The Ultimate Montserrat Guide   —   Plan your Barcelona to Montserrat day trip
Montserrat from Barcelona Plan the perfect day trip

Transport, tours, viewpoints, hiking routes and practical visitor tips.

Montserrat Cable Car Guide 2026: Tickets, Prices and How to Get There

The Montserrat Cable Car, also known as the Aeri de Montserrat Cable car, is one of the most spectacular ways to reach the Montserrat Monastery. In just 5 minutes, it climbs more than 500 meters in elevation and offers incredible views of the Montserrat mountain.

Aeri de Montserrat cable car tickets cost €10 one way or €15 return for adults, €7.50 for children up to 13, and are free for children under 4. Discounts may be available for groups and seniors (over 65).

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Want the cable car included in a guided tour?

Compare Montserrat tours from Barcelona with cable car, transport and guide all included.

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Best Montserrat Cable car tickets

If you want to book your Montserrat cable car tickets in advance, these are the best options for taking the cable car Montserrat Spain route up or down the mountain.

Best Montserrat Card: All-Inclusive Ticket Option

For an easier all-in-one trip, the Tot Montserrat Card lets you travel from Barcelona to Montserrat and choose an option that includes the Aeri de Montserrat cable car.

Montserrat tickets comparison

Compare Montserrat Combined Tickets

See what is included in each Montserrat ticket option before choosing the best pass for your day trip from Barcelona.

Montserrat Mountain Card →

Train from Barcelona · Rack Railway · Moreneta Access

Barcelona transport FGC train Rack railway Basilica access La Moreneta Audiovisual space Montserrat museum Metro ticket Cable car Sant Joan funicular Santa Cova funicular Open-air museum Escolania choir Food & drinks

Montserrat Mountain Card + Choir →

Train from Barcelona · Rack Railway · Moreneta · Escolania

Barcelona transport FGC train Rack railway Basilica access La Moreneta Audiovisual space Montserrat museum Open-air museum Escolania choir Metro ticket Cable car Sant Joan funicular Santa Cova funicular Food & drinks

You can book your Montserrat ticket here.

Tourists waiting at the lower station of the Aeri de Montserrat cable car
Tourists boarding the Aeri de Montserrat at the lower cable car station.

What is the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car?

The Aeri de Montserrat is a historic cable car at the foot of the Llobregat River that takes visitors up to the Montserrat Monastery. It was inaugurated in 1930, and if you ask for my opinion, I would say that, of all the ways to reach the monastery, this is without a doubt the best. If you are visiting Montserrat from Barcelona, it is also one of the most scenic ways to get there.

Montserrat cable car arriving at the upper station
The upper station of the Aeri de Montserrat cable car near the monastery.

Quick Facts About the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car

Name Aeri de Montserrat
Location Near Barcelona
Opened 1930
Ride 5 min
Elevation 545 m
Lower station Llobregat River
Upper station Monastery area
Type Cable car

Where to take the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car?

The lower station of the Aeri de Montserrat is located next to the Aeri de Montserrat train stop, on the R5 line from Barcelona, and right by the Llobregat River. If you are coming by car, you can park directly next to the station, just before crossing the bridge. The access is very easy and well signposted, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. If you arrive by train, simply get off at “Aeri de Montserrat” station, and you will see the cable car right in front of you.

Montserrat cable car route map from Aeri de Montserrat station to Montserrat Monastery
Map showing the route of the cable car from the lower station to the Montserrat Monastery. Aeri de Montserrat on Google Maps →

Ready to book the cable car?

Go straight to the Montserrat cable car tickets section.

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How to get from Barcelona to the Aeri de Montserrat?

The Aeri de Montserrat is about 45 km from Barcelona and can be reached in under one hour.
🚆 By train
Take the FGC R5 from Plaça d’Espanya to “Aeri de Montserrat” station. The cable car is opposite the station. Train guide →
🚗 By car
Drive to the Aeri de Montserrat parking area beside the lower station. Journey time: around 45–60 minutes. Driving guide →
⭐ Guided tour
Best-selling from Barcelona
The easiest option if you want transport, cable car included, guide and tickets arranged for you. Check tour →
Montserrat tour from Barcelona with monastery and mountain views

This is the best-selling Montserrat tour from Barcelona, including the cable car ride and round-trip transport by air-conditioned van.

R5 train platform next to the Montserrat cable car lower station
The R5 train station that connects Barcelona with the Aeri de Montserrat cable car.

Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car Tickets and Price

These are the standard Aeri de Montserrat prices for the cable car to Montserrat. If you buy your Montserrat cable car tickets online in advance, they are usually cheaper.
Ticket One way Return
Adult €10.00 €15.00
Over 60s €8.75 €12.50
Child 4–13 €5.25 €7.50
Under 4 Free Free
To buy your Aeri de Montserrat cable car tickets in advance, check availability here: Buy tickets online →

Where to buy Aeri de Montserrat cable car tickets

You can buy Aeri de Montserrat cable car tickets online or at the lower station. Online booking is usually easier, while the Tot Montserrat Card is a better all-in-one option if you want transport from Barcelona, Montserrat highlights and the cable car included.

Want the easiest all-in-one option?

The Tot Montserrat Card includes the cable car option, key Montserrat sights and lunch.

See card →

Ready to book the cable car?

Go straight to the Montserrat cable car tickets section.

Tickets →

Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car Opening Hours and Calendar

The Aeri de Montserrat cable car usually runs from 09:30, every 15 minutes. Closing times change by season.
Jan 1–6 18:15 last cable car
Jan 2 & 5 17:15 special days
Jan 7–29 Closed maintenance
Jan 30–Mar 15 17:15 / 18:15 weekdays / weekends
Mar 16–Nov 1 19:00 daily
Nov 2–Dec 31 17:15 / 18:15 weekdays / weekends
Dec 25 14:00 Christmas Day
Frequency 15 min during opening hours
Important: opening hours can change due to weather, maintenance or special dates.
Montserrat cable car timetable sign at the lower Aeri de Montserrat station
Official timetable of the Aeri de Montserrat cable car with last descent times and frequency

Is the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car worth it?

Yes, the Aeri de Montserrat cable car is absolutely worth it.

It is not just a way to reach the monastery — it is part of the experience. In just a few minutes, you get incredible views of the mountain that you simply cannot experience any other way.

Tickets shortcut Choose your Montserrat ticket

Want the cable car included in a guided tour?

Compare Montserrat tours from Barcelona with cable car, transport and guide all included.

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Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car or Rack Railway: which is better?

If you are choosing between the Aeri de Montserrat cable car and the rack railway, the cable car is faster and more exciting, while the rack railway is a comfortable train with large windows and wide panoramic views. In my opinion, if it’s your first time visiting Montserrat, the cable car is the most spectacular option and the one I would recommend.

You can also read this Montserrat cable car vs rack railway comparison to help you decide which option is better for your visit.

Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car Parking: where to park your car

The Aeri de Montserrat cable car has two parking areas: an outdoor parking lot and an indoor one located just after crossing the bridge. Both parking areas are free of charge and are generally well maintained. The indoor parking has a smaller capacity and includes a partially covered section. However, it has a height restriction, so it may not be suitable for all vehicles.

If you are driving from Barcelona, parking at the Aeri de Montserrat is a convenient and practical option.

Montserrat cable car parking area at the lower Aeri de Montserrat station
Parking area for visitors arriving at the Aeri de Montserrat cable car.
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Tips for taking the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car (avoid queues & best time)

4 quick tips for taking the Aeri de Montserrat cable car

  1. Go early, but not always on the first ride.
    The first ascent is usually at 09:30, but it can already be busy. Since the cable car runs every 15 minutes, waiting for the next one may give you a quieter ride.
  2. Buy your ticket online if you can.
    You can buy tickets at the station, but booking online helps you save time and avoid deciding everything at the ticket office.
  3. Stand facing the mountain.
    If you enter early, try to position yourself on the mountain-view side for the best photos, videos and panoramic views during the ascent.
  4. Avoid weekends when possible.
    Weekdays, especially early in the morning, usually offer a calmer and more enjoyable experience than busy weekend hours.
Montserrat cable car leaving the lower station on a misty day
The Aeri de Montserrat cable car leaving the lower station.
Real experience My experience riding the Aeri de Montserrat cable car Optional reading

Today I woke up early to come and tell you firsthand what it is like to take the Aeri de Montserrat cable car. The cable car is one of the most beautiful, easy and direct ways to access the heart of Montserrat mountain.

You can take the cable car early in the morning, arrive at the monastery and enjoy your one-day excursion in Montserrat with a memory you will never forget.

I arrived via the wonderful winding B-112 road and, in just 15 minutes and 8 kilometres, at nine in the morning, I was already in the outdoor parking area of the Aeri de Montserrat. This parking area, just like the one located after the bridge next to the cable car, is free and located next to the cable car facilities. So you can leave your vehicle here if you come by car.

Today there was a bit of fog. On cloudy days, many people think they are just grey days, but I assure you that behind that slightly sad landscape, an incredible sea of clouds can be hidden, and above it, a fantastic sun may soon welcome you.

At 09:15, the ticket office opened to buy tickets, and at that very moment the first tourists appeared, coming by train on the R5 line from Barcelona towards Manresa. Many of these visitors already had their tickets. They had bought them online, so they automatically joined the queue, ready to be the first to go up on the Aeri de Montserrat cable car.

I went to the ticket office and bought my ticket. This time, only one way. If you wonder why, it is because I love walking and running in the mountains. My goal today was to show you how to go up with the Aeri de Montserrat cable car, but afterwards my option was to go down walking along a route that takes you from the monastery back to the Aeri de Montserrat parking area in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

A little before half past nine, I entered with my companions for this short journey on the Aeri de Montserrat. With a bit of skill and patience, I managed to place myself at the front of the cable car, despite entering among the last.

The cable car started moving and I always get the same feeling: it’s incredible. I let out a “wow!”. I looked at the cables and saw how they disappeared into the immensity of the fog. It seemed as if our destination was a huge, colossal cloud.

The Aeri de Montserrat cable car moves quickly and steadily, and we were soon inside that gloomy cloud of fog that gave the journey an air of mystery. Soon, we managed to pass through the thick layer of fog; in the mountains, this phenomenon is usually called a sea of clouds.

You might be wondering what it is like to be inside the Aeri de Montserrat cable car. I can tell you that it is completely safe and, as a picture is worth a thousand words, if your curiosity is sparked, you can see it here: watch the cable car experience →

As you can imagine, shortly afterwards I arrived at my destination: the upper station of the Aeri de Montserrat cable car. Once outside, you have wonderful views and, in just five minutes walking, you reach Plaça de Santa Maria and the Montserrat Monastery area.

About the sea of clouds, I can already tell you that it is an incredible experience. Sometimes the days begin like this, a little grey, but once you go up above the sea of clouds, you may find a wonderful sun and a spectacular day.

And that is how it was. After that sea of clouds, which I show you in the photo here, the Montserrat mountain offered me a magnificent day, with splendid sunshine. What more could you ask for?

Today I have told you how to reach the Montserrat Monastery in the most beautiful way that I know. Now all that is left is for you to enjoy a spectacular day and the wonders that this fascinating place is going to offer you.

Remember that the last descent with the Aeri de Montserrat cable car is usually around 5:15 pm on weekdays and 6:15 pm on weekends and public holidays, although times may vary, so always check the official timetable before your visit. Check the official timetable →

I’ll let you in on a secret: if you want to walk back down, there is a path that will take you right back to where you parked your car. If you’re interested, I’ll tell you all about it here →

You can also watch the full video of this experience. Feel free to leave me your comments if you would like to share what you think about this article, what you need, or how I can help you improve your experience. Watch the full video →

How much does the Aeri de Montserrat Cable car cost?

€15 for adults and €7.50 for children. Discounts may apply. See full details above.

Is the cable car or the rack railway Montserrat better?

The cable car is more scenic, while the rack railway is more comfortable. See full comparison above.

How long does the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car take?

Around 5 minutes. It is one of the fastest ways to reach the monastery.

Can you go up with a stroller or a wheelchair?

Strollers can be taken on the cable car, but you have to keep in mind that there are stairs at the upper station. As for wheelchairs, there are no elevators at the upper station of the Aeri de Montserrat, so it is not recommended to use the Aeri.

Is the Aeri de Montserrat Cable Car scary?

Not really. It may feel intense at first, but most people find it exciting rather than scary.

Continue exploring Montserrat

Sergio López Prieto - Montserrat

If this guide helped you plan your visit, then it has done its job.

Sergio López Prieto · Local Montserrat Expert

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