9 Best Day Trips From Barcelona By Train

Go on a journey beyond Barcelona’s bustling streets, where charming destinations await just a train ride away.

We’ve listed the best day trips from Barcelona by train!

Thanks to Spain’s efficient and comfortable train system, exploring surrounding destinations in Catalonia and beyond is both easy and enjoyable.

From the historic grandeur of Girona to the serene peaks of Montserrat, each train trip offers a unique journey and adventure waiting to be discovered.

Hop on a train and let Barcelona’s magic lead you to some amazing places.

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1. Montserrat

A tour to Montserrat is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona by train.

High up in the mountains, the Montserrat Monastery is a special spot. It’s famous for the Black Madonna statue and is a peaceful place full of beautiful art.

You can hear the amazing choir sing and feel the calm all around.

Around the monastery, there are great hiking trails for everyone. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy them.

As you walk, you’ll see some of the best views of Catalonia. It’s quiet, beautiful, and a perfect break from the city.

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How To Get To Montserrat From Barcelona By Train

Start at Barcelona-Plaça Espanya Station: Head to the Plaça Espanya train station in Barcelona. This is where your journey to Montserrat begins.

Catch the R5 Line: At Plaça Espanya, look for the R5 line towards Manresa. Trains usually run every hour, so you won’t have to wait long.

Choose Your Montserrat Stop

Option 1: Montserrat-Aeri: If you want to take the cable car (Aeri de Montserrat), get off at the Montserrat-Aeri stop. The cable car ride offers stunning views as you ascend to the monastery.

Option 2: Monistrol de Montserrat: For the rack railway (Cremallera de Montserrat), continue to the Monistrol de Montserrat station. The rack railway provides a scenic route up the mountain.

Final Leg – Cable Car or Rack Railway

Cable Car: From Montserrat-Aeri, ride the cable car that takes you directly to the monastery in about 5 minutes.

Rack Railway: From Monistrol de Montserrat, the railway takes around 20 minutes to reach the monastery.

Return Journey

To return, simply reverse the process. If you did not buy a return ticket, you may return in another way.

Trains back to Barcelona run until late evening at 8:15 or 9:15 PM, but always check the schedule for the last train.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Tarragona Tickets 🚄

2. Tarragona

Just a short train ride from Barcelona, Tarragona is like stepping back in time. This city is rich with Roman history, offering a vivid glimpse into an ancient past.

The most famous landmark? The Roman Amphitheatre, right by the sea. Imagine gladiators battling it out where you’re standing!

Wander around the ancient city walls and explore the Roman Circus hidden beneath the modern city. Every corner of Tarragona whispers stories from the past.

But Tarragona isn’t just about ancient Rome. The old town, with its narrow streets and medieval buildings, is beautiful. Don’t miss the Tarragona Cathedral, a beautiful mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

And when it’s time to relax, the city’s beaches offer golden sand and clear waters – perfect for a sunny day.

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How To Get To Tarragon From Barcelona By Train

Start your journey at Barcelona-Sants, the main train station in Barcelona.
Catch a direct train to Tarragona, usually Renfe.

The journey takes about 45 minutes to more than an hour, depending on what kind of train you will take. Trains run as early as 6 AM and as frequently throughout the day.

Train Stations

Tarragona Railway Station is near the historic centre and the beach, so it would be a convenient stop.

Camp De Tarragona Train Station is 8 kilometres north of Tarragona centre and serves as part of the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed rail line; you may take another bus from here to the historic centre.

Return Journey

To return, take a train from either of the stations. The last trip may be at 9 PM from Tarragona Station, while it is at 11 PM from Camp De Tarragona.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Tarragona Tickets 🚄

3. Figueres

Figueres is famously known as the birthplace of the surrealist genius Salvador Dalí and is one of the best day trips from Barcelona.

At the heart of this town is the Salvador Dalí Theatre-Museum, a must-visit for anyone who appreciates art. This museum, designed by Dalí himself, is as much a piece of art as the works inside it.

From the moment you see its striking exterior, you know you’re in for an extraordinary experience.

Inside, you’ll find a world of imagination – a collection of Dalí’s most famous paintings, sculptures, and installations that will leave you both bewildered and inspired.

While Dalí might be the star, Figueres’ old town has its own charm. Wander through its narrow streets lined with cute shops and cafes.

The Sant Ferran Castle, with its sprawling ramparts and impressive size, offers a historical counterpoint to Dalí’s surrealism.

The local market, vibrant and full of life, is the perfect place to experience the town’s culture and sample local Catalan delicacies.

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How to Get To Figueres From Barcelona By Train

Heading to Figueres

Option 1: Head to Barcelona-Sants station and catch a direct train to Figueres-Vilafant Station. Available trains are usually AVE or AVANT and travel time is about an hour. The first train departs at 6:55 AM.

Option 2: Another option is still from Barcelona-Sants station and catch a direct train to Figueras Train Station operated by RENFE. Trains take about 2 hours and operate from 5:56 AM.

To the Old Town

From Figueras Train Station, you can walk for about 10 minutes to the Dalí Theatre Museum and the old town from the train station.

Figueres-Vilafant Station is a bit farther from the old town, it’s a 20-minute walk to the museum.

Return Journey

The direct trip from Figueres-Vilafant Station to Barcelona is at 7:35 PM, while from Figueras Train Station is at 8:45 PM.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Figueres Train Tickets 🚄

4. Girona

Girona is a captivating city with its rich history and colourful streets, offering a unique journey through its ancient city walls and the well-preserved Jewish Quarter.

A walk along the ancient walls is like travelling through time. In the heart of Girona lies the Jewish Quarter, or El Call, one of the best-preserved in Europe.

Wander through its narrow, winding streets, and you’ll feel the echoes of the medieval ages, with each stone and corner telling a story.

Girona is a modern-day film star, too – the city’s picturesque streets have been backdrops for numerous TV shows and movies, most notably “Game of Thrones”.

Fans will recognize the steps of the Cathedral from the iconic series. Exploring Girona, you might find yourself walking through the scenes of your favourite shows, or you could go on an organised Game of Thrones tour.

Related: Game of Thrones Locations in Spain

How to Get To Girona From Barcelona Train

The high-speed Renfe AVE or Avant services operate frequently from Barcelona Sants Station to Girona, taking less than 40 minutes. Services start at 6:55 AM to late at night, with trains running every hour until 9:40 PM.

Another option is still through Barcelona-Sants station but with Media Destancia or Regional trains that take an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and a half.

Upon arriving in Girona, the old city walls, the Jewish Quarter, and famous filming locations are all within easy walking distance from the train station.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Girona Train Tickets 🚄

5. Lleida

Lleida is home to the iconic Seu Vella Cathedral. This imposing structure, set atop a hill, offers not just a glimpse into the past with its magnificent Gothic architecture but also stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Lleida is alive with modern art, showcased in various galleries and public spaces. For some outdoor adventures, you can go kayaking down the river, which offers a unique perspective of Lleida.

How To Get To Lleida From Barcelona By Train

Depart from Barcelona-Sants station. The journey to Lleida typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, with frequent services available.

The first trip from Barcelona is as early as 5:50 PM, and the last train to Barcelona is at 10:50 PM.

On arrival in Lleida, the Seu Vella Cathedral and the riverfront, offering kayaking and other activities, are easily accessible.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Lleida Train Tickets 🚄

6. Perpignan

Perpignan, a charming city just across the French border, offers a delightful change of pace and culture.

Explore the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, a 13th-century fortress palace standing as a proud reminder of the city’s past.

As you wander through its courtyards and halls, you’re transported back to the times when Perpignan was a seat of power. The palace’s architecture and the panoramic views of the city and the Pyrenees from its ramparts are simply captivating.

Perpignan’s markets are bustling hubs of activity where you can soak in the local atmosphere. Stroll through these markets to find a variety of fresh produce, regional specialities, and artisanal crafts.

How To Get To Perpignan From Barcelona By Train

Catch a direct train from Barcelona-Sants station. The journey to Perpignan takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

There are only a few direct trips, about 3 times a day. However, there are other train options but they have one or two transfers and can take 2 to 3 hours.

From the Perpignan train station, you can take a 20-minute walk or ride a bus to the Palace of the Kings of Majorca or the city centre.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Perpignan Train Tickets 🚄

7. Zaragoza

Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon, situated halfway between Madrid and Barcelona, is one of Spain’s largest and most beautiful cities that’s often missed by tourists.

Yet, it’s a city with a remarkable history and stunning architecture. Here, visitors can explore a unique blend of ancient Roman theatres, impressive Moorish fortresses, and exquisite Baroque churches.

The city is home to important landmarks such as La Seo Cathedral, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, and the historic Aljafería Palace.

Zaragoza is an ideal place to experience the works of the famous Spanish artist Goya, who was born in the region.

🤩 Book Zaragoza Activities Here 🤩

How To Get To Zaragoza From Barcelona By Train

Catch the train from Barcelona-Sants station. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, with frequent high-speed (AVE) and regional train services.

You can depart as early as 5:45 AM and return to Barcelona at 10 PM.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Zaragoza Train Tickets 🚄

8. Ribes de Freser

Ribes de Freser, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, is the perfect starting point for exploring the breathtaking Vall de Núria.

The highlight of the journey to Vall de Núria is undoubtedly the scenic rack railway. This unique train climbs through the picturesque landscapes of the Pyrenees, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The railway journey itself is an adventure, providing a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty in a way that’s both relaxing and awe-inspiring.

During the warmer months, the area is popular for hiking, with trails that range from easy walks to challenging treks, all offering stunning views of the Pyrenean landscape.

In the winter, Vall de Núria transforms into a snowy wonderland, attracting skiers of all levels.

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How To Get To Ribes de Freser From Barcelona

There was a direct train from Barcelona Sants towards Ribes de Freser that ran about 2 hours and 20 minutes; however, as part of the R3 line is under maintenance, this journey will have a few transfers.

From Barcelona Sans, ride the R3 line to Barcelona La Sagrera-Meridiana. Then, walk to Av. Meridiana – Garcilaso and ride an E12 bus to Estació Rodalies de Torelló.

After arriving in Torello, ride from the train station to Ribes de Freser on the R3 line. The journey will take about three hours; however, the mix of picturesque rural landscapes and small Catalan towns will make it worthwhile.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Ribes de Freser Train Tickets 🚄

9. Sitges

Sitges, a dynamic coastal resort, is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, exuberant nightlife, and vibrant hub for the LGBT community.

The town is particularly famous for hosting the annual Sitges Film Festival, drawing movie enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

The beaches in Sitges are diverse and inclusive, offering something for everyone, from lively social spots to tranquil retreats.

The town’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a favourite for both local and international LGBT visitors, known for its inclusive and celebratory spirit.

Beyond its lively beaches and festivals, Sitges charms visitors with its elegant modernist architecture, reflecting its history as a retreat for artists and intellectuals.

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How To Get To Sitges From Barcelona

Regular trains link Barcelona to Sitges, offering a scenic and convenient journey.

You can ride from Barcelona-Sants to Sitges station via R2S or Regional Express.
The trip takes about 35 to an hour, with beautiful coastal views along the way.

The earliest train can depart from 6 AM, while the last trip back to Barcelona is at 10 PM.

🚄 Book Barcelona to Sitges Train Tickets 🚄

Related: More Day Trips From Barcelona

Practical Tips for Train Travellers

Buying Train Tickets: Online vs. At the Station

Online Purchases: Buying tickets online is convenient and often allows you to secure better deals. You can use the official websites of Spanish train services like Renfe or third-party booking platforms. Online booking lets you compare prices, check schedules, and choose seats in advance. Plus, e-tickets save you the hassle of keeping track of paper tickets.

🚄 Buy Tickets Online 🚄

Purchasing at the Station: For those who prefer flexibility or are making last-minute plans, buying tickets at the station is a good option. Keep in mind that for popular routes, especially during peak season or festivals, trains might be fully booked, so early online booking is recommended.

Travelling Comfortably: Timing, Luggage, and Snacks

Best Times to Travel: To avoid crowds, consider travelling during off-peak hours – typically mid-morning or early afternoon. Weekdays are less busy compared to weekends. Also, be aware of local holidays when trains might be more crowded.

Managing Luggage: Most trains offer overhead storage for small bags and designated spaces for larger luggage. To keep your journey stress-free, travel light if possible. Ensure your bags are securely stowed and keep valuables close.

Snacks and Hydration: While some long-distance trains have dining cars, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water, especially on shorter trips. This is not only cost-effective but also lets you have your preferred food choices. Remember to keep hydrated, especially during the hot Spanish summers.

General Tips

Be Punctual: Trains in Spain are known for their punctuality. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your departure to find your platform and settle in without rushing.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the train schedules and any announcements, especially if there are any changes or delays.

Respect Train Etiquette: Keep noise levels down, especially if you’re on a long journey, and be mindful of other passengers’ comfort.