
Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 3,567 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access worth booking?
Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access is a 5-hour experience in Barcelona, Spain, from €48 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 3,567 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (3,567)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- €48 per person
Discover one of the most mystic Catalan wonders on this half-day tour. Take the cog-wheel train and enjoy a breathtaking ride up the mountain. Walk around the sanctuary and imagine the many lives lived by the monks at the site through the centuries. Visit the Black Madonna, popularly known as la Moreneta, and get a free gift.
What you get
About this experience
Discover one of the most mystic Catalan wonders on this half-day tour. Take the cog-wheel train and enjoy a breathtaking ride up the mountain. Walk around the sanctuary and imagine the many lives lived by the monks at the site through the centuries. Visit the Black Madonna, popularly known as la Moreneta, and get a free gift.
What's included
Included
- Access to the Video Mapping (if option selected)
- Local guide using Radio Guide System
- Transportation on an air-conditioned coach
- Entrance to the audio-visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”
- Access to the Basilica and the Black Madonna
- Taste of 4 typical liquors of the area
- Cog-wheel train up to Montserrat
- Access to the Escolanía (if the option is chosen)
Not included
- Pick up & drop off not included (except if you choose the Private option tour)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
What you'll see and do
Leave our office in Barcelona on an air-conditioned coach towards Montserrat cogwheel train station.
60 minutes here · Admission included
After a 1h drive on the highway, board the cogwheel train up the mountain and enjoy the amazing views over the area. Admire the Mountain’s peculiar morphology, which comes from the Catalan words Mont (mountain) and Serrat (serrated). World-famous for its rocky geography, Montserrat beautiful scenery was declared National Park in 1987 to protect its natural and cultural wealth.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Monestir de Montserrat
Follow your local guide through the site and learn about the history and architectural style of the Monastery. A community of 80 monks currently lives and follow the rule of Saint Benedictin Montserrat. Fall in love with the Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary.
120 minutes here
La Moreneta
Line up and learn about the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Black Madonna and Child in the cave of Santa Cova. To this day, their woodcarving is kept in the Church of the monastery, which you will be able to visit. The figure is popularly known as La Moreneta (The Black Madonna) as a result of a varnish reaction.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Montserrat
Besides the main area, there are a great number of small churches and trails you can follow. You will be given free time to taste the finest liquors, to visit the basilica and the Black Madonna and get a free gift, to shop for locally produced treats or to visit the audio-visual exhibition once our guided tour finishes. We would like to show you some activities that you can do during your free time. Please, bear in mind that your free time is limited so you will have to choose one of the activities. Montserrat Museum: wide variety of archeological artworks from medieval times to avant-garde style. Entrance fee not included on the tour. Hiking routes: although there are plenty of trails to follow, we recommend you to reach the cross of Sant Miquel (approximately 15 minutes from the monastery) as it offers one of the best views of the area.
60 minutes here
Go back to Barcelona on an air-conditioned coach.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Barcelona
Please find the Julia Travel Office in Ground floor, Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. It is mandatory to check-in in the counter and after we will go to platform 19
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Please find the Julia Travel Office in Ground floor, Carrer d'Alí Bei, 80, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. It is mandatory to check-in in the counter and after we will go to platform 19
Options you can book
Montserrat Tour Small Group
Private Tour In English
5-hour Private Tour Pickup included
Montserrat Tour with Escolania
Escolania de Montserrat: You can complete your experience adding the option to listen the Escolania de Montserrat inside the Basilica
Montserrat Mid Day Tour
MD Tour With Cog-Wheel Train: Take the cogwheel train and enjoy a breathtaking ride up the mountain.
Montserrat Morning Tour
Tour with Cog-Wheel Train: Follow your local guide through the site and learn about the history and architectural style of the Monastery.
Montserrat & Video Mapping
Millennial Mapping: This tour includes Cog-wheel train up to Montserrat, acces to Black Madonna and access to the Video Mapping.
Private Tour In Spanish
5-hour Private Tour Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Julia Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Duration 08:00AM Tour: 5h30min approx. Duration 10:15Am Tour: 7h approx. (The duration of the tour includes transportation).
- Correct dress code is requested to enter the Basilica at Montserrat. It is not permitted to enter with tank tops, strapless shirts, short shorts or sandals.
- Please note that the tour is conducted on foot upon your arrival in Montserrat, come prepared and we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
- The weather is mountainous. Depending on the season, you will need warm/rain clothing.
- Check the schedules of the facilities you wish to visit during your free time before your tour.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,558 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3,558 verified traveler reviews for Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Do it!
Guilia, the guide for Montserrat via Julia Travel was an excellent host. She was knowledgeable, friendly, patient and attentive. She made the trip relaxing, educational and fun. Montserrat with the cogwheel train ride up is just breathtaking. If you have the opportunity to get the additional choir boys singing package, don’t miss it! Count on your entire day being spent in the most beautiful fashion. The mountains, the monastery, Black Madonna, all of it, perfection. 10/10
via Viator
We had such a great time...
We had such a great time including the kids at Montserrat! A beautiful experience and our guide Nuria (Noria I can’t remember spelling!) was so fun and funny and knowledgeable. Our kids loved her! She was a delight and we had a lot of time and opportunity to explore. More than that, we were very thankful for the company, Julià Travel, for taking such good care of us and when we needed assistance they were kind and prompt and extremely thorough. We’re thankful for the tour, the experience, and the company.
via Viator
Great trip not to miss during the trip to Barcelona
Could have multiple pick up points
via Tripadvisor
When it rains heavily in...
When it rains heavily in Barcelona, it is nearly impossible to get a taxi. We were unable to reach the meeting point, unable to contact the travel agent, unable to contact Viator, and unable to contact a call for a taxi. We were soaked to the bone trying to get to the meeting point and despite not arriving on time, Viator and agent made no known attempts to contact us! That would have been appreciated. Trying to contact Viator via the app did not work. Sent message to agent but didn't receive a response. Very disappointed in this experience and the lack of assistance from Viator and agent. We were looking forward to seeing Montserrat.
via Viator
Montserrat tour disappointing
The process of finding Julia Travel is difficult even after reading reviews that said it was on the 1st floor of the bus station. The bus did not have free wifi as stated in the description. We did not take a cog train ride as stated in the description. It was a rainy cold day which did nothing to add to the enjoyment of the tour. But that is not something that they could control. Our tour guide Sarah? was friendly and informative. I am not Catholic but am a believer in Jesus Christ and was offended by some of the "tradition dialogue". Knowing what I do now, I would not take the tour.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €48 to €669
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,248
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Julia Travel Madrid, who run 79 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.7.
See everything Julia Travel Madrid runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Barcelona.
How much does Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access cost?
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Prices start at €48 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Barcelona usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Barcelona is not rushed.
Is Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 3,567 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Barcelona, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access?
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Around 1,248 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Barcelona can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Barcelona and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Barcelona within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Barcelona?
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Barcelona's Gaudí sites are capacity-limited and the official timed tickets go first, so most of the market is resellers with a guide attached. We weight those heavily on whether the guide is an architecture specialist. Beyond Gaudí, the tapas crawls in Gràcia and the Montserrat day trips carry the highest rankings in the city. On Outty we rank every Barcelona experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Costa Brava Tour: Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump from Barcelona, Gràcia Tapas and Vermouth Crawl, Girona & Dali Museum Small Group Tour with Pick-up from Barcelona. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
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May, June, September and October. Sagrada Família light is best mid-morning. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Barcelona?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access?
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Included: Access to the Video Mapping (if option selected); Local guide using Radio Guide System; Transportation on an air-conditioned coach; Entrance to the audio-visual exhibition in Montserrat “Espai Audio visual Montserrat”; and Access to the Basilica and the Black Madonna. Not included: Pick up & drop off not included (except if you choose the Private option tour); and Food and drinks, unless specified. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 222 listed pickup locations in and around Barcelona.
What languages is Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Barcelona. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access?
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Across 3,567 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Montserrat with Cog-Wheel Train & Black Madonna Priority Access?
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There are 7 options to choose from, including Montserrat Tour Small Group, Private Tour In English, Montserrat Tour with Escolania, Montserrat Mid Day Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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