honey.
- During booking, the time slot you select is for your timed entrance to visit Black Madonna. All other parts of your visit can be done at your own pace.
- The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to guests with disabilities but wheelchair users won’t be able to get right up to the Black Madonna.
- Strict dress code: It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Flipflops aren't allowed.
- Be ready for a brisk walk up to the Black Madonna.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Day Trips
Montserrat Monastery with Black Madonna Access, Audio Guide & Train Tickets from Barcelona
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION12 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERTrain
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station
Ticket redemption takes place at the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya ticket office at Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station.
57 km
60 minutes
1
Montserrat Monastery
2 attractions
2 activities
Tickets included
Hop on a train from Barcelona and let the journey begin! You'll soon be soaring up the mountain on a thrilling rack railway ride, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Once at the summit, explore the majestic Gothic basilica and gain exclusive access to the revered Black Madonna. Unravel the mysteries of Montserrat's history with an immersive audio guide and marvel at priceless art by Dali and Picasso at the museum.
Highlights
1. Rack railway ride
Included in price
Enjoy breathtaking views as you ascend to the stunning Montserrat mountain range. Hop aboard the Cremallera, a rack railway. This unique train ride offers a smooth and enjoyable journey, winding through rugged cliffs as it climbs toward the historic monastery. The Cremallera allows you to fully enjoy the natural splendor and serenity of Montserrat from the very start of your visit.
2. Basilica of Montserrat
Tickets included
Step into the hallowed halls of the Basilica of Montserrat and come face-to-face with the iconic Black Madonna, a revered religious relic. With timed entry, you'll have exclusive access to this centuries-old Romanesque sculpture. Don't miss the chance to attend a captivating Mass, held daily at 11am and at 9:30am on Sundays and holidays.
3. Museum of Montserrat
Tickets included
Discover a world-class museum recognized as a national treasure since 2006. See artworks by iconic artists like Monet, Dali, and Picasso. Learn about its history with significant archaeological collections from ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt.
4. Montserrat audiovisual exhibition
Included in price
Explore the historic Holy Grotto, linked to the Virgin Mary. Delve into the rich history of Montserrat through the "Montserrat Portes Endins" audiovisual exhibition. See art and ancient artifacts at the open-air Museum of Montserrat.
2
END POINT
Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station
Travel to Montserrat by train and explore the monastery with an immersive audio guide.
- Everything you get: Travel from Barcelona on a scenic train ride to Montserrat, where you’ll explore the monastery with a multilingual audio guide. Enjoy timed entry to the Black Madonna, visit the Montserrat Museum and audiovisual exhibit, and ride the rack railway. A map and booklet help you navigate.
- Why choose this: This experience offers hassle-free train transfers, a self-guided tour in 8 languages, and Black Madonna access.
- Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a live Escolania boys' choir performance, an unforgettable musical tradition.
Travel to Montserrat by train and explore the monastery with an immersive audio guide.
- Everything you get: Travel from Barcelona on a scenic train ride to Montserrat, where you’ll explore the monastery with a multilingual audio guide. Enjoy timed entry to the Black Madonna, visit the Montserrat Museum and audiovisual exhibit, and ride the rack railway. A map and booklet help you navigate.
- Why choose this: This experience offers hassle-free train transfers, a self-guided tour in 8 languages, and Black Madonna access.
- Upgrades: Enhance your visit with a live Escolania boys' choir performance, an unforgettable musical tradition.
Inclusions
- Train transfers from Barcelona
- Timed entry to Black Madonna
- Entry to the Museum of Montserrat
- Entry to the Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
- Rack railway ride
- Audio guide for the monastery and Black Madonna in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Russian, and Japanese
- Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir performance (optional)
- Map & informative booklet
- Tip: Participate in a time-honored tradition of praying by lighting a candle along the Ave Maria Path, the corridor leading up to the Black Madonna.
- During booking, the time slot you select is for your timed entrance to visit Black Madonna. All other parts of your visit can be done at your own pace.
- When planning your visit from Barcelona, factor in at least 70 minutes for the commute and 20 minutes for the uphill walk to the Black Madonna.
- The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to guests with disabilities but wheelchair users won’t be able to get right up to the Black Madonna.
- Strict dress code: It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. Flipflops aren't allowed.
- Mass at the Basilica takes place Monday to Saturday at 11am and 9.30am on all holidays including Sundays.
- The Escolania de Montserrat boys sing at the basilica daily between Monday to Friday at 1pm and during Sunday Mass at 11am.
- Choir performance times may vary in accordance with special religious celebrations and the school calendar.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION6 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Minibus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Meeting Point
Calle Roger de Llúria, 117, in L'Eixample, Barcelona, serves as a convenient meeting point in the city center. Easily accessible by public transport, it’s surrounded by cafes and landmarks, making it a great starting spot for your tour.
59 km
60 minutes
1
Montserrat
60 min
3 attractions
Tickets included (based on selection)
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Highlights
1. Montserrat National Park
75 min
Tickets included
Enjoy a scenic 75-minute walk through the stunning landscapes of Montserrat.
2. Montserrat Monastery
Tickets included
Extend your visit with an in-depth guided tour of the monastery’s art and architecture.
3. Black Madonna
Tickets included (based on selection)
Upgrade to visit the revered La Moreneta, Catalonia’s patron saint, with an expert guide.
2
END POINT
End Point
Gran Via de Carles III, 100, in Les Corts, Barcelona, serves as the tour’s endpoint. Conveniently located, it offers easy access to public transport and nearby city attractions.
Guided hike in Montserrat’s natural park with monastery visit and transport from Barcelona.
- Day Out: Experience Montserrat’s beauty with expert guidance, scenic trails, and a monastery visit—all in a small, personalized group.
- You’ll Get: Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat in a premium small group and explore its famous monastery, founded in the 10th century. Board the Sant Joan Railway for breathtaking views, then enjoy a guided soft hike through the Montserrat Natural Park. Your expert guide shares insights into the area’s history, culture, and unique rock formations.
- Montserrat National Park: Discover rugged mountain landscapes, scenic trails, and breathtaking panoramic views.
- Montserrat Monastery: Visit the historic Benedictine monastery, a major pilgrimage site in Catalonia
- Black Madonna: See the famous statue of the Black Madonna, a 12th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have miraculous powers
- Upgrades: Upgrade to include a traditional Catalan pastry tasting or visit the revered Black Madonna for a deeper cultural experience.
Guided hike in Montserrat’s natural park with monastery visit and transport from Barcelona.
- Day Out: Experience Montserrat’s beauty with expert guidance, scenic trails, and a monastery visit—all in a small, personalized group.
- You’ll Get: Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat in a premium small group and explore its famous monastery, founded in the 10th century. Board the Sant Joan Railway for breathtaking views, then enjoy a guided soft hike through the Montserrat Natural Park. Your expert guide shares insights into the area’s history, culture, and unique rock formations.
- Montserrat National Park: Discover rugged mountain landscapes, scenic trails, and breathtaking panoramic views.
- Montserrat Monastery: Visit the historic Benedictine monastery, a major pilgrimage site in Catalonia
- Black Madonna: See the famous statue of the Black Madonna, a 12th-century wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to have miraculous powers
- Upgrades: Upgrade to include a traditional Catalan pastry tasting or visit the revered Black Madonna for a deeper cultural experience.
Inclusions
- Guided visit to Montserrat Monastery & Abbey
- Multilingual professional mountain guide
- Sant Joan Railway ticket for panoramic views
- One-hour soft hiking experience in Montserrat Natural Park
- Free time to explore the farmers’ market, café, and souvenir shops
- Black Madonna visit (available as an optional upgrade)
Exclusions
- Food or beverages (except for optional tasting)
- Hotel pickup or transfers
- Montserrat Monastery is a religious site, so visitors must wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- The hike includes uneven terrain and some steep sections, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
- The tour operates in all weather conditions; wear appropriate outdoor clothing and comfortable hiking shoes.
- Large bags and suitcases are not allowed inside the monastery.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside certain monastery area
- Late arrivals cannot be accommodated, and missed tours are non-refundable.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Barcelona
How to get from Barcelona to Montserrat by train
The R5 train line operated by FGC is the most popular way to travel from Barcelona to Montserrat. Depart from Plaça Espanya Station in Barcelona. Take the R5 FGC train towards Manresa. The journey takes around 1 hour. Get off at Monistrol de Montserrat (for the rack railway) or Aeri de Montserrat (for the cable car).
Montserrat Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montserrat)
- From Monistrol de Montserrat, take the rack railway up to the monastery.
- The journey takes 15 minutes, and it offers scenic views.
- Trains run frequently, approximately every 20-30 minutes.
- Ideal for those who prefer a comfortable, gradual ascent.
- Great option for photographers, as it allows more time to take in the views.
- The Montserrat Rack Railway (cogwheel) is wheelchair accessible and offers comfortable seating.
Cable Car (Aeri de Montserrat)
- From Aeri de Montserrat station, take the cable car up.
- The ride takes 5 minutes and provides a thrilling ascent with panoramic views.
- The cable car departs every 15 minutes.
- Offers a more adventurous experience with stunning aerial views.
- Recommended for those who want a quicker, more exhilarating way to reach the top.
- The cable car is not wheelchair accessible due to steep inclines.
Key information about Montserrat Rack Railway
- Departure point: Monistrol de Montserrat station
- Journey time: 20 minutes
- Schedule: Trains run every 20-30 minutes
- Tickets: Can be purchased at the station or as part of a combined transport ticket
- Capacity: Each train can accommodate approximately 200 passengers comfortably
- Accessibility: The rack railway is wheelchair-accessible
- Operating hours: Depends on the season
- Best time to travel: Mornings and weekdays are less crowded.
- Highlights: Stunning views, comfortable ride, and easy access to the monastery
Train from Barcelona vs Rack Railway
Rack Railway
Train from Barcelona
Starting Point
Monistrol de Montserrat Station
Plaça Espanya Station, Barcelona
Scenic Views
Panoramic mountain landscapes
Countryside views
Accessibility
Direct access to the monastery
Requires transfer to rack railway or cable car
Travel Time
20 minutes (rack railway segment)
1 hour (train ride)
Unique Feature
Steep ascent via rack system
Convenient city-to-mountain connection
Best time to take a Barcelona to Montserrat train
Spring (March-May)
Summer (June-August)
Autumn (September-November)
Winter (December-February)
Weekdays vs. Weekends
Early morning (Before 9am)
Late afternoon (After 3pm)
- Spring is one of the best times to visit Montserrat. With mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, it's comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking or exploring the monastery.
- The landscape is lush and vibrant, with flowers in full bloom, making it perfect for photography
- As spring is not as busy as summer, you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Summer is the peak tourist season in Montserrat, drawing large numbers of visitors from around the world.
- Temperatures can rise above 30°C (86°F), making midday travel and outdoor activities uncomfortable.
- Expect long queues at train stations, ticket counters, and popular spots like the monastery and funiculars.
- The Montserrat Monastery and viewpoints can feel overcrowded, especially between 10am and 3pm.
- The best way to beat the summer rush is to take the first train from Plaça Espanya around 8:36am. Late afternoon visits are also a good option, as the crowds start thinning out after 4pm.
- It is one of the best seasons to visit, with comfortable temperatures and stunning fall colors. The mountain is covered in beautiful autumn foliage, creating a scenic backdrop for photography
- Autumn in Montserrat is an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It's the perfect season for hiking, as the trails are less dusty and temperatures are moderate.
- Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), providing a comfortable climate for exploring.
- Early afternoon trains (12pm – 2pm) provide great visibility for sightseeing and a more relaxed visit.
- By late October and November, crowds decrease significantly, allowing for a peaceful experience with fewer tourists at viewpoints.
- Winter is the best time to visit Montserrat to avoid large tourist crowds. The mountain feels serene, with fewer visitors at the monastery, hiking trails, and funiculars. You’ll have more space on the train, rack railway, and inside Montserrat’s cultural attractions.
- Daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), so warm clothing is recommended. Occasionally, Montserrat experiences light snowfall.
- Since winter has shorter daylight hours, visiting between 10am and 2pm is ideal. Arriving earlier ensures you have enough time to explore before it gets too cold. Avoid late afternoon visits, as the temperature drops quickly after sunset.
Weekdays
Weekdays offer a quieter and more relaxed experience compared to weekends and public holidays. Visiting from Monday to Thursday means fewer crowds, shorter wait times for trains, funiculars, and restaurants, and more peaceful viewpoints to enjoy the stunning scenery.
Weekends
On the other hand, weekends are significantly busier, especially from mid-morning to early afternoon. If you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday, taking the first train at 8:36 AM is a great way to avoid the rush. Arriving early allows you to explore Montserrat’s key attractions before the midday crowds arrive, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.
Montserrat opening hours- The first train from Barcelona leaves around 8:36am
- Early morning is the perfect time to enjoy Montserrat without the crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer. You can experience a quieter journey to the mountain and have more space on the train.
- The temperatures tend to be cooler in the early morning, making the train ride and your time spent exploring Montserrat more comfortable, especially during the warmer months.
- Morning light is ideal for photography, especially for capturing the mountain views as the sun rises, casting soft and beautiful light over the landscape
- The last return train from Montserrat to Barcelona departs around 6:41pm. If you miss the last train, your only option will be a taxi or an overnight stay in Montserrat.
- The final rack railway and cable car rides down the mountain leave earlier, so allow time to descend.
- Sunset views from Montserrat are spectacular, but ensure you catch the last train back to Barcelona.
- The golden light during the evening makes for stunning landscape photography.
- By late afternoon, most day-trippers are heading back to Barcelona. This means fewer crowds at the monastery, viewpoints, and restaurants. If you prefer a peaceful atmosphere, arriving in the afternoon is a great option.
Frequently asked questions about the Barcelona to Montserrat train
Where does the train to Montserrat depart from in Barcelona?
The train to Montserrat departs from Plaça d’Espanya station in Barcelona. This station is easily accessible via the L1 (red) and L3 (green) metro lines.
How frequently do trains run?
Trains run frequently throughout the day, typically every hour. During peak seasons, there may be additional services, so it's advisable to check the current schedule before your visit.
How long does the train from Barcelona to Montserrat take?
The R5 FGC train from Barcelona to Montserrat takes approximately 1 hour to reach either Monistrol de Montserrat (rack railway) or Aeri de Montserrat (cable car). The rack railway adds another 15 minutes, while the cable car takes about 5 minutes.
Is the train accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, both the train and the connecting rack railway are designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
What is the difference between the rack railway and the cable car?
The rack railway offers a smooth scenic ride, while the cable car provides a fast, thrilling ascent.
What time does the first and last train leave from Barcelona?
The first train departs at 8:36am, and the last return train from Montserrat leaves at 6:41pm.