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.
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.
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.
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.
In the cave nearby, 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. Check prices and timetables on the rack railway 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 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). Check the Trainline website for prices and timetables.
5. Altafulla
Altafulla is a small, well-preserved coastal village located around 1 hour from Barcelona by train. It sits just a short walk from the sea and retains much of its original character, with a medieval old town perched above the beach.
The village is anchored by a 17th-century castle and a compact historic center with whitewashed houses and quiet lanes. The beach below is calm and far less crowded than those closer to Barcelona, making it a good choice if you want a relaxed day by the water without the resort-town atmosphere.
- How to get there: Take a Regional Express train (R Exp) from Barcelona Sants towards Tarragona and get off at Altafulla-Tamarit station. The beach and village center are a short walk from the station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book train tickets in advance for these day trips?
For most routes — Sitges, Tarragona, and Altafulla — you can buy tickets on the day at the station or via the Trainline website without issue. For Girona on the high-speed service, booking ahead can secure a better fare. For Montserrat, the rack railway is worth reserving in advance, particularly on weekends and in peak season.
Can I combine two of these day trips in one day?
It is possible but not recommended. Each destination warrants several hours of exploration, and travel time adds up quickly. Sitges and Altafulla are the most practical pair given their proximity to Barcelona, but you would have limited time in each.
Which of these towns is easiest with kids?
Sitges and Montserrat both work well with children. Sitges has a calm beach and a manageable old town, while the rack railway ride up to Montserrat is a draw in itself. Tarragona’s amphitheater and circus are also engaging for older kids with an interest in history.
What should I wear for the walk to Montserrat’s cave chapel?
The Rosary Path is a well-maintained trail of just under 1.5 km, but it involves an ascent on uneven stone surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes with grip are recommended. The path is exposed in places, so bring water and sun protection in warmer months.
Is Girona doable as a half-day trip?
Yes. The high-speed train takes as little as 26 minutes from Barcelona Sants, which makes a half-day visit practical. The cathedral, the old Jewish quarter, and the city walls can be covered in three to four hours on foot.
Do I need to reserve a table at El Celler de Can Roca ahead of time?
Yes, well ahead of time. El Celler de Can Roca is one of the most sought-after restaurant reservations in the world. Tables are released months in advance and sell out quickly. Check the restaurant’s official website for current reservation availability.
All five destinations on this list are straightforward to reach without a car, and the train fares are modest — making these some of the best-value day trips you can make from Barcelona.
