Barcelona is a destination full of things to discover, but its location also makes it an ideal starting point for discovering some of the beautiful places that surround the city.
Taking one of the day trips from Barcelona by train is an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into Catalonia, uncovering its historic cities, stunning landscapes, and charming coastal towns near Barcelona.
From the unique landscape of Montserrat and the streets of Girona and Tarragona to Mediterranean beauty of Sitges and the Costa Brava, these five locations provide an ideal getaway for an unforgettable day trip from Barcelona.
Day Trip from Barcelona to Montserrat
What to do in Montserrat:
- Visit Montserrat Abbey and the Basilica.
- See La Moreneta.
- Listen to the Escolania Boys’ Choir.
- Take the Montserrat funicular for panoramic views.
- Walk the hiking trails around Montserrat.
- Visit the Montserrat Museum and its art collection.
Montserrat by Train from Barcelona:
Travelling to Montserrat by train from Barcelona is easy.
- Take the R5 train from Plaça Espanya towards Manresa.
Choose your Montserrat access point:
- Aeri de Montserrat → take the cable car up to the monastery.
- Monistrol de Montserrat → tak the rack railway (Cremallera) up to the monastery.
- Hiking: You can also hike up to Montserrat and enjoy the mountain scenery along the way.
Day Trip from Barcelona to Girona
Located around 100 km from Barcelona, Girona is a delightfull city ideal for a day trip from Barcelona.
Under an hour via high-speed train, you can uncover its medieval streets, vibrant houses, and rich history.
With highlights like the magnificent Girona Cathedral, the historic Jewish Quarter, and colourful houses along the Onyar River.
What to see in Girona in One Day:
- Girona Cathedral
- Jewish Quarter
- Onyar River and its colourful houses
- Eiffel Bridge
- Arab Baths
- Medieval Walls
How to Get from Barcelona to Girona by Train?
Travelling from Barcelona to Girona by train is quick and easy.
- Departure: Barcelona Sants
- Arrival: Girona station
- Journey: Around 40 minutes by high-speed train
Tarragona Day Trip from Barcelona
A one-hour train ride from Barcelona takes you to Tarragona, a captivating city where the Roman history meets Mediterranean beauty.
Renowned for its remarkable ancient ruins, Tarragona invites you to delve into centuries of history while enjoying beautiful sea views and a lively old town.
How to Get from Barcelona to Tarragona by Train:
- Departure: Barcelona Sants
- Train: Regional/Regional Exprés
- Stop: Tarragona
- Journey: Around 1-1h 20 min
- From the station: Around 10-15 minutes on foot to the historic centre.
Things to Do in Tarragona:
- Roman Amphitheatre
- Tarragona Cathedral
- Roman Circus
- Part Alta, the historic old town
- Balcó del Mediterrani
- Rambla Nova
Sitges Day Trip from Barcelona
Just 40 minutes from Barcelona by train, Sitges is an ideal choice for a day filled with sunshine, culture, and coastal strolls.
Its white streets, expansive beaches, and vibrand old town offer a chill atmosphere that feels unique compared to the city.
Besides de beach, Sitges is famous for its artistic history, beautiful buildings, and lively town center, providing lots to explore in a single day.
How to Get from Barcelona to Sitges
- Departure: Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or Estació de França
- Train: R2 Sud
- Journey: Around 35–40 minutes.
Things to Do in Sitges:
- Walk through the Old Town
- Visit Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla Church
- Relax on the beach
- Walk along the seafront promenade
- Visit Cau Ferrat Museum
- Explore the town centre
Costa Brava Day Trip from Barcelona
Turquoise waters, hidden coves and seaside villages make the Costa Brava a place worth discoveriong.
While traveling to Costa Brava by car is a popular option, several coastal towns are easily reached by train, with beautiful views along the way.
Taking a day trip to Costa Brava from Barcelona is an ecvellent option for travellers who want to enjoy the sea, explore new places and admire some of Catalonia’s most beautiful coastal views.
Things to Do in Costa Brava:
- Discover small coves and beaches
- Walk along the Camí de Ronda
- Explore seaside villages
- Visit Tossa de Mar
- Enjoy coastal viewpoints
- Swim in the clear blue water
- Visit the Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes
How to Get from Barcelona to Costa Brava:
The Costa Brava can be reached from Barcelona by train, with different routes and connections depending on the destination:
- R1 line: Take the train from Barcelona Sants, Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf or Clot-Aragó towards Blanes. Along the way, you can also stop at Arenys de Mar, Canet de Mar, Sant Pol de Mar and Calella.
- R11 line: From Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia, travel north towards Girona, Figueres, Llançà and Portbou. These stations are useful for exploring different areas of the Costa Brava.
Make the most of your Day Trip from Barcelona!
A day trip can be a great way to take a break from the busy streets of Barcelona and experience a different side of Catalonia.
With a little planning, you can enjoy a full day exploring somewhere new and still be back in the city by evening.
