From Barcelona BCN Airport to Montserrat – How to Get There by Train, Bus, or Car

Take the train to Montserrat via Monistrol de Montserrat for a smooth, scenery-rich route. From BCN Airport you can go directly to a city connection, then catch a Renfe regional service toward Monistrol de Montserrat. The total distance from the airport to the monastery is about 65 km, and the full trip takes roughly 1 h 40 m with transfers. After you reach Monistrol de Montserrat, the cremallera climbs to the basilica in about 15 minutes.

For the train option, board Renfe to Barcelona Sants, transfer to the FGC Montserrat line, and ride to Monistrol de Montserrat. The rack railway (cremallera) from Monistrol to the basilica adds about 15 minutes and beautiful views. Booking ahead helps secure seats, especially on weekends. julia booked this route and found it reliable for a morning arrival, and many travelers appreciate their calm pace; there have been several positive reports.

Direct bus service from Plaça Espanya to Montserrat runs several times a day, with trips around 1 h 15 m to 1 h 30 m depending on traffic. Some services stop at the monastery gates, others at the visitor center. If you are coming from a Barcelona cruise, you can align a shore excursion to Montserrat with the bus timetable. Bring your ticket on your phone or as a printed copy; there are seating areas near the stops if you arrive early.

Distance by road is roughly 65–70 km. Plus, if you hire a car, follow the C-58 and then the C-55 toward Montserrat; drive times are typically 60–75 minutes depending on traffic. There is parking near the monastery; arrive before mid-morning to secure a space and avoid the midday crowd. A car gives you flexibility for a tasting stop at a local pastry shop or winery on the way back. You can also take this option if you want to cruise into a relaxed day with your own schedule.

BCN Airport to Barcelona City Center: Quick Transfer Options

Recommendation: Aerobus to plaça Catalunya is the quickest direct option for most travelers. It runs from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, takes about 35 minutes, and prices are typically in the €6–€9 range per ticket. Tickets can be bought at the stops or online; click the official site to confirm prices and schedules. If you arrive after a cruise or plan tours in the city, this route keeps things simple, putting you near the basilica and other sights, with easy connections to exhibition centers. For those who want to save, Renfe trains or the metro provide solid alternatives with fewer crowds during off-peak hours, though they involve a transfer or two and may require more walking at the stations.

• Aerobus – direct to plaça Catalunya; 5–10 minute frequency; about 35 minutes on average; prices around €6–€9; tickets at the stops or online; drop-off near central hotels and sights; handy if you stay on the eastern side of the city or plan to walk to the basilica or exhibitions.
• Renfe train R2 Nord – airport to central Barcelona stations; travel time 20–25 minutes; around €4–€5 one-way; tickets at airport machines or Renfe site; most trains stop at Barcelona Sants Estació, with easy transfers to buses or metro for your stay.
• Metro (L9 Sud) + city lines – airport to L9 Sud and transfer to a city line (L3/L1) to central districts; 30–40 minutes; around €5.90; not direct, but avoids road congestion during peak hours.
• Taxi or rideshare – door-to-door to your stay; 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; typically €25–€35 to central districts; ideal when you have heavy luggage or travel with others.
• Local bus (46) – airport to central zones with connections to major stations; 40–60 minutes depending on traffic; about €2.40; budget option if you have time to spare and want to see parts of the city along the way.

Options at a glance

• Aerobus: fastest direct link to plaça Catalunya, minimal transfers, suitable after a cruise or for a memorable start to your stay.
• Renfe R2 Nord: inexpensive, reliable, best for staying near Sants Estació or transferring to other lines.
• Metro + city lines: flexible, lower cost, great if you’re staying farther from the core but comfortable with transfers.
• Taxi: most convenient for luggage or a premium door-to-door experience; clear pricing options.
• Bus 46: cheapest option with some scenic value, best if timing is flexible and you want to stretch your legs.

Practical tips for a smooth transfer

• Before you land, check what tickets you need and what prices apply; what you save depends on your stay and plans.
• If you have questions, ask at the information desks in arrivals or compare the signs behind the airport exits to choose your route.
• For most stays, plaça Catalunya is a convenient stay anchor; from there you can reach the basilica or other sites on foot or by a quick metro hop.
• If your plan includes tours to Montserrat or other day trips, consider starting from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia to connect with regional trains, reducing transfer time during busy periods.
• Tickets purchased online often offer calendar-based pricing; check prices in advance to avoid surprises and to pick the most suitable option for your stay.
• On arrival, the Aerobus stops are located outside the terminals along the highway; keeping your luggage close and following the signs will save time behind the crowd.
• For a premium experience, a taxi remains the simplest path to your hotel or a specific address, with less left to chance about timing and routes.
• If you’re planning a cruise or exhibitions soon after arrival, plan a buffer window so you’re not rushed when you reach the city center.
• Once you’re at plaça Catalunya, you’re ready to start your stay, whether you’re heading to a tours base, a quiet hotel, or a busy exhibition venue.

Rail Route to Montserrat: Train to Monistrol de Montserrat and Cremallera Connection

Take the FGC railway from central Barcelona to Monistrol de Montserrat, then switch to the Cremallera rack railway that climbs to Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. A combined ticket is the simplest option, and you can find them online or at the station; when you book online, you receive an email confirmation. This door-to-door transportation plan works well for family trips, and for either solo travelers or groups, offering a practical alternative to driving uphill and dealing with parking. If you arrive by cars, you can park near the station.

The rail leg uses the R5 line from Barcelona Plaça de Catalunya or Sants; Monistrol de Montserrat is the final stop. The ride takes about 60–75 minutes, with trains running roughly every 30–60 minutes depending on the time of day. When you arrive at Monistrol, follow the signs to Cremallera for the short transfer to the abbey; the ascent takes around 15 minutes uphill. The views over the countryside and mountains are a highlight, and different schedules allow you to tailor a ride that fits your day. If you prefer a higher comfort level, you can opt for a medium-speed service, which remains reliable while offering a cleaner interior. For families, the straightforward two-part ride remains easier than a long drive and parking hassle.

The Cremallera connection runs roughly every 15–20 minutes during daylight, aligning with the rail schedule for a smooth round-trip. The abbey plateau hosts the madonna statue, a symbol of Montserrat culture. Nearby, local suppliers offer tasting sessions of honey, cheese, and other regional foods; you can meet the producers and know more about the products. Prices for a combined rail+cremallera pass vary with season, and buying online or on-site gives you flexibility. If you go with a combination ticket, you save time and simplify planning. For a relaxed visit, carry a light bag, bring water, and plan an extra 30 minutes to explore the monastery and museum.

Cable Car vs Rack Railway: What to Expect at Montserrat

Take the cable car for a fast, panoramic ascent. If you prefer a calmer, cheaper ride, choose the rack railway.

The Cable Car from Monistrol de Montserrat delivers a five to seven minute ascent to the upper station, with large windows that offer a vivid, panoramic view of the cliffs and the abbey below. It drops you right near the monastery complex, where you can focus on the basilica, the viewpoints, and the small shops that line the passage to the entry of the sacred spaces. When you arrive, plan a pleasant stroll to the main places you want to visit and don’t miss the photo opportunities along the terrace. The move is straightforward, and the process is quick, which helps you save time for the rest of your day.

The Cremallera de Montserrat rack railway climbs from Monistrol de Montserrat to the upper station in roughly 15 to 20 minutes, offering a smooth, comfortable ride with roomy seating and wide windows for a panoramic view from start to finish. The distance covered is about 5 km, and the route handles inclines with a steady pace, making it a reduced stress option for families and groups. It’s often cheaper than the cable car, which makes it a solid choice if you’re counting every euro and want to explore more places later in the day. At the top you reach essentially the same place as the cable car, with easy access to the abbey, viewpoints, and the main square.

Pricing and tickets differ: the cable car typically carries a higher price tag per adult, while the rack railway offers a cheaper alternative for those who don’t mind a longer ride. The two options share the same top destination, so you’ll find the same entry points to the monastery terraces and the basilica area. If you’re planning a solo trip or traveling with a small group, you can save by buying a round-ticket or checking whether a local package includes one ride plus a short transfer on foot to certain viewpoints. For mobility you can consider hiring a local assistant to help manage tickets and queues, which can be especially helpful during peak times.

Questions about timing? Both options run regularly throughout the day, but morning slots tend to be less crowded and allow for a more relaxed pace at the top. If you’re visiting with kids or an adult companion who wants a quick start to the day, the cable car offers a quicker entry to the main viewpoints; if you’re in no rush and want to stretch your legs, the rack railway provides a pleasant, affordable alternative. Either choice puts you at the top near the same places, so your adventure begins as soon as you hop off the vehicle you chose.

Tickets and Timetables: Where to Buy for Trains, Cremallera, and Cable Car

Buy online a door-to-door combo: Barcelona Sants to Monistrol de Montserrat by train, then the Cremallera rack railway up to the monastery; add the Aeri Montserrat cable car if you want summit views. This plus a single ticket saves time, locks in the first departures, and keeps your adventure simple from door-to-door.

Where to buy: Trains run on Renfe; you can purchase online or at Barcelona Sants and other stations. The Cremallera and the cable car are operated by the Montserrat network; you can buy a combined Train + Cremallera ticket, or Train + Cremallera + Cable Car for a single departure from the platform to the abbey area. Online purchases often include reduced rates and easier access to dates and times; on-site tickets are available but may require longer lines, especially in peak seasons.

Timetables: A typical day starts with the first train around 7:15–7:30; daytime service runs every 15–30 minutes on the Renfe line to Monistrol de Montserrat; the Cremallera operates roughly every 15–20 minutes; the cable car runs every 5–15 minutes depending on demand and weather; last services vary by season, so check actual departure boards before you go. Online booking took the guesswork out of your schedule, letting you plan the exact departure times.

Prices and tips: Train fares from Barcelona Sants to Monistrol de Montserrat start around €6–€9 one way; a combined Train + Cremallera ticket usually ranges from €12–€18; adding the cable car brings the total to roughly €20–€28 for a full ascent. Look for reduced rates for students, seniors, or families; some dates offer special promotions. If you plan a winery stop, you can time your dates to include a stop near a winery in the Despanya region, devour some local wine, and still have time to reach the park and peaks area with your own bottle.

Practical notes: If you stay in Salou or Despanya, you can still do a door-to-door trip, but you’ll need to take a longer train ride with a connection; measure the distance and plan the departure to avoid missing your part of the day. On arrival at Monistrol, follow the signs to the Cremallera station; the combined tickets make the transfer seamless. If you want to maximize your time, book the combined Train + Cremallera + Cable Car ahead of dates and keep the QR code handy; this actually shortens the line at the station and lets you access the abbey area quickly. After the ride, you’ll be near the park and the monastery, where you can walk to viewpoints or take a taxi to a nearby winery for a casual tasting, then return to your starting point with ease.

Direct Bus from Plaça d’Espanya: How to Reach Montserrat by Coach

Take the direct coach from Plaça d’Espanya to Montserrat. This route runs without transfers and typically takes about 60–75 minutes, depending on traffic.

Tickets can be bought online in advance or at the Plaça d’Espanya stop on travel day. Payment options usually include card or cash, with online purchase granting a confirmed seat.

Since departures occur throughout the day, choose a time that fits your Montserrat plan. Off-peak times can be cheaper, and you avoid waiting.

Board at the main coach stand at Plaça d’Espanya, close to the Fira area and the Montjuïc highlights.

From the stop, a short walk leads to the Monastery and surrounding viewpoints.

The route avoids transfer, offering greater convenience for a compact schedule. Check the timetable for a return option that fits your plan.

For the best experience, bring a light bag, a map app to follow the route, and a plan for how you want to spend time around the Montserrat site.

Driving from BCN: Parking, Routes, and Travel Times to Montserrat

Park in the official Montserrat Parking on the Monistrol de Montserrat side and take the Montserrat rack railway toward the basilica. The 15-minute ride drops you at the monastery square, then you can walk to the basilica or follow signs to the main piazza for convenience. Next, if you still have energy, you can explore the surrounding places and shops near the basilica before heading back to your car.

Parking options near Montserrat

Official options include several lots on the Monistrol de Montserrat side with limited spaces. You pay at machines by credit card or cash, receive a ticket, and show it on exit. Typical daily rates range from €6 to €9, and availability is greater before 09:00 or after 15:00. The policy guarantees a space for visitors who plan ahead, but during peak season spaces can fill quickly. For larger vehicles, there are a few dedicated spots on the side; if those are full, private suppliers offer distant spaces with a shuttle toward the entrance, though these are not guaranteed. For convenience, park as close as possible to the cremallera station, then walk toward the station and avoid long climbs with luggage. If you come from a finca or rural finca-side route, you can park nearby and walk a short stretch toward the official lots, keeping an eye on posted signs.

Routes and travel times from BCN

From Barcelona El Prat Airport, follow the ring road toward the city and connect to the C-32, then switch to the C-55 toward Manresa. Exit at Monistrol de Montserrat and follow BV-1121 toward the Montserrat base. The drive typically takes 50–70 minutes in light traffic and 60–90 minutes during peak hours. If you depart early, you’ll enjoy greater speed and fewer queues; late afternoon can add time. Whether you drive all the way or combine with trains, you arrive near the same base area. You can buy a combined ticket that covers parking and the cremallera, and you’ll find that option quoted at the official station counter. If you prefer trains, you can park yourself and then transfer to the rack railway or regional trains that connect to Barcelona Sants. After you reach the base, the basilica and adjacent shops are a short walk away, making the whole day easy to plan with several options for your return.