Easy to do day trips from Barcelona by train
Barcelona makes a great base as a hub to doing some fantastic day trips from Barcelona by train. You can easily leave from the main train station called Barcelona Sants in central Barcelona and visit the northern coastal areas all the way to Basque country and the border areas, south through the coastal communities all the way to Valencia and the wine country regions just to the west and north of the city.
I have so many favorite places to visit by train just outside of Barcelona and I asked some travel bloggers and journalist to also share some of their favorite places from the city as a day trip. If you are looking for more things and places to explore outside of Barcelona, check out all of these inspiring and beautiful places that are an easy trip outside of the city. You’ll experience some beautiful countryside, coastal towns, wine country regions and unique places of interest that will add to your journey and fun in the region.
Not in any particular order, here are the best day trips from Barcelona that you can do by train below.
Best day trips from Barcelona by train service
The main railway hub is called Barcelona Sants in central Barcelona. It’s the service station for the high-speed AVE trains that connect major Spanish cities like from Madrid, Seville and Valencia,. You’ll also find regional and local services on the Renfe site here, including the RENFE Rodalies commuter trains.
Explore Girona
Distance from Barcelona by train 38 minutes
This ancient medieval city located just 40 minutes east of Barcelona is so easy to do as a day trip with regular train services that run frequently throughout the day. Girona is old, medieval and scenic with the Onyar river that cuts right through the center of the city with the medieval area on one side and the newer section lining the other side. The largest of Northern Catalonia’s cities in the region, you’ll find so many amazing Gothic churches, wonderful museums and cobblestone streets to explore in the Medieval section of the city. Explore the gorgeous views from the cathedral and its gorgeous cloister and walk your way down to the Old town and through the Jewish quarter with so many significant architectural buildings. Or, you can also explore around the city’s old ramparts and enjoy fantastic walking, views and the ancient city walls and hidden gardens to enjoy.
Check out my posts on visiting the Old Town of Girona here for more inspiration.
Top attractions to visit around Girona city
Girona Cathedral
Parc de la Devesa
Museu D’art de Girona
Dali Theater and Museum
Arab Baths
Muralles des Girona
Torre Gironella
Gala Dali Castle and Museum
El Masnou and the Alella view point
El Masnou is a little town at the outskirts of Barcelona. It is pretty close with a 23 minutes train ride from Arc de Triomf. You can take the train line R1, it starts from L’Hospitalet De Llobregat. This line also serves the stations Barcelona Sans and Catalunya.
El Masnou is located right by the sea and is one of the many towns along the coast. They are lined up very close to each other. Each town along the train line is perfect for hiking or beach days, as they are located between the mountains and the sea. From Sant Adrià de Besòs station, the views from the train are well worth the trip.
From El Masnou station you can also reach the smaller town of Alella. This lovely place is nestled between the mountains and has a special atmosphere. A little side note: further up the mountain is the spa, Aire de Vallromanes. Not very accessible by public transport, but definitely a place to relax.
The viewpoint Mirador del Bosquet d’Alella is worth to check out. There you can see the El Masnou from above, the sea and skyline of Barcelona. You can make it a round trip and find a path between the vineyards. The trails take you under the highway to the residential area of El Masnou. From here you can reach the center of the town.The total walk takes around 1 ½ hours. Great cafés and shops await you. At Mimuna you can get ice cream, cake or coffee. The organic shop Molsa has delicious cookies. At Ametller Origen you can have a coffee and watch what’s going on in the square. There are several places to rest after this long walk. Another option is to relax on the beach.
Check out Lisi’s blog called Escaping Worlds
Visit Andora la Velle
Andorra la Velle is a charming city known for its excellent skiing and abundant, tax-free shopping.
Jenn Lloyd
Beach time at Sitges
Distance from Barcelona by train about 40 minutes
Sitges is a very popular beach location just outside of Barcelona and makes a fun day trip to explore the sun, beaches and old town scenes of the city. An easy train trip from Barcelona Sants that takes only 40 minutes, you get off at the main train station of Sitges and can easily walk around the central part of the city on the way to the harbor and beach areas to enjoy. Known for it’s popular stretch of golden beaches, the city has a very rich historic and cultural past. The town itself is filled with a mixture of historic buildings to modern contemporary styles, gorgeous squares, busy local markets, shopping venues and galleries, and walking promenades filled with fun bars and cafes, lively dining and hang out spots along with yearly festivals that draw in visitors from Barcelona and around the world to visit.
You’ll find walking along the beach promenade all the way to the harbor to be flat, scenic and filled with fun water activities busy beach spots to more to peaceful areas for sunbathing.
Top attractions to visit around Sitges
Parc Terramar
San Sebastian Beach
Palau de Maricel
Can Llopis Romanticism Museum
Railway Museum of Catalonia
Far de Sant Cristofol
Old fishermen’s quarter
15th-century Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla
Lloret del Mar
Distance from Barcelona by train 74 km
The coastal town of Lloret de Mar is the perfect amalgamation of nature and culture. It is only 74 kilometres (45 miles) from Barcelona, meaning you can reach the golden, sandy beaches in one hour. Many tourists prefer taking a train from Barcelona to Blanes town and then taking a bus to Lloret de Mar. You will need a little less than 2 hours for this journey, but it will give you a chance to explore two towns in a day. This town also has regular buses running between the town centre and Barcelona. The easy connectivity and a plethora of activities make it a popular day trip from Barcelona. Add it to your Barcelona itinerary and have a fun, beach day.
After you reach Lloret de Mar, you can start by exploring a lovely town centre. It is packed with tiny shops, cafes, and a few landmarks like San Romà de Lloret de Mar. The heart of the town is not touristy, preserving its Spanish vibes.
Top attractions to visit around Lloret del Mar
Gardens of Saint Clotilde
Castell de Lloret
Modernist Cemetery
Santa Cristina Beach
Playa de Fenals
Day trip by train to Tarragona, Spain
Distance from Barcelona by train 1 hour 15 minutes
This day trip to Tarragona by train is fast even by the regular commuter train service to the port city of Tarragona. There are so many wonderful Roman ruins to explore here starting with the Instagram worthy Roman Amphitheatre that sits above gorgeous views of the coastline and harbor. Along with the 2nd century arena, you’ll find Roman tombs, the Forum ruins, the medieval Old Town along with walkway tours of the well maintained and intact ramparts of the city. You’ll find some gorgeous views of the city and coastline areas while visiting the historic ramparts in a restored area called the Passeig Arquoelogic.
Just outside the Old town city walls are the more modern and beautiful newer town filled with more walking promenades, expansive squares lined with bars and cafes, a historic public market and wonderful boulevards to explore with shopping, galleries and tourist shops to visit.
Tip – there are regular commuter trains that service the coastal communities and some of them are more rapid than others so check the schedule when you arrive to the main train station at Barcelona.
Check out my post on why Tarragona, Spain is worth visiting here for more inspiration.
Easy train service to Montserrat, Spain
Distance from Barcelona by train 54 minutes or 58 Km
This is probably one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit outside of Barcelona, you can do a guided tour of Montserrat here or also do it on your own with a little effort to DIY. You get to Montserrat taking regional trains from Barcelona Plaça España for Montserrat station via the FGC R5 line (Llobregat-Anoia).
Once there you can easily tour own your own the fascinating monastery, grounds and gorgeous views around Montserrat itself.
Top attractions to visit around Montserrat, Spain
Montserrat Monastery
Montserrat Basillica
La Moreneta (Black Madonna)
Santa Cova & Funicular Ride
Montserrat Museum
Sant Jeroni
Saint Michael’s Cross
Dali’s Theater – Museum in Figueres
If you are looking for a day trip from Barcelona and you are into art then visiting Dali’s Theater-Museum in Figueres would be the right thing to do. Figueres is located north of Barcelona towards France, around 150 kilometers away. You can arrive there by car or train in less than 2 hours. Among artists of the 20th century Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, 1st Marquess of Dalí de Púbol was probably the most prominent surrealist artist. He was recognized for his works as a painter, writer, sculptor, and filmmaker. The biggest collection of his works can be found in his hometown, Figueres. After the Spanish Civil War, he got burned theater from the mayor and opened it as a museum 50 years ago. The museum is in the city center at Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5 in a building with a red facade and eggs statues on the roof. It is open from 10:30 until 15:00. You will pay for a ticket 14 €. Inside you will find surrealist paintings in a dream-like world full of symbols (melting watch, eggs, long legs, ants, …) like The Spectre of Sex Appeal (1932), Soft Self-Portrait with Grilled Bacon (1941). Also, installations are interesting, like Courtyard with figurines and Cadillac, Abe Lincoln picture, and Mae West room where furniture forms a face if observed at a special angle. You can easily spend 2 hours there before returning to Barcelona
Džangir Kolarwith
More tips on traveling by train around Catalonia
Traveling by train in Catalonia is a great way to explore the region. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Plan in Advance
Check train schedules and routes ahead of time on the Renfe or Rodalies de Catalunya websites. Booking your tickets early can also save you money.
Select the Right Ticket
Catalonia offers various ticket options. For example, the T-10 card is a multi-ride pass that works on Rodalies trains and other public transport. Choose the ticket that best suits your travel needs.
Validate Your Ticket
Some tickets, especially those bought online or from machines, need to be validated at the station. Look for validation machines near the platforms or ticket counters.
Know Your Station
Major cities like Barcelona have multiple train stations. Make sure you go to the right station for your train, as different stations serve different routes.
Arrive Early
Get to the station a bit early to find your platform and get settled. Large stations can be busy, so giving yourself extra time is a good idea.
Use the App
Download the Renfe or Rodalies de Catalunya app for real-time updates, ticket purchases, and schedule information. It’s a handy tool while traveling.
Watch Your Belongings
Keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of pickpockets, especially in busy areas.
Comfort and Amenities
Trains in Catalonia are usually comfortable. Look for amenities like Wi-Fi, restrooms, and food services depending on the train type.
Enjoy the Views
Catalonia has stunning landscapes. Make sure to take in the scenery, particularly on routes through scenic areas like the Costa Brava or the Pyrenees.
Following these tips will help you have a smooth and enjoyable train journey in Catalonia.
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Conclusion to day trips from Barcelona
All of these day trips are wonderful to do from Barcelona and are an easy train ride away to see a different part of the Catalonia region of Spain. You’ll enjoy visiting any of these fantastic destinations outside of the city.
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