Barcelona Train Tours: the 10 Best Rides

1.Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,290 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $81Our pick

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by air-conditioned bus and cogwheel train, tour the Basilica with an English-speaking guide, then choose wine and tapas or a full lunch at a centuries-old winery. Guides such as Thais, Toni, Mariana, and Lesly are praised for clear explanations and warm humor.

“The tour and our tour guide Vince was absolutely amazing and super knowledgeable!! Beautiful experience!”

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2.Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,400 reviews · 5 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $63

Travel from central Barcelona to Montserrat by air-conditioned coach and cogwheel train. A bilingual guide such as Sandra, Jessica, Lorena, or Ana leads the monastery visit, then you have free time for the Black Madonna, liquor tasting, trails, or the audiovisual exhibition.

“Bring coat and gloves wind may affect your visit. This place is stunning. Glad we went. Take early tour if possible”

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3.Montserrat: Cog-Wheel, Basilica, Black Madonna & Licor Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 886 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $71

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by bus and cog-wheel railway, then explore the basilica, Black Madonna, Virgin’s Throne, audiovisual room, and mountain paths with a guide. The tour runs in English and Spanish, includes liquor tasting, and returns to the original meeting point.

“Montserrat is a beautiful place. The mountains were so beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. The monastery is beautiful. I was awestruck by the chapel. I was honored to see , touch, and pray to La Moroneta. I was a little put off by the people who treated Our Lady like an instagram moment, posing like she was their Aunt Margaret. Our tickets included the audiovisual experience and the liqueur tasting. The experience was very interesting. The liqueur was good. We even bought some. On the way out, try the Mel i Moto ( honey and cheese). It’s delicious. Blanca, our guide, was amazing. Full of knowledge and giving th…”

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4.Montserrat, Black Madonna, Rack Railway & Liquors

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 679 reviews · 5 hours · from $28Best value

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by comfortable coach and scenic rack railway. Depending on your option, your English or Spanish guide leads you into the basilica, the Throne of the Virgin, audiovisual rooms, and a monk-made liqueur tasting. Guides have included Laura, Blanca, Enrique, and Anna.

“A gentle, slow-paced tour. Perfect for anyone looking for something more reflective than fast-paced sightseeing.”

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5.Montserrat with Winery, Lunch, and Train Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 525 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $63

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, then choose extra mountain time or a 10th-century castle winery visit with Catalan lunch, tapas, and wine. Guides such as Lesley, Laia, Elena, and Xavi bring the history to life.

“Everything was perfect. Our guide Delph was amazing, she had so much passion for the topics.”

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6.Montserrat by Train, Cable Car and Cogwheel

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 471 reviews · 55 minutes - 6.5 hours · from $34

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by electric train, ascend by cable car, and return by cogwheel railway. Your English-speaking guide, often Marcelo or Monica, leads a small group through the monastery, Basilica, and Black Madonna visit, with about 1.5 hours to explore on your own.

“Monica deserves more than a five star rating. She instantly became our friend well before the tour started by leaving feedback and instructions which was very helpful. She was prompt with everything and looked after us like we were her brothers and sisters or her family. In fact, if we lived in Barcelona, we would definitely be friends with her. She’s such a great person, very knowledgable and made the whole day more than we expected. We hated to see it end. She is one very special person that made our trip very extra special. Above and beyond!”

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7.Panoramic Barcelona and Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 268 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $115

Spend 7 to 8 hours combining a Barcelona highlights tour with Montserrat. Walk through El Born and the Gothic Quarter, ride the Montjuïc cable car, see Gaudí’s Passeig de Gràcia, then take a cog-wheel train to the monastery and Black Madonna.

“The destination is great. We had a lot of traffic so there were problems. Then on our return someone just moved our stuff and took our seat. The guide would not get involved so we ended up splitting up. Was very frustrating”

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8.Montserrat Tour by Train with Cable Car and Cogwheel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 254 reviews · 6 hours 35 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Travel from Barcelona to Montserrat by electric train, mountain railway, and cable car with a small English-speaking group. Guides Monica and Marcelo lead the visit, explain the monastery’s story, and leave about 2.5 hours for viewpoints, walks, local foods, and the basilica.

“This tour to Montserrat was outstanding. Our tour guide Marcelo was at our meeting point early, and was extremely friendly. He was able to point out a place to grab a quick coffee before we left. Through out our journey, Marcelo was extremely knowledgeable and gave us a historical tour of the Basílica and provided free time to explorer on our own. Marcelo is a good conversationalist, and spent time equally with all guests. He also bought us sweets during our trip. Upon our return to Barcelona, Marcelo recommended a local restaurant that specializes in local food. The entire day was outstanding, and Marcelo was the most professional and thoughtful…”

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9.Semi-Private Montserrat Monastery, Funicular & Scenic Nature Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $89

Join a maximum of eight people for a six-hour escape from Barcelona to Montserrat. Guides such as Jordi, Frank, Juan, and Jesus lead you through the basilica, up the Sant Joan Funicular, and along a mostly downhill nature walk with mountain views.

“Beautiful scenery with history from our guide Frank. Frank was prompt, courteous and knowledgeable. Tram up and a downhill walk back to monastery.”

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10.Girona Private Guided Tour by High Speed Train from Barcelona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 5 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $289

Travel from Barcelona to Girona by AVE high-speed train, then walk the Old Town with a private English-speaking guide. Expect the Eiffel Bridge, Arab Baths, cathedral area, medieval walls, Game of Thrones locations, and one hour of free time. Guides may include Mateo, Katja, Roger, Lucas, or others.

“I came to Barcelona for the second time and visiting Girona was incredible. When I came for the first time I didn’t travel with a high-speed train, and the experience was so good. The train had a little bar and I ordered a coffee. The waiters were so kind and friendly, it was a very quick and relaxing trip. Once we arrived in Girona, I fell in love with the Jewish quarter and its history was so interesting. Thanks to our guide who explained it so well and made the tour enjoyable. My favorite part of the experience apart from the Jewish Quarter was the Arabs Baths without a doubt.…”

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