FGC Question / Barcelona to Montserrat and Return

Posted by richarde99 (New Orleans) on 09/30/24 09:04 PM

We plan to travel by FGC train from Barcelona-Plaça Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat and return on the same day. We prefer to purchase our tickets in advance. However, online options seem limited because we want to take the cable car to Montserrat and return to Barcelona via the cog train. It appears that if we were traveling round trip via one mode, we could get the tickets online.

We will be in Barcelona two days before our trip to Montserrat. Can these tickets be purchased at ticket stations other than Barcelona-Plaça Espanya? Also, do we need to validate the tickets before boarding, or can it be done onboard the train? Thank you for your help.

Posted by ORDtraveler

Chicago

09/30/24 10:01 PM

1139 posts

I traveled there March 2024. I bought my ticket from the ticket machine at Placa-Espanya shortly before boarding. The machine didn't like my US card, but a very helpful official said that Apple Pay often worked. That was the case for me. I never did find the touted kiosk with a live person that sells train tickets. I don't remember needing to validate a ticket. If I did, it was obvious.

I did a lot of research on the logistics of this journey - and frankly found the literature more complicated than the reality. I'm like you - I would have preferred purchasing in advance, but in the end, for my earlier AM departure around 8:30, this was not necessary. I also had trouble identifying how to do an advance purchase easily. I think I understand what your are experiencing....

One of many websites which you have probably found!
https://www.montserrat-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/barcelona-to-montserrat-train.html

Posted by Enric

Barcelona (Catalonia)

10/01/24 07:24 AM

3071 posts

If you want to ascend and descend from the monastery using a different mode of transportation, you'll need to purchase a separate ticket for one of them when you are there. For practical reasons, I'd get a TransMontserrat combo ticket online to Monistrol de Montserrat, then get off at the previous stop (Aeri de Montserrat), and purchase a single ticket to ascend via the cable car.

Posted by richarde99 OP

New Orleans

10/01/24 05:42 PM

68 posts

Thank you both for your time and helpful comments. Enric, your idea makes good sense to me and I plan to proceed as you outlined. I also noted that I could buy the cable car ticket on-line as well!