How to Reach Barcelona Montserrat — Directions & Travel Tips (2025)
The easiest ways to get to Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona: FGC train + cable car or rack railway, direct coach tours, or by car. Find the best route, tickets, and timing.
Compare Tours & Transport OptionsQuick Overview
Montserrat sits ~60 km northwest of Barcelona. Most visitors take the FGC train from Plaça Espanya and then either the Aeri de Montserrat cable car or the Cremallera rack railway up to the monastery. You can also book a guided coach tour with direct drop-off.
Fastest Public Route
FGC train (R5) → Aeri de Montserrat (cable car) → 5-min ride to the monastery plateau.
Most Comfortable
FGC train (R5) → Monistrol de Montserrat → Cremallera rack railway to the top (smooth & scenic).
Option 1 — FGC Train + Aeri Cable Car (Quickest Ascent)
Best for speed and epic views as you glide up the cliff.
- Start: Barcelona Plaça Espanya station (FGC platforms).
- Take line R5 (Barcelona–Manresa); buy a combined ticket if available (train + cable car).
- Alight at Aeri de Montserrat station.
- Walk upstairs to the cable car and ride ~5 minutes to the monastery level.
- Total time: ~70–90 minutes from central Barcelona (including waits).
Tip
Stand on the cable car’s mountain-facing side for the best photos. Avoid peak heat mid-day in summer.
Option 2 — FGC Train + Cremallera Rack Railway (Smooth & Scenic)
Steps
From Plaça Espanya, take R5 to Monistrol de Montserrat, then transfer to the Cremallera (green rack railway) up to Montserrat-Monestir.
Why Choose It
More frequent departures in season, comfortable seating, and wide windows for mountain views. Great if you prefer trains to heights.
Tickets
Look for combo passes (train + rack railway). Keep your ticket for the return; inspectors check onboard.
Option 3 — Direct Coach Tours from Barcelona
Guided tours include round-trip coach transfers from central Barcelona to the monastery, plus a guide, and often basilica entry, Black Madonna viewing, or wine & tapas add-ons. This is the simplest option if you prefer a set schedule and no transfers.
- Morning departures from central pick-up points (often near Passeig de Gràcia or Plaça Catalunya).
- Drive ~60–75 minutes to Montserrat, drop at the bus parking by the monastery.
- Return in the afternoon or continue to a winery on combo tours.
Tip
Choose a tour timed with the Escolania boys’ choir performance if hearing them is a priority.
Option 4 — By Car (Flexible Timing)
Route
From Barcelona, take the A-2 or C-16 towards Montserrat (follow signs for Monistrol / Aeri / Montserrat).
Parking Choices
Park at Monistrol and take the Cremallera, or park at the monastery car park (spaces limited on weekends).
Driving Tip
Mountain roads are winding; avoid peak arrival 10:30–13:00 on weekends and holidays for easier parking.
From Barcelona Airports (El Prat T1/T2)
Public Transport
Aerobús or train to the city → Metro/FGC to Plaça Espanya → FGC R5 onward.
Taxi / Ride-Share
Fastest to the city, then continue by FGC; direct taxi to Montserrat is convenient but costly.
Luggage?
Travel light if taking the cable car or rack railway. Large suitcases are inconvenient on mountain transfers.
Practical Travel Tips
Timing
Arrive by 09:30–10:00 to beat crowds and catch morning light. Choir times vary; check the day’s schedule.
Tickets & Passes
Combo tickets (FGC + Aeri or Cremallera) save time. Keep all stubs/cards for return checks.
Dress Code
Modest attire for the basilica (shoulders/knees covered). Bring a light layer—mountain air is cooler.
Footwear & Gear
Wear comfortable shoes; add sunscreen, water, and snacks if you’ll hike to Sant Joan or Santa Cova.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Closest Stations
Aeri de Montserrat (cable car) • Monistrol de Montserrat (rack railway) • Montserrat-Monestir (top).
Typical Travel Time
Barcelona center → monastery: ~70–90 min each way via FGC + Aeri/Cremallera.
Best Photos
Mirador dels Apòstols near the basilica; cable car windows; Sant Joan viewpoint via funicular.
Apps
Use FGC, Google Maps, or Moovit for live timetables and platform info.
Accessibility
Monastery/basilica have ramps & elevators; some trails are uneven. The rack railway is step-free at platforms.
Weekends/Holidays
Expect queues 10:30–13:00. Go early or after 15:00; pre-book tickets and funiculars where possible.
Ready to Reach Montserrat with Ease?
Pick your route—FGC + cable car, rack railway, or a direct coach tour—and enjoy a smooth, scenic trip to Catalonia’s sacred mountain.
Plan Your Montserrat Journey