Day trips by train
Routes 27/11/2024
Barcelona, as well as being a stunning destination in its own right, is also a great starting point for discovering fascinating places just a short train ride away. Whether you're looking for nature or culture, or dreamy beaches, the possibilities are endless. We want you to make the most of your stay, so we've put together a list of 10 ideal getaways so you can explore the wonderful places that can be found just a little bit outside the city.
Montserrat: Nature and spirituality
The Montserrat massif is a must-see for nature and culture lovers. The monastery, nestled in the mountain, is famous for the Virgin of Montserrat, known as "La Moreneta". In addition, you can walk along trails with spectacular views or enjoy the children's choir of the Escolanía.
How to get there?
From Plaça de Espanya you have to take the R5 train line towards Manresa. The train stops at the base of Montserrat mountain and it takes approximately 1 hour to get there. To climb up to the monastery from the base of the mountain there are 2 options:
- Rack Railway: This is the legendary funicular railway that goes up from the Monistrol de Montserrat train station. The train travels over 5 kilometres of mountain, overcoming a gradient of over 600 metres.
- Aeri de Montserrat: This is a cable car. You take it one stop before the Rack Railway, and it has its own station with the same name. The walk to the monastery takes approximately 5 minutes and allows you to enjoy incredible views from above.
Once you reach the monastery there are two funiculars, the Santa Cova and the Sant Joan, which allow mountaineers to reach different points of the mountain.
Colònia Güell and Gaudí's Crypt: Modernism in its purest form
It is a unique place that combines industrial history and modernist architecture. This former textile colony has buildings designed by modernist architects, but its greatest treasure is the Gaudí Crypt, considered a test laboratory for the Sagrada Familia. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, its design surprises with its undulating shapes and unique details.
How to get there?
From Plaça de Espanya you can take the trains (FGC), any of the lines going towards Martorell, Igualada or Manresa (S8/S3/S4) stop at Colònia Güell. It is a journey of approximately 25 minutes that allows you to discover a great modernist gem.
Sitges: Relaxation by the sea
If you're looking for a quiet day by the sea, Sitges is a safe bet. This picturesque coastal town is known for its golden sandy beaches, charming old town and bohemian atmosphere. Don't miss the Cau Ferrat Museum or the views from the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. You can also enjoy a good rice dish on the beachfront in any of the restaurants on the Paseo Marítimo.
How to get there?
Getting to Sitges from Barcelona is very easy. From Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona-Sants you can take the R2S local train towards Vilanova i la Geltrú or Sant Vicenç de Calders and in a journey of about 40 minutes you will have reached your destination.
Girona: history and medieval charm
Let yourself be carried away by the medieval streets of the Jewish quarter, take a free tour, visit the cathedral, walk along the river and discover its picturesque coloured houses but, above all, don't forget to try an ice cream from Rocambolesc, the legendary ice cream parlour of El Celler de Can Roca.
How to get there?
It may seem that Girona is a bit further away and it is true, but with the AVE (high-speed train), it is now a journey of just 40 minutes from Barcelona. From Sants station you can take the AVE or a regional train which takes approximately 1h20 to reach the destination.
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Figueres: The birthplace of Salvador Dalí
One of the most common day trips by train is to combine a visit to Girona and Figueres, as they are very close and in Figueres there is the Dalí Theatre-Museum, an essential stop to discover the universe of this surrealist genius.
How to get there?
The same AVE train can be used from Girona to Figueres-Vilafant, which takes just 15 minutes more. If you use the regional train from Girona Station, the journey takes 30-40 minutes.
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Penedès: Wines and cava in a unique setting
Penedès is Catalonia's wine region par excellence. Here you can visit renowned wineries, learn about the production of wines and cavas, and enjoy tastings in a spectacular setting. For a guided tour of one of the wineries, book a tour in advance. Some of the most famous are: Codorniu, Freixenet or Torres.
How to get there?
From Barcelona-Sants train station, take the R4 commuter train towards Sant Vicenç de Calders and get off at the Vilafranca del Penedès stop. Depending on the winery you want to visit, you may need to take a bus or taxi afterwards.
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La Garriga: Thermal getaway
Known for its thermal waters, La Garriga is an oasis of relaxation. Stroll through its modernist streets, but don't leave without taking part in a thermal circuit in any of its spas, although one of the best known is the Balneario Blancafort. You can also complete your visit with a walk through the surrounding areas that form part of the Montseny Natural Park.
How to get there?
To get there, from Barcelona-Sants station or Passeig de Gràcia you can take the R3 train towards Vic, the stop will be La Garriga and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
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FGC Turistren: Discover Catalonia in a special way
FGC's Turistren offers a unique and comfortable way to explore some of the tourist destinations near Barcelona. This service connects the city with iconic sites such as Montserrat or the Penedès and is designed to enhance the travel experience. Some of its tourist trains are:
- Montserrat rack railway and funiculars : Combines the different trains and funiculars needed to reach Montserrat from the city of Barcelona.
- The Granota train : A train that will take you back to the mid-20th century through the Vallès Occidental region. This train was built in the post-war period and was in operation for more than 50 years, a true historical gem.
- Gelida Funicular : Located in Alt Penedès, home to a large number of Catalan wineries, the cradle of the Penedès designation of origin. This funicular connects the municipality of Gelida with the industrial area aboard one of the most endearing transports in Catalonia.
How to book?
Turistren tickets can be purchased at FGC stations, on the official website or at tourist information points in Barcelona.
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Theme parks: Fun just a train ride away
If you are looking for thrills or a day of family entertainment, PortAventura is a perfect choice. This park has attractions for all ages, themed shows and lots of fun.
How to get there?
You can get there from Passeig de Gracia, Sants or Estación de Francia with the R17 line of Rodalies de Catalunya, which has its last stop in Salou - Port Aventura. They sell combined tickets for the train + park entrance with a special discount.
If you prefer a more cultural theme park, discover Catalonia in miniature , where you can explore detailed models of the most emblematic monuments. It is ideal for going with children so they can learn about the region in an interactive way. They also have an adventure circuit that can complement the visit.
How to get there?
They have a combined ticket with Rodalies de Catalunya that includes the train journey from any station in Barcelona to Molins de Rei, plus the L62 bus that takes you from the station to the Park.
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Check all train timetables and fares on the RENFE and FGC websites. From Sensation Apartments, you will have easy access to key stations such as Sants, Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Espanya.
Escape from Barcelona and live unique experiences in these nearby destinations! Your next adventure will be just a train ticket away.
Montserrat: Nature and spirituality
The Montserrat massif is a must-see for nature and culture lovers. The monastery, nestled in the mountain, is famous for the Virgin of Montserrat, known as "La Moreneta". In addition, you can walk along trails with spectacular views or enjoy the children's choir of the Escolanía.
How to get there?
From Plaça de Espanya you have to take the R5 train line towards Manresa. The train stops at the base of Montserrat mountain and it takes approximately 1 hour to get there. To climb up to the monastery from the base of the mountain there are 2 options:
- Rack Railway: This is the legendary funicular railway that goes up from the Monistrol de Montserrat train station. The train travels over 5 kilometres of mountain, overcoming a gradient of over 600 metres.
- Aeri de Montserrat: This is a cable car. You take it one stop before the Rack Railway, and it has its own station with the same name. The walk to the monastery takes approximately 5 minutes and allows you to enjoy incredible views from above.
Once you reach the monastery there are two funiculars, the Santa Cova and the Sant Joan, which allow mountaineers to reach different points of the mountain.
Colònia Güell and Gaudí's Crypt: Modernism in its purest form
It is a unique place that combines industrial history and modernist architecture. This former textile colony has buildings designed by modernist architects, but its greatest treasure is the Gaudí Crypt, considered a test laboratory for the Sagrada Familia. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, its design surprises with its undulating shapes and unique details.
How to get there?
From Plaça de Espanya you can take the trains (FGC), any of the lines going towards Martorell, Igualada or Manresa (S8/S3/S4) stop at Colònia Güell. It is a journey of approximately 25 minutes that allows you to discover a great modernist gem.
Sitges: Relaxation by the sea
If you're looking for a quiet day by the sea, Sitges is a safe bet. This picturesque coastal town is known for its golden sandy beaches, charming old town and bohemian atmosphere. Don't miss the Cau Ferrat Museum or the views from the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla. You can also enjoy a good rice dish on the beachfront in any of the restaurants on the Paseo Marítimo.
How to get there?
Getting to Sitges from Barcelona is very easy. From Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona-Sants you can take the R2S local train towards Vilanova i la Geltrú or Sant Vicenç de Calders and in a journey of about 40 minutes you will have reached your destination.
Girona: history and medieval charm
Let yourself be carried away by the medieval streets of the Jewish quarter, take a free tour, visit the cathedral, walk along the river and discover its picturesque coloured houses but, above all, don't forget to try an ice cream from Rocambolesc, the legendary ice cream parlour of El Celler de Can Roca.
How to get there?
It may seem that Girona is a bit further away and it is true, but with the AVE (high-speed train), it is now a journey of just 40 minutes from Barcelona. From Sants station you can take the AVE or a regional train which takes approximately 1h20 to reach the destination.
Figueres: The birthplace of Salvador Dalí
One of the most common day trips by train is to combine a visit to Girona and Figueres, as they are very close and in Figueres there is the Dalí Theatre-Museum, an essential stop to discover the universe of this surrealist genius.
How to get there?
The same AVE train can be used from Girona to Figueres-Vilafant, which takes just 15 minutes more. If you use the regional train from Girona Station, the journey takes 30-40 minutes.
Penedès: Wines and cava in a unique setting
Penedès is Catalonia's wine region par excellence. Here you can visit renowned wineries, learn about the production of wines and cavas, and enjoy tastings in a spectacular setting. For a guided tour of one of the wineries, book a tour in advance. Some of the most famous are: Codorniu, Freixenet or Torres.
How to get there?
From Barcelona-Sants train station, take the R4 commuter train towards Sant Vicenç de Calders and get off at the Vilafranca del Penedès stop. Depending on the winery you want to visit, you may need to take a bus or taxi afterwards.
La Garriga: Thermal getaway
Known for its thermal waters, La Garriga is an oasis of relaxation. Stroll through its modernist streets, but don't leave without taking part in a thermal circuit in any of its spas, although one of the best known is the Balneario Blancafort. You can also complete your visit with a walk through the surrounding areas that form part of the Montseny Natural Park.
How to get there?
To get there, from Barcelona-Sants station or Passeig de Gràcia you can take the R3 train towards Vic, the stop will be La Garriga and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
FGC Turistren: Discover Catalonia in a special way
FGC's Turistren offers a unique and comfortable way to explore some of the tourist destinations near Barcelona. This service connects the city with iconic sites such as Montserrat or the Penedès and is designed to enhance the travel experience. Some of its tourist trains are:
- Montserrat rack railway and funiculars : Combines the different trains and funiculars needed to reach Montserrat from the city of Barcelona.
- The Granota train : A train that will take you back to the mid-20th century through the Vallès Occidental region. This train was built in the post-war period and was in operation for more than 50 years, a true historical gem.
- Gelida Funicular : Located in Alt Penedès, home to a large number of Catalan wineries, the cradle of the Penedès designation of origin. This funicular connects the municipality of Gelida with the industrial area aboard one of the most endearing transports in Catalonia.
How to book?
Turistren tickets can be purchased at FGC stations, on the official website or at tourist information points in Barcelona.
Theme parks: Fun just a train ride away
If you are looking for thrills or a day of family entertainment, PortAventura is a perfect choice. This park has attractions for all ages, themed shows and lots of fun.
How to get there?
You can get there from Passeig de Gracia, Sants or Estación de Francia with the R17 line of Rodalies de Catalunya, which has its last stop in Salou - Port Aventura. They sell combined tickets for the train + park entrance with a special discount.
If you prefer a more cultural theme park, discover Catalonia in miniature , where you can explore detailed models of the most emblematic monuments. It is ideal for going with children so they can learn about the region in an interactive way. They also have an adventure circuit that can complement the visit.
How to get there?
They have a combined ticket with Rodalies de Catalunya that includes the train journey from any station in Barcelona to Molins de Rei, plus the L62 bus that takes you from the station to the Park.
Check all train timetables and fares on the RENFE and FGC websites. From Sensation Apartments, you will have easy access to key stations such as Sants, Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Espanya.
Escape from Barcelona and live unique experiences in these nearby destinations! Your next adventure will be just a train ticket away.
