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Sign in with GoogleCatalonia Railway Museum – Vilanova i la Geltrú Day Trip
Visit the Catalonia Railway Museum in Vilanova i la Geltrú and explore historic steam, diesel and electric trains, then enjoy beach activities or sea kayaking nearby
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About Vilanova i la Geltrú Catalonia Railway Museum
The Catalonia Railway Museum (Museo del Ferrocarril de Catalunya) is one of the most important railway heritage sites in Spain. Located beside the train station in Vilanova i la Geltrú, the museum occupies the original steam locomotive depot — a vast complex of roundhouses, workshops and a fully restored turntable that once serviced the engines running along the Mediterranean corridor. Few places in Catalonia offer such an immersive look at the history of rail transport.
Catalonia Railway Museum History
The story of the museum begins in 1967, when the Vilanova steam depot closed as diesel locomotives replaced steam across the network. The site remained intact, and in 1972 it hosted the 19th Congress of European Railroad Modellers (MOROP). RENFE brought steam locomotives from across Spain to Vilanova, taking advantage of the working turntable and water tower. Many of these engines remained on site after the event, forming the nucleus of what would become the museum’s collection.
Throughout the 1980s, public institutions — including RENFE, the Generalitat de Catalunya and Vilanova Town Council — recognised the importance of preserving this historic depot. In 1990, the museum officially opened, run by railway professionals and enthusiasts who understood the site’s industrial and cultural value. At its peak, the depot employed more than 900 workers, making the railway one of the town’s major employers.
In 1998, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Barcelona–Mataró railway line, the museum was incorporated into the official network of Museums of Catalonia. Over the following decade, major restoration work took place: the steam sheds, water tanks and maintenance buildings were refurbished, and the museum acquired significant pieces of infrastructure such as the interlocking system from Estació de França and the monumental Subirachs mural from Sants Station.
The collection continued to grow. In 2006, the museum added sixteen new vehicles, including diesel and electric Talgo units, as well as rolling stock donated by the Núria Cremallera Railway. In 2010, the historic turntable — known as the Rotunda — was fully restored, allowing visitors to see locomotives positioned exactly as they would have been during the steam era.
Today, the Catalonia Railway Museum is a dynamic cultural space with growing visitor numbers and support from multiple partners. It stands as a living tribute to the golden age of rail travel, offering one of the most complete collections of steam, diesel and electric locomotives in Spain — all housed in an authentic working depot that has been preserved with remarkable care.
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Visiting Vilanova i la Geltrú Catalonia Railway Museum
The Catalonia Railway Museum is one of the most impressive railway heritage sites in Spain, with more than fifty historic vehicles on display. The collection includes steam, diesel and electric locomotives, passenger carriages, maintenance vehicles and unique pieces such as the complete Centenary Train — a replica of the first train to run on the Iberian Peninsula in 1848 — and one of the earliest Talgo units.
Much of the museum is housed inside the original steam sheds, arranged around a fully restored turntable. Visitors can walk through the roundhouse, explore the outdoor tracks and step inside several locomotives and carriages. An indoor gallery displays signalling equipment, interlocking systems and other components from the Spanish rail network, including pieces rescued from Estació de França and Sants Station.
This is a genuinely child‑friendly museum. Kids can climb into the cabs of locomotives, explore interactive exhibits, enjoy a dedicated play area and get close to the machinery in a way that most museums simply don’t allow. Families typically spend 1–2 hours here, depending on how much time they want to spend exploring the engines.
Catalonia Railway Museum Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00am to 2:30am
- Saturday: 10:00am to 2:30pm & 4:00pm to 7:30pm
- Closed: Monday
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Summer schedule (1 August – 31 August):
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00am to 2:30pm & 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Tickets can be purchased directly at the museum entrance. Allow at least one hour for a quick visit, or up to two hours if you want to explore the full collection and roundhouse.
Accessibility to Vilanova i la Geltrú Catalonia Railway Museum
The Catalonia Railway Museum is largely step‑free and easy to navigate, making it suitable for visitors with reduced mobility, families with pushchairs and anyone who prefers level access. The main exhibition halls, roundhouse and indoor galleries are all accessible, while the outdoor tracks can be reached via a short ramp or three shallow steps.
Because many of the locomotives are original heritage vehicles, not all interiors are accessible, but the museum provides plenty of open, walk‑through spaces and viewing areas so everyone can enjoy the collection.
If you plan to combine your visit with time at the beach or RocRoi watersports, be aware that large rucksacks and bulky bags may need to be left at reception. Smaller daypacks (around 10L) are generally permitted inside the museum.
Vilanova i la Geltrú - RocRoi Beach Watersports Centre
RocRoi Vilanova i la Geltrú is one of the most popular watersports centres on the Costa Dorada, located on Ribes Roges Beach beside the marina. Just 40 km from Barcelona and a short walk from the railway station, it’s an ideal way to combine a morning at the Catalonia Railway Museum with an active afternoon on the water.
The centre occupies a modern 200 m² building with offices, changing rooms and direct access to the beach. RocRoi specialises in beginner‑friendly activities, making it suitable for families, couples and solo travellers with no previous experience.
RocRoi offers a range of guided activities along the Vilanova coastline, all led by experienced instructors and including the necessary equipment.
Sea Kayaking to the Pasífae Monument: Depart from Ribes Roges Beach and paddle along the coast towards the striking Pasífae sculpture, dedicated to the mythological princess who gave birth to the Minotaur. The route offers calm waters, coastal views and a relaxed introduction to sea kayaking.
- Sea Kayaking to Sitges via Els Colls: A longer coastal route that follows the cliffs and coves of Els Colls, where wild vegetation meets rocky Mediterranean bays. Enjoy a break at one of the secluded calas before returning to Vilanova. Includes kayak, paddle and life jacket.
- Fast Catamaran Experience: After a short safety briefing, board a fast and agile catamaran for a guided ride along the Vilanova coastline. This is a great option for visitors looking for a more dynamic activity while still enjoying the scenery from the water.
All activities include equipment and are suitable for beginners. RocRoi’s location makes it easy to enjoy a full day in Vilanova: heritage in the morning, beach and watersports in the afternoon.
Vilanova i la Geltrú Catalonia Railway Museum Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 8.40
€ 6.50
Over 60 years, 3.25 Euros
Child
€ 8.40
€ 5.00
For 6-17 Years. Under 6 FREE
Group/Family Ticket?
10+ People - See Website.
Notes
Closed Mondays.
Getting to Vilanova i la Geltrú
Address: Plaça d'Eduard Maristany, Vilanova i la Geltreu, 08800
The Catalonia Railway Museum is one of the easiest museums to reach from both Barcelona and Sitges. Simply take the Rodalies R2 line to Vilanova i la Geltrú — the museum is located directly beside the station, less than 50 metres from the main exit.
For visitors staying in Sitges, Vilanova is just one stop further south on the same line, making it an effortless half‑day trip. The short journey time and step‑free station access make it ideal for families and travellers with limited mobility.
Ribes Roges Beach and the RocRoi watersports centre are around a 20‑minute walk from both the museum and the railway station, allowing you to combine heritage, beach time and outdoor activities in a single visit.