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).
By rack railway
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.
By 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.
By furnicular (Funicular de Sant Joan)
The Funicular de Sant Joan is ideal for once you've reached the Montserrat Monastery.
Use it to get stunning views of Montserrat or access some of the walks around the natural park.
You can buy one or two-way funicular tickets at the funicular station in the monastery.
It runs every 20 minutes and the journey takes 7 minutes.
Key information about Montserrat Rack Railway
The Montserrat Rack Railway, aka cogwheel train, is a unique mountain railway that connects Monistrol de Montserrat to the monastery at the top of the mountain. The railway is 5 km long, with the first 1 km using regular tracks and the next 4 km using the Abt rack system.
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
Don’t miss the Rack Railway ride to Montserrat!
The rack railway is the most scenic way to reach the monastery, and spots are limited each day. Book your tour now and lock in your seat on this unforgettable journey.
Best time to take a Barcelona to Montserrat train
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.
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.
Visitor tips
Decide between the Montserrat Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montserrat) or the Aeri de Montserrat (cable car) for the final ascent. If you prefer a scenic and gradual ride, choose the rack railway. For a faster, thrilling ascent with panoramic views, take the cable car.
Take the first train (8:36am) to reach Montserrat before most tourists arrive.
Allocate at least 4–5 hours to explore Montserrat fully.
Try local Catalan cuisine at Montserrat’s restaurants, such as Pa amb tomàquet (bread spread with tomato, olive oil, and salt), or Mató (fresh cheese) with honey, a regional specialty.
Note that the Barcelona to Montserrat train and Montserrat rack railway (cogwheel) are wheelchair accessible. The cable car is not. So, if you have mobility concerns, make sure to choose the Montserrat rack railway.
Frequently asked questions about the Barcelona to Montserrat train
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.
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.
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.
Yes, both the train and the connecting rack railway are designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
The rack railway offers a smooth scenic ride, while the cable car provides a fast, thrilling ascent.
The first train departs at 8:36am, and the last return train from Montserrat leaves at 6:41pm.
From happy customers
Loved by 32 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Anita
AustraliaDec 2025
5/5
Ease of transport access. Great attraction. Too much for 1 day. Really need 2 days at least. We didn't get a chance to do any walks. The basilica and museum were our focus. Restaurant meal was excellent.
Dénes
HungarySep 2025
5/5
Hello!
It was very easy to book with the headout app and everything was fine. It was a great help for us.
We were in Montserrat with a group of 7 friends. I would recommend them to everyone.
John
Sep 2025
5/5
Our guide, Bosco, was caring, informative, and so pleasant to spend a day with.
Everything ran smoothly and we were able to have a relaxed but focused day at the monastery.
The lunch was a great way to meet everyone and enjoy wonderful Catalan cuisine.
Kaminthia
AustraliaDec 2025
5/5
Wonderful experience all around!
Everything was so easy from picking up our tickets at the station. to obtaining our tickets for the Black Maddona in Monserrate .
An amazing must see , when visiting Barcelona.
Highly recommend booking your visit this way !
Paul
United StatesOct 2025
5/5
The experience was pretty easy. A little more direction on which stop to get off of at Montserrat would have been helpful. Such as: the first Montserrat train station is for the cable car. And the second stop is for the train up the mountain. Especially with the tickets we bought. Fun time overall.
Flir
Oct 2025
5/5
It was a wonderful day. Everything was just perfect. The coach trip was very pleasant and Sarah our guide was just great. Very knowledgeable in all areas. Highly recommended!
Adaeze
CanadaOct 2025
5/5
Sarah and Kim were wonderful.
Sarah was very warm, friendly and very knowledgeable about the history and helped make the trip a very enjoyable one.
Montserrat Rack Railway & Barcelona to Montserrat train
4.4(1,964)
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Seamless train transfers & timed entry to a key Spanish landmark - all in one ticket.
Day out: Explore the iconic Montserrat Monastery with timed entry to the famous Black Madonna. Seamless train transfers from Barcelona and a rack railway ride ensure easy access to the monument.
You'll get: Enjoy the luxury of exploring the monastery at your own pace with a digital audio guide for the Black Madonna in eight different languages. You also get a map & an informative booklet for easier navigation.
Montserrat Monastery: You'll get to explore the basilica in all its glory and soak in its Gothic & Renaissance architecture. You'll also get to see the iconic Black Madonna, the statue that sparked the monastery's construction in the first place.
Upgrades: Add a tasting of traditional Montserrat liqueurs crafted by the Benedictine monks for a peek into the local culture.
Inclusions
#
Timed entry to the Black Madonna
Entry to the Museum of Montserrat
Entry to the Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
Train transfers from Barcelona
Rack railway ride in Montserrat
Audio guide for the basilica and Black Madonna in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, German, Dutch, Russian, and Japanese
Map & informative booklet
Escolania de Montserrat boys' choir performance (as per option selected)
Exclusions
#
Food & drinks
Guided tour
What to bring
Carry a valid ID or passport to get your tickets validated.
Wear a pair of comfortable and grippy walking shoes to enjoy this experience without breaking a sweat.
Bring your smartphone fully charged & your best earphones to make the most of the audio guide.
What’s not allowed
Men and women must wear clothes that cover their knees and shoulders.
Entering the monastery in flip-flops is prohibited.
Flash photography, tripods & selfie sticks are prohibited inside the basilica.
Photography is also prohibited during services at the monastery.
Entering the basilica during acts of worship is prohibited, unless you’re taking part in them.
Accessibility
Most areas of the monastery are wheelchair accessible.
The Black Madonna is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
The train and rack railway are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.
Additional information
The ticket office atFGC Plaça Espanyais open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You must exchange your ticket at this office before starting the journey.
The time slot you select while booking your ticket is for access to the Black Madonna.
The Boys' choir will not sing from 25 June to 20 August, on 29 August, from 1-3 September, 2, 3, and 6 October, and on 24 November.
You can explore the rest of the monastery at your own pace.
When choosing your slot for entry to Black Madonna, factor in your commute time from Barcelona and the uphill walk to the monastery.
Plan and catch a train at least 1.5 hours before your reserved time to ensure a smooth visit.
The Tabernacle of Our Lady is closed during services to ensure silence for those praying.
The details to download your audio guide will be sent once you book your tickets.
Choir performance times may vary as per special religious celebrations and the school calendar.
Note that last-minute time changes may occur without prior notice.
Mass at the Basilica takes place Monday to Saturday at 11am and 9.30am on all holidays, including Sundays.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
AC coach transfers, guided tour & Black Madonna access – the ultimate Catalan experience!
Day out: Set off from Barcelona in a comfortable AC coach and journey to Montserrat’s breathtaking mountains & visit the monastery with a local expert leading the way. Explore a local vineyard for an organic craft tasting to top off the experience.
You’ll get: Enjoy a full-day guided experience with an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide. Explore Montserrat Monastery, home to the iconic Black Madonna, and visit a historic vineyard for a tasting of four locally produced blends.
Montserrat Monastery: Located on Montserrat’s rocky mountain, this historic Benedictine monastery dates back to the 11th century and is a stunning representation of Gothic & Renaissance architecture.
Inclusions
#
Guided tour of Montserrat Monastery
Timed entry to the Black Madonna
Access to the Museum of Montserrat
Entry to the Montserrat audiovisual exhibit
AC coach transfers from Barcelona
Cog-wheel train transfers to the Montserrat Monastery
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide
Local blends tasting
Radio guide system
Exclusions
#
Food
Tips (optional)
What to bring
Carry a valid ID or passport to get your tickets validated.
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes as the tour involves traversing uneven terrain.
Carry sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and a bottle of water, especially during summer months.
What's not allowed
Strict dress code: Both men and women must wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders.
Wearing flip-flops into the monastery is a no-go.
Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is prohibited inside the basilica.
Accessibility
The majority of the Monastery complex is accessible to guests with disabilities.
However, wheelchair users won’t be able to get right up to the Black Madonna.
Additional information
The time slot you select while booking your ticket is for access to the Black Madonna.
You can explore all other parts of the monastery at your own pace.
Choir performance times may vary depending on special religious celebrations and the school calendar.
Be ready for a brisk walk up to the Black Madonna.
This experience may include alcoholic beverages. Availability is subject to age restrictions and local laws. Please carry a valid ID. Drink responsibly.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tour the iconic Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey & hike across the Catalan countryside.
Day out: Experience Montserrat’s beauty with expert guidance, scenic trails, and a monastery visit, all in a small, personalized group.
You’ll get: Round-trip transfers from Barcelona in an AC coach in a small group, a professional Spanish and English-speaking guide, and a tasting of the coca de Montserrat, an authentic Catalan pastry.
Montserrat Monastery: Visit the historic Benedictine monastery, a major pilgrimage site in Catalonia, set amongst towering needle-like rocks.
Inclusions
#
Guided visit to Montserrat Monastery & Abbey
Access to the Black Madonna
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
Tasting of coca de Montserrat, a typical Catalan pastry
Exclusions
#
Food & beverages (except for optional tastings)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What to bring
Carry a valid ID or passport to have your tickets validated.
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes as the tour involves walking over uneven terrain.
Carry sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, and a bottle of water, especially during summer months.
What’s not allowed
Pets are not permitted on this experience.
Luggage or large bags are not allowed.
Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
Strict dress code: Both men and women must wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders.
Wearing flip-flops into the monastery is a no-go.
Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is prohibited inside the basilica.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, this experience isn't suitable for wheelchair users.
Additional information
Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The tour operates with a minimum number of participants. If this minimum is not met, you will be offered an alternative date, another tour of equal or superior value, or a full refund.
The tour may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to inclement weather or special circumstances.
On weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, expect possible delays due to high visitor numbers at the monastery.
Depending on the season, there may be a wait of up to 2 hours to visit certain areas.
Your guide is multilingual and will speak in English and Spanish during the tour.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Day Trips
NaN
From Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery & Black Madonna With Train Tickets & Audio Guide
Seamless train transfers & timed entry to a key Spanish landmark - all in one ticket.
Day out: Explore the iconic Montserrat Monastery with timed entry to the famous Black Madonna. Seamless train transfers from Barcelona and a rack railway ride ensure easy access to the monument.
You'll get: Enjoy the luxury of exploring the monastery at your own pace with a digital audio guide for the Black Madonna in eight different languages. You also get a map & an informative booklet for easier navigation.
Montserrat Monastery: You'll get to explore the basilica in all its glory and soak in its Gothic & Renaissance architecture. You'll also get to see the iconic Black Madonna, the statue that sparked the monastery's construction in the first place.
Upgrades: Add a tasting of traditional Montserrat liqueurs crafted by the Benedictine monks for a peek into the local culture.
From Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip & Guided Tour + Black Madonna Access
AC coach transfers, guided tour & Black Madonna access – the ultimate Catalan experience!
Day out: Set off from Barcelona in a comfortable AC coach and journey to Montserrat’s breathtaking mountains & visit the monastery with a local expert leading the way. Explore a local vineyard for an organic craft tasting to top off the experience.
You’ll get: Enjoy a full-day guided experience with an expert English or Spanish-speaking guide. Explore Montserrat Monastery, home to the iconic Black Madonna, and visit a historic vineyard for a tasting of four locally produced blends.
Montserrat Monastery: Located on Montserrat’s rocky mountain, this historic Benedictine monastery dates back to the 11th century and is a stunning representation of Gothic & Renaissance architecture.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now, pay later
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
4 hr. 30 min.
Transfers available
Day Trips
NEW
From Barcelona: Montserrat Day Trip & Scenic Mountain Hike
Tour the iconic Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey & hike across the Catalan countryside.
Day out: Experience Montserrat’s beauty with expert guidance, scenic trails, and a monastery visit, all in a small, personalized group.
You’ll get: Round-trip transfers from Barcelona in an AC coach in a small group, a professional Spanish and English-speaking guide, and a tasting of the coca de Montserrat, an authentic Catalan pastry.
Montserrat Monastery: Visit the historic Benedictine monastery, a major pilgrimage site in Catalonia, set amongst towering needle-like rocks.
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