Quick answer: Montserrat is about 60 km from Barcelona. The FGC train plus cable car or rack railway takes around 2.5 hours total and costs roughly €8–€14. A taxi takes about 50 minutes door to door and costs around €90 for up to 4 passengers — the faster option if your time in Barcelona is limited.
Distance and Travel Times
| Method | Time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Train (FGC R5) + cable car or rack railway | ~2.5 hours total | €8–€14 |
| Bus (Monbus) | ~1h 13m to Monistrol | €7–€11 |
| Taxi | ~50 min door to door | ~€90 for up to 4 passengers |
| Driving | ~1 hour | Plus parking fees |
Why Take a Taxi Instead of the Train
The train-and-cable-car route is scenic but takes half a day round trip once you count connections and waiting for the cable car. A taxi is about three times faster and goes door to door — worth it if your time in Barcelona is limited or anyone in your group has mobility needs.
What Is at Montserrat
The main draw is the Benedictine monastery and its Black Madonna statue, set into a dramatic mountain ridge with views back toward Barcelona on a clear day.
FAQ
About 60 km, roughly an hour’s drive.
A taxi, at about 50 minutes door to door — the train-and-cable-car route is scenic but takes closer to 2.5 hours each way with connections.
It is recommended in peak season since capacity is limited — a taxi avoids that logistics question entirely.