Montserrat Rack Railway & Barcelona to Montserrat train

4.4(1.8K Ratings)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Montserrat Monastery.






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Christopher Davies

Christopher

Mar 2025
The location was great and our guide was very knowledgeable, answered questions and guided us through the experience. It started off a little confusing because of the 3 groups but we worked it out. The meal was excellent. The only down side, the rack-railway? Was this the funacular as we paid for this ourselves. Also not really a full day with just 1hr45 free time. I would have loved to do the walks but time was limited, I would describe this trip as more of a 2/3 of a day.
Gudmundur Otti Einarsson
IS

Gudmundur

Iceland
Jun 2025
Montserrat is a wonderful and a peaceful place. It was easy to book online with Julia travel. Our guide (Ivan) was absolutely fantastic - he was fun, lively and informative.
Keila Fontanez
US

Keila

United States
Apr 2025
My tour guide MK was super engaging, we learned so much from him. He was super attentive making sure the group stayed together before breaktime, which made the whole experience seemless for us.
Victoria Leontieva

Victoria

Mar 2025
Montserat is impresive plsce,Great for lovers of active recreation in nature.if you come with car,then I recommended to buy tickets for early hours .
Waybon Wells
US

Waybon

United States
Nov 2024
Montserrat was very moving from a spiritual and natural beauty perspective. Having all my arrangements in advance made it seamless.
Lily Lin
US

Lily

United States
Jun 2025
Site visit was good, the train was a mess and the small tot train also had limited seats! I did NOT like to fight for a seat both up and down to Monserrat! Don't oversell!
John Barratt
NZ

John

New Zealand
May 2025
Easy access to tickets, process was very well documented and easy! If anyone has time on their visit to Barcelona, I'd highly recommend getting out of the city for the day to experience this amazing place, the views are incredible, we spent a good 2-3 hours wandering in the hills of Monserrate.

Top things to do in Barcelona

Montserrat is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Barcelona, known for its stunning mountain range, the historic Montserrat Monastery, and breathtaking views. The best way to reach Montserrat is by train, followed by the Montserrat Rack Railway or the Aeri de Montserrat (cable car). This guide will cover everything you need to know about taking the train from Barcelona to Montserrat, ticket options, schedules, and how to make the most of your journey.

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 monastery and funicular railway

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.
Getting to Montserrat
Montserrat Monastery via yellow cable car

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.

What is the 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. It is operated by the Catalan government's train company, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC).

The railway is 5 km long, with the first 1 km using regular tracks and the next 4 km using the Abt rack system.

  • It climbs 550 meters with a steep incline of up to 15.6%.
  • The train runs on 1500 V DC electricity, reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h.
  • Passengers can enjoy stunning views of cliffs, green landscapes, and the monastery.
  • The journey ends at Montserrat Monastery, where visitors can explore cultural, spiritual, and natural attractions.

Key information about Montserrat Rack Railway

Cremallera train, Montserrat monastery on mountain in Barcelona, Catalonia.
  • 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

Best time to take a Barcelona to Montserrat train

View of the cog railway from Monistrol de Montserrat to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, Catalonia, Spain, Europe
  • 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.
About Montserrat's weather
Montserrat rack railway on a bright sunny day
  • 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.
Montserrat rack railway on a autumn day
  • 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.
Sneak peak of montserrat rack railway on a foggy winter day
  • 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.
Tourists on train to montserrat monastery

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
Montserrat Monastery with cog-wheel train and scenic mountain views on guided tour.
  • 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
Montserrat Monastery with cog-wheel train and scenic mountain views on guided tour.
  • 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.
  • Bring a water bottle, especially in summer, as walking around Montserrat can be tiring.
  • 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.

More Montserrat tips

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.

Barcelona Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
AFFIRM
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.