How to Travel to Montserrat from Barcelona

Montserrat is a monastery just north of Spain that was built high up in the mountains. The view from the top of Montserrat is beautiful, but the Cathedral is one of the most spectacular in the world and is home to the famous black Madonna. A day trip to Montserrat affords you the chance to see a different part of Spain, a relaxing train ride through the mountains, and an opportunity to stretch your legs on a few hiking trails. It is an easy day trip or half-day trip and well worth the time. Here's a stress-free plan on getting to Montserrat, Spain.

Instructions

1

Know that the easiest way to get to Montserrat is to take the train. You can catch a train to Montserrat from the Placa de Espana train station, which you can find on any metro map. The L3 (green) an L1 (red) metro lines connect to the Espana train station and are easily accessible from almost anywhere in the city.

2

Take the R5 toward ManresaFrom the Espanya Metro/Train station. Various signs are posted throughout the station to help you find your way and people will be more than willing to help if you need directions.

3

Be aware that on the weekdays, the R5 to Manresa leaves at the 16 and 36 almost every hour, with the exception of early mornings and late nights. For example, 1:16, 1:36, 2:16, 2:36. On the weekends, the train runs every hour on the 36: 9:36; 10:36 and 11:36 and so forth. Check the train schedule and pick up an S4/R5 train schedule to be sure of these times.

4

Know that there are two types of tickets you can buy for Montserrat. One ticket combines the train ride and cable car ride to the top of the mountain, while the other just includes the train ride. You don't need to take the cable car to get to Montserrat, but it's highly recommended for the great views. If you don't take the cable car, you'll need to take the funicular or rack railway (another type of train) to the top. Which route you take determines which stop you get off at (see Resources below).

5

Be aware that if you decide to take the cable car to Montserrat, you need to get off the train at Montserrat Aeri. The cable car is connected to this station and easily accessible.

6

Know that if you take the rack railway or funicular, you'll need to get off the train at Monistrol de Montserrat (this is the stop directly after Montserrat Aeri).

7

Know that on the weekdays and weekdays, the trains leave Monistrol de Montserrat on the 04, 24 and 44 and from Montserrat Aeri at 08, 28 and 48. The last cable car leaves the top of Montserrat at 7 p.m.