All Aboard: 5 Exciting Day Trips from Barcelona by Train

So, you’ve found yourself in Barcelona, soaking up the sun and sipping on sangria. Sounds perfect so far, but what if you’re craving a little extra excitement beyond the city limits? Thankfully, we’ve got just the ticket—literally! Venture out on some day trips from Barcelona by train to add some quick, convenient detours to your journey. I’ve outlined some of the coolest day trip destinations that’ll be sure to add a little spice to any itinerary.

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Where To Stay in Barcelona

If you’re hoping to go on day trips, your top priority for hotel should be a convenient location close to a train station. I’d recommend Lamaro Hotel Barcelona. Its central location is within an 11-minute walk of numerous stations – making it ideal no matter where you want to go. Perfect if you prefer spontaneous travel or like to make last-minute changes.

And don’t worry, convenience isn’t the only thing Lamaro Hotel Barcelona has going for it. It comes very highly rated, with soundproofed, spacious rooms for you to sprawl out in. Also, almost every single reviewer mentioned how amazing the staff was, so you can count on them to make your stay a comfortable one.

This image shows a modern, upscale café or restaurant interior with a soft pastel color palette and elegant décor. Round tables with cushioned chairs are spaced throughout, and a sleek marble bar with contemporary pendant lighting creates a stylish, inviting atmosphere. Large windows let in natural light, highlighting the open, airy layout.

This image features a luxurious modern bathroom with a freestanding oval bathtub positioned near a frosted glass wall that softly diffuses light. A double vanity with two sinks and a large framed mirror sits opposite, with neatly rolled towels and robes stored on open shelves below. The clean lines and soothing color palette create a spa-like ambiance.

This image shows a grand, historic-style corner building with yellow and tan stonework, black iron balconies, and large windows across multiple stories. Located on a lively pedestrian plaza, the building houses street-level businesses and shaded outdoor seating beneath mature green trees. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the bright, inviting atmosphere.

This image captures a rooftop terrace with modern white chairs and round wooden tables, overlooking the iconic Barcelona Cathedral with its intricate Gothic spires. The view extends across the historic cityscape under a bright blue sky, offering a striking mix of architecture, history, and leisure.

This image shows a bright and elegant hotel room with a large bed featuring a tufted headboard and teal accent pillows. The room includes a cozy seating area with vintage-style chairs, a writing desk, and a breakfast tray with coffee and pastries. Natural light fills the space through tall windows with flowing teal curtains.

PHOTO CREDITS: LAMARO HOTEL VIA HOTELS.COM

PLANNING A TRIP TO BARCELONA SOON?

Below are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to kickstart your plans!

Popular Tours & Activities in Barcelona:

Explore Montserrat Monastery from Barcelona
See Montserrat Monastery but with tapas and wine
Join a tapas and wine walking tour in Barcelona with a small group

Top Places to Stay in Barcelona:

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Best Day Trips from Barcelona by Train

Looking for an easy day trip from Barcelona without the hassle of driving? These easy trips from Barcelona make it simple to explore Spain’s coastlines, mountains, and medieval villages in a single full day. From seaside escapes to cultural treasures, this guide breaks down exactly where to go from Barcelona and how to get there — with travel tips and ideas so you can book right away.

Montserrat – #1 Day Trip by Train in Spain

First stop on our train adventure is the breathtaking Montserrat, a mystical mountain range located just a stone’s throw from Barcelona. Head to the train station Plaça Espanya and board the R5 line to Monistrol de Montserrat. It’ll take just over an hour and cost €6.15 one way (US$7), and it is well worth it. Get ready to be mesmerized by jagged peaks, stunning hiking trails, and the awe-inspiring Montserrat Monastery perched atop the mountains.

Fun tip: take either a rack railway or the cable car from Aeri de Montserrat to get to the top of the mountain. You could also hike up, if you’re feeling up for it – some people take that option so they can watch the sunrise. (I’d take the lazy route, thank you.) But whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a spiritual seeker, Montserrat is bound to offer what you seek.

This image showcases the Montserrat Monastery nestled against dramatic, jagged limestone peaks in Catalonia, Spain. Historic stone buildings with arched windows and terraced roofs sit beneath the towering rock formations, surrounded by lush greenery and a bright blue sky. The scene highlights the stunning natural and architectural contrast of this famous pilgrimage site.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Sitges – Sun, Sand, and Sangria by the Sea

Should I keep up the alliteration?… No? Anyway, if high places aren’t your thing, you might want to try the charming coastal town of Sitges. Barcelona’s three main stations – Sants, Franca, and Passeig de Gracia – all have trains going to and from this oceanside escape for roughly US$7. That 45-minute trip will take you to Sitges’s beautiful beaches, vibrant promenade, and lively atmosphere.

I mean, sure, Barcelona is also technically by the ocean – but it’s easy to get lost in the city’s hustle and bustle. Sitges is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the Mediterranean vibes. And if you’ve already exhausted all the street foods Barcelona has to offer, try out some of this coastal town’s seafood for a refresher.

This image shows a vibrant coastal town at golden hour, with sunlight casting warm reflections on the water and pastel-colored buildings along the shore. The beach is calm with gentle waves lapping the sand, while palm trees and historic architecture add Mediterranean charm to the scene. The overall mood is peaceful and picturesque.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Tarragona – Easy Train Ride From Barcelona For History Lovers

Step back in time with a visit to the historic city of Tarragona, which is a 30-minute to 1-hour train ride – depending on whether you take the high-speed train or the regular express. Either way, you’ll depart from Barcelona Sants and pay a ticket roughly €8 (US$9), but maybe more if it’s peak season.

Once in Tarragon, you can explore ancient Roman ruins, stroll through medieval-style streets, and marvel at the city’s stunning ancient architecture. From the UNESCO-listed Roman amphitheater to the majestic Tarragona Cathedral, there’s no shortage of historical treasures to discover in this fascinating city.

This image features an ancient Roman aqueduct made of warm-toned stone, stretching across a lush green valley under a bright blue sky. The structure is composed of two levels of evenly spaced arches, showcasing impressive engineering and symmetry. Its well-preserved condition highlights its historical significance and enduring beauty.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Girona – Barcelona Train Travel for Medieval Lovers

Girona has a shit ton of picturesque, medieval charm, all tucked away in the heart of Catalonia. To get to this town’s winding cobblestone streets, take a 40-minute high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants for about US$10. You could also take the Viajeros line, but the journey will take twice as long for the same price. Unless you’re a dedicated train enthusiast who wants to try all the trains, just hop on AVE.

As for what Girona has to offer, there’s a vibrant Jewish Quarter, the scenic Onyar River, and the iconic Cathedral, whose steps you can climb for panoramic views of the city. It has a rich history and vibrant culture, so trust me when I say there’s tons to see.

This image shows a row of colorful, tightly packed buildings along the Onyar River in Girona, Spain, with vibrant laundry hanging from balconies and windows. Reflections of the orange, yellow, and red facades shimmer in the water below, while the white bell tower of Girona Cathedral rises above the rooftops against a dramatic blue sky.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

Figueres: Surrealism and Salvador Dalí

Hope you’re not tired of these Barcelona day trips, because we still have one left: Figueres, birthplace of the legendary artist Salvador Dalí. This one can actually be an extended day trip from Girona since the high speed train from Barcelona has a stop there along the way – buuuut unless you’re really ambitious, that would be a bit much to cram in one day.

Like most of the other day trips here, you’ll depart from the Sants station. The hour-long ride will take you to Figueres’s doorstep, home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. If you’re a fan, you can marvel at Dalí’s surrealist masterpieces and whimsical exhibits, but there’s more to the city than just one artist.

I’d suggest checking out the Castell de Sant Ferran fortress and some of its other museums, like the Technology Museum or the Toy Museum. The latter’s got some games on display from 3000 BCE, so it’s sure to excite history buffs.

This image features the striking glass geodesic dome and brick archways of the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, Spain. A surreal sculpture of a boat dripping blue water-like shapes hangs dramatically in the foreground, reflecting Salvador Dalí's signature dreamlike aesthetic. The vivid sky and mirrored windows intensify the building's fantastical architecture.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM

More Inspiration for Day Trips from Barcelona by Train

Whether you want art, history, or beach time, these day trips from Barcelona by train prove that Spain’s charm doesn’t stop at the city limits. From the surrealist treasures of Figueres to the mountain views of Montserrat, there’s an easy train journey for every type of traveler.

Continue planning your Spanish adventure with more posts on hidden gems in Barcelona, must-try street food, and the best rooftop bars to hang out at. Wherever your next stop is, the rails from Barcelona are just the beginning.

If you’re staying longer, venture across the border to France’s best cities that aren’t Paris or to Andorra for their legendary restaurants and nightlife.