Montserrat day trip from Barcelona: Basilica, Funiculars & epic views
Visiting Montserrat Monastery had been on our family’s wishlist for a while. And this summer we finally made it happen. Just one hour from Barcelona, Montserrat is the perfect mix of spirituality, breathtaking mountain views, and family-friendly adventures.
Choosing the right ticket 🎫
Before heading out, we had to decide which Montserrat ticket option to buy. There are a few choices:
Trans Montserrat Aeri – includes round trip train from Plaça d’Espanya (R5 line) + cable car up the mountain + funiculars (Sant Joan & Santa Cova) + Espai Audiovisual.
Trans Montserrat Cremallera – similar to the Aeri, but instead of the cable car you ride the cogwheel train.
Tot Montserrat – the most complete package with option between Aeri and Cremallera, and also includes museum entry and a big lunch.
Tickets can be purchased online or directly at Plaça d’Espanya station in Barcelona.
💡 We chose the Trans Montserrat Aeri because we wanted the experience of the cable car (and wow, what an experience). For families, this ticket is a great balance between price and convenience, unless you really want the full lunch option.
Our itinerary 🗺
Here’s how our day unfolded:
🚆 Train from Barcelona
We boarded the R5 train at Plaça d’Espanya. The ride takes about an hour, and it’s a comfortable journey with great views as you get closer to the mountains.
🚡 Cable Car to Montserrat
At the Montserrat Aeri stop, we switched to the cable car. This was one of Maju’s favorite parts — gliding above the valley with those steep cliffs coming into view was unforgettable.
⛪ Basilica & La Moreneta
Our first stop was the Basilica, where we queued to see the famous statue of La Moreneta (the Black Madonna). Inside, the atmosphere is spiritual and moving, with beautiful choral music filling the church.
🕯 Candle room & Monastery square
We took some time to wander the candle-lit corridor, a quiet and reflective spot, and then enjoyed the vibrant monastery square bustling with visitors.
⛰ Funicular adventures
From the peaceful glow of candles, we moved to something completely different: climbing even higher into the mountains. We hopped on the Sant Joan funicular, which climbs high above the monastery. From the top, the panoramic views are simply jaw-dropping. Later, we also took the Santa Cova funicular and walked part of the spiritual path leading to the cave. After those views that felt like the top of the world, we returned to the monastery ready for a snack.
🍴 Food & snacks
We didn’t sit down for a full restaurant meal but brought snacks for the morning and later enjoyed tapas at the café — simple but enough to recharge before continuing our visit.
🎥 Espai Audiovisual
To wrap up, we stopped by the Espai Audiovisual, a short immersive film about Montserrat’s history and traditions. It’s a nice way to end the day with context before heading back to Barcelona.
🚆 Return to Barcelona
Finally, we caught the train back to the city — tired, happy, and with memory cards full of photos and videos.
Watch our full experience on YouTube 🎬
We captured every step of our adventure on video so you can see exactly what to expect. Check out our complete Montserrat travel guide on YouTube.
Watch on YouTube
Final thoughts ✨
Montserrat is more than just a day trip, it’s a mix of culture, spirituality, nature and adventure. For us, traveling with a child, it was a smooth and exciting journey that everyone enjoyed. Whether you’re into history, hiking or just chasing stunning views, Montserrat won’t disappoint.
💡 Tip: If you only have one day outside Barcelona, Montserrat is one of the best choices you can make.
Let’s connect 🚀
If you enjoyed this guide, please share it with your friends and family planning a trip to Barcelona! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTokfor more family-friendly travel tips and epic destinations.
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By Maxmiliano Franco Braga
September 27, 2025
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