Barcelona Sants sends trains in five directions, and none of them need a rental car. Within an hour or two, you can stand in a Roman amphitheater, walk a monastery trail cut into a mountain, or sit on a sea wall in a fishing village that has barely changed its shape in a century.
This guide covers five day trips from Barcelona by train: Tarragona, Sitges, Montserrat, Girona, and Altafulla, with exact routes, stations, and what to expect once you arrive.
Related read: Beautiful Places in Spain to Add to Your Itinerary
Best Day Trips from Barcelona by Train
1. Tarragona
This historic city is located around 1 hour and 10 minutes by train from Barcelona. Here, you can explore unique corners and discover its rich culture in depth.
We recommend starting with the impressive amphitheater of Tarraco, built in the 2nd century AD right by the sea. It was once used for gladiator fights, wild animal battles and public executions. Today, part of the stone seating that surrounds the arena is still preserved and can be seen from the Amphitheater Park.
Continuing the Roman theme, you can visit the Roman circus, one of the best-preserved in Europe, where chariot races once took place.
We also recommend walking along the ancient city walls, which once reached up to 3,500 meters in length. In addition, you can admire the cathedral by heading through Carrer Major, a lively street filled with a wide variety of shops.
- How to get there: take a Regional Express train (R Exp) towards Tarragona from Barcelona Sants station. Get off at Tarragona Estació, which is practically in the city center. Check the Trainline website for timetables and available trains.
Related read: Where to go Swimming in Barcelona and Surrounds
2. Sitges
Less than an hour from Barcelona, you will find this beautiful coastal town full of life and atmosphere. Sitges began as a small fishing and trading village in the Mediterranean, with a strong tradition linked to fishing, wine production and trade with the Americas.
The most iconic landmark is the Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla, visible from almost the entire seafront promenade.
It is also worth exploring the old town and wandering through its narrow streets. Here you will find unique local shops, perfect for picking up a memorable souvenir from your visit.
If the weather is good and you want to relax, sit by the beach and enjoy the sea views.
- How to get there: take the R2 Sud train towards Sant Vicenç de Calders or Vilanova i la Geltrú from Barcelona Sants station. Get off at Sitges station. Check the Trainline website for timetables and available trains.
Related read: Affordable Wine Tasting in Barcelona and Surrounding Areas
3. Montserrat
At around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Barcelona, you can reach the mountain of Montserrat. Here you will find the Basilica and the Moreneta. The Basilica of Santa Maria de Montserrat began construction in the 16th century and was rebuilt after it was destroyed during the Peninsular War. The current façade was completed in the 20th century.
We also recommend visiting the museum, where you can explore an extensive collection of art, archaeology and goldsmithing pieces.
Finally, in the cave, shepherds are said to have discovered the image of the Virgin in 880. Today it is part of a small chapel, reachable via the Rosary Path, a trail of just under 1.5 km that starts near the rack railway station.
- How to get there: go to Plaça Espanya, take the FGC R5 train towards Manresa and get off at Monistrol de Montserrat station. Right next to it, take the Montserrat rack railway and descend at the stop next to the monastery. You can buy the FGC ticket at the station, but we recommend booking the rack railway in advance. You can check prices and timetables on the website.
4. Girona
Girona is a charming city located around 103 km from Barcelona. It has Roman origins and features cobbled streets in its historic center. Here you will find the iconic cathedral, located at the highest point of the city.
Girona also stands out for its rich gastronomy, where you can try traditional Catalan products. One of the world’s most renowned restaurants is here: El Celler de Can Roca. It holds three Michelin stars and is led by the Roca brothers, Joan, Josep and Jordi. The restaurant is globally recognized for its haute cuisine, exceptional pairings and creativity.
A fun fact about the city is that parts of the famous series Game of Thrones were filmed here.
If you enjoy art and visiting museums full of history, you can also visit the Girona Art Museum. It is located near the cathedral and was founded in 1976 following the merger of two important collections, the Diocesan Museum and the Provincial Museum of Antiquities and Fine Arts.
- How to get there: go to Barcelona Sants station and take either the high-speed train (around 26 to 45 minutes) or the regional train (around 1 hour and 15 minutes). You can check prices and timetables on the website.
Related read: Best Botanical Gardens in Barcelona to Explore with the Kids
5. Altafulla
This small coastal town of just over 5,000 inhabitants has everything you could expect from a seaside village. It offers a medieval historic center, beautiful whitewashed houses and a castle. All of this is located just 1 hour from Barcelona, so if you are looking for a charming day trip, this is the perfect choice.
The old town is known as the “Vila Closa” because it is enclosed by defensive walls. The medieval core is full of narrow, slightly steep streets, but it is easy to explore.
Another highlight is the Altafulla Castle, one of the must-see monuments in the area. Please note that visits must be booked in advance by calling the Altafulla tourist office on 977651426. The visit lasts around 30 minutes and includes the garden, the courtyard, several common areas and its highlight, the Renaissance gallery.
As mentioned, you will also find cliffs and stunning coastal views. You can also enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine, including rice dishes, fresh fish and local specialties.
- How to get there: go to Barcelona Sants station and take a regional or Rodalies train towards Tarragona or Sant Vicenç de Calders. Get off at Altafulla Tamarit station. You can check prices and timetables on the website.
So there you have it: no need to go far for a change of scenery. Just a couple of hours away from Barcelona by train, you will find a wide range of different plans to switch off and unwind whenever you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book train tickets in advance for these day trips?
Not for the regular Rodalies and regional trains covered above; a same-day ticket is enough. The two exceptions are the Montserrat rack railway, which recommends booking in advance, and Altafulla Castle, which requires a phone reservation.
Can I combine two of these day trips in one day?
It’s tight. Tarragona and Altafulla sit on the same line and are close enough to pair if you start early, but Montserrat and Girona each deserve a full day given the travel time and what there is to see once you arrive.
Which of these towns is easiest with kids?
Sitges is the simplest option: a beach, a short old-town walk, and no advance bookings or long approach walks required. Also check out: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Barcelona With Kids.
What should I wear for the walk to Montserrat’s cave chapel?
Comfortable walking shoes are worth it. The Rosary Path is under 1.5 km, but it’s an outdoor mountain trail, not a paved sidewalk.
Is Girona doable as a half-day trip?
The high-speed train gets you there in under 45 minutes each way, so a half day covers the cathedral and old town. A full day leaves room for the art museum and a slower walk through the streets.
Do I need to reserve a table at El Celler de Can Roca ahead of time?
Yes. It’s a globally recognized restaurant with limited seating, and demand for reservations runs high year-round, so this isn’t a walk-in option.
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We are an expert agency in the tourism sector based in Barcelona, Catalonia. For over 10 years, we have offered holiday apartments and long-term apartments in Barcelona, to anyone wanting to visit or spend some time in the Catalan Capital.
We are an expert agency in the tourism sector based in Barcelona, Catalonia. For over 10 years, we have offered holiday apartments and long-term apartments in Barcelona, to anyone wanting to visit or spend some time in the Catalan Capital.
