Barcelona to Montserrat by Train + Aeri Cable Car

About the Aeri de Montserrat Yellow Cable Car

There are two main ways to reach the Montserrat Monastery by public transport: the FGC Cremallera rack railway or the Aeri de Montserrat cable car.

This page focuses on the Aeri de Montserrat, a separate transport system from the FGC network. The bright yellow cabins run from the FGC Aeri de Montserrat train station up to the monastery, offering spectacular views of the Montserrat mountain range.

The cable car covers a distance of 1.3 km with an altitude gain of 544 m. Each cabin holds up to 35 passengers standing, and the journey takes just 6 minutes.

History of the Aeri Cable Car

The Aeri de Montserrat cable car was inaugurated in 1930, connecting the Barcelona–Manresa train line (FGC) and the Llobregat highway to the monastery. Damaged during the Spanish Civil War, it was later restored and continues to operate today using its original German‑engineered mechanisms and structures.

Built by the Bleichert company of Leipzig, the system features a running cable 75 mm in diameter and pulling cables 27 mm in diameter — a testament to early 20th‑century engineering.

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Visiting Aeri de Montserrat Yellow Cable Car

If you’ve chosen to reach the Montserrat Monastery by cable car instead of the Cremallera rack railway—or plan to combine both systems—you’ll want to understand ticket options and prices.

Tot Montserrat Ticket

Barcelona metro ticket
Return FGC train to Monistrol de Montserrat from Plaça Espanya
Choice of Cremallera rack railway or Aeri cable car
Unlimited use of the Santa Cova Funicular
Admission to the Audiovisual Gallery
Entrance to the Museu de Montserrat
Buffet lunch with traditional Catalan dishes

This all‑in‑one pass is ideal for a Montserrat day trip from Barcelona. It includes transport, museum entry, and meals, making it perfect for visitors who want to explore the basilica, museum, and enjoy easy walks such as the Santa Cova or Sant Joan trails.

Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car Tickets

Return or one‑way ticket for the Aeri cable car
Not included: FGC train ticket (R50 or R5 lines) from Barcelona Plaça Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat station. Purchase separately for 11.50€ at FGC ticket machines.

Optional Tickets in Montserrat

8.00€ Montserrat Museum
Free entry to Montserrat basilica
3.50€ Throne of the Virgin (Black Madonna)

Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car with a Dog

Muzzle: Required
Leash: Required

Dogs travel free on the cable car under these conditions. Note the small gap between the cabin and boarding platform — carry smaller dogs if needed. The short 6‑minute scenic ride is manageable even for impatient pets eager to explore the Montserrat mountain trails.

Accessibility & What to take for Montserrat Aeri Cable Car Ride

The Aeri de Montserrat yellow cable car has narrow doors, which can make boarding difficult for passengers with reduced mobility. At the upper station near the Montserrat Monastery, access to the complex is only possible via a staircase of about 50 steps.

For visitors with mobility concerns, the Cremallera rack railway is a more accessible alternative, as it connects directly to the monastery without stairs. If you plan a Montserrat day trip from Barcelona, consider this option when purchasing tickets.

Regardless of transport choice, bring a small rucksack with essentials such as water, sun cream, and a light jacket. Comfortable footwear is recommended if you intend to explore the Montserrat mountain trails and hermitage viewpoints after arriving.

Tickets for Montserrat Aeri Cable Car Ride

Getting to Montserrat Aeri Cable Car Ride

Address: C55, Km 15, Monestrol de Montserrat, 08691

The Aeri de Montserrat cable car is the quickest and most scenic way to reach the Montserrat Monastery. It connects directly with the FGC train from Barcelona, making it ideal for a Montserrat day trip.

Take the FGC R5 or R50 line from Plaça Espanya station in Barcelona to Aeri de Montserrat station. From here, transfer to the bright yellow cable car for a short 6‑minute ride up to the monastery, with spectacular views of the Montserrat mountain range.

The first departure is at 09:15h from Monistrol Aeri station, and the last descent from Montserrat is at 18:15h. Always check the Montserrat train schedule for seasonal variations.

Documents for Montserrat Aeri Cable Car Ride

Map for Montserrat Aeri Cable Car Ride

Weather for Montserrat Aeri Cable Car Ride

Mountain Forecast weather for Montserrat Mountain

Accommodation at Montserrat Monastery

For those wishing to extend their Montserrat day trip from Barcelona into an overnight stay, the monastery complex offers several options, ranging from hotels to a simple campsite. Staying here allows you to enjoy the Montserrat viewpoints at sunrise and sunset, when the mountain is at its most peaceful.

Montserrat Abat Marcet — serviced apartments ideal for families or longer stays.
Hotel Abat Cisneros — a historic hotel located next to the basilica, offering traditional Catalan hospitality.
Apartamentos Montserrat Abat Marcet — self‑catering apartments within the monastery complex.
Area Esportiva i d'Acampada de Montserrat — a simple and affordable campsite (3.5€ per tent + 4€ per adult), about 10 minutes’ walk from the monastery via the Sant Miquel path towards the Creu de Sant Miquel. Open only in summer, it is popular with mountain climbers and hikers. Reservations can be made by calling (+34) 93 77 77 77.