


Montserrat Cable Car | Upper Station
About
The Montserrat Cable Car offers families an unforgettable aerial adventure, gliding above dramatic mountain valleys with spectacular panoramic views that will captivate kids and adults alike. This thrilling 5-minute ride provides a unique way to access the famous Montserrat Monastery complex while experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Catalonia's iconic jagged peaks from a bird's eye perspective.
Highlights
- ✓Breathtaking 360-degree views of the Montserrat mountain range's distinctive rock formations
- ✓Thrilling sensation of floating across deep valleys suspended by cables
- ✓Safe, enclosed gondolas with large windows perfect for young photographers
- ✓Quick and exciting alternative to the traditional rack railway
- ✓Spectacular photo opportunities of the monastery perched on the mountain
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tickets online in advance during peak summer months and weekends to skip long queues at the lower station, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM when tour groups arrive.
- 2.Sit on the valley-facing side for the best views during the ascent. Windows can fog up, so bring a cloth to wipe them for better photos.
- 3.The cable car closes on Thursdays for maintenance, so plan accordingly. Weather conditions can cause unexpected closures, so check the official website before traveling from Barcelona.
- 4.Combine your cable car ticket with the rack railway for a round-trip variety that kids love, experiencing two different mountain transport methods.
- 5.The upper station has limited facilities, so use restrooms and grab snacks at the lower station or wait until you reach the monastery complex at the top.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (9:15-10:30 AM) or late afternoons for shorter wait times and better light for photos. Weekends and Saturdays have extended hours until 6:15 PM but draw larger crowds. Spring and fall offer the clearest views with comfortable temperatures.
What to Know
Round-trip tickets cost approximately 13-15 euros for adults and 9-10 euros for children (prices vary seasonally). The cable car departs from Montserrat Aeri station, accessible by car (free parking) or train from Barcelona. Note that Thursday closures mean you'll need to use the alternative rack railway on that day.
Seasonal Notes
Operating hours extend on Saturdays and Sundays (until 6:15 PM versus 5:15 PM on weekdays). Winter months may see occasional closures due to high winds or poor visibility. Summer brings the longest days and best weather but also peak crowds. The cable car is closed every Thursday for weekly maintenance.
Nearby Eats
The Montserrat Monastery complex at the upper station has a self-service cafeteria with simple kid-friendly options like sandwiches and pastries. For a better meal, head to Restaurant Abat Cisneros near the basilica, which offers traditional Catalan dishes with high chairs available and a menu that accommodates children.
More Activities Near Montserrat
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
This stunning 1,000-year-old mountaintop monastery offers families a unique blend of cultural discovery, spiritual heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. Kids will be amazed by the dramatic cable car ride up the mountain, the mysterious Black Madonna statue, and the opportunity to explore scenic hiking trails with jaw-dropping views of the jagged Montserrat peaks.
Funicular Aeri de Montserrat
The Funicular Aeri de Montserrat offers families an unforgettable aerial adventure, gliding high above dramatic mountain valleys with panoramic views of Catalonia's iconic jagged peaks. This thrilling yet safe cable car ride combines spectacular scenery with the excitement of floating through the air, making it a highlight for children who will feel like they're flying over the mountains.
Sant Joan Funicular Lower Station
The Sant Joan Funicular whisks families up the spectacular Montserrat mountain in a thrilling 5-minute ride, revealing breathtaking views of jagged rock formations that will have kids pressing their faces to the windows. This historic mountain railway serves as both an exciting attraction and gateway to family-friendly hiking trails, making it the perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty that appeals to the whole family.
Montserrat Visitor Center & Information Hub
The Montserrat Visitor Center is your essential first stop before exploring the stunning mountain monastery complex with kids. This well-organized hub provides interactive exhibits about the area's history and nature, detailed trail maps suited for families, and helpful staff who can recommend age-appropriate activities. It's the perfect place to orient yourselves and plan a successful family adventure in one of Catalonia's most spectacular settings.