Getting There
The best and most exciting way to get to Montserrat is via the Catalan railway, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (Manresa line), with 12 trains a day leaving from the Plaça d'Espanya in Barcelona. The central office is at Plaça de Catalunya 1 (tel. 93-205-15-15; www.fgc.es). The train connects with an aerial cableway (Aeri de Montserrat), which is included in the fare of 16€ round-trip.
The train, with its funicular tie-in, has taken over as the preferred means of transport. However, a long-distance bus service is provided by Autocars Julià in Barcelona. Daily service from Barcelona to Montserrat is generally available, with departures near the Estació Central de Barcelona-Sants on Plaça de Països Catalanes. One bus makes the trip at 9am, returning at 5pm (6pm July-Aug); the round-trip ticket costs 12€. On Saturday and Sunday the round-trip fare is 13€. Contact Autocars Julià at Carrer Viriato (tel. 93-490-40-00; www.autocaresjulia.es).
To drive to Montserrat, take the N-2 southwest of Barcelona toward Tarragona, turning west at the junction with the N-11. The signposts and exit to Montserrat will be on your right. From the main road, it's 15km (9 miles) up to the monastery through eerie rock formations and dramatic scenery.
Visitor Information
The tourist office at Plaça de la Creu (tel. 93-877-77-01; www.montserratvisita.com) is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
