The 12 best day trips from Barcelona by train: journey times, fares and what to see

The easiest day trips from Barcelona by train are Sitges (31–37 minutes on the R2 Sud, €5.50), Tarragona (69 minutes, €8.60), Girona (about 40 minutes by high-speed train or 1 h 19 on the R11) and Figueres for the Dalí Museum. Regional and commuter trains also reach wine country, Gaudí's early work and historic Catalan towns: here are twelve, with journey times and fares.

The rule behind this list: every destination gives you something substantial to do on foot once you step off the train. No taxi at the other end, no bus that runs twice a day.

Step-by-step guides with timetables and fares: Sitges by train, Girona by train, Tarragona by train, Figueres and the Dalí Museum, Montserrat by rack railway or cable car, the Núria rack railway and PortAventura.

1. Sitges

The most straightforward escape on this list. The station is in the town itself, and on foot you go from whitewashed streets to the seafront promenade, the church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla and the beaches.

Sitges works nearly all year: the sea in summer, museums and heritage when it cools down, and a notably busy cultural calendar in autumn.

Usual line: R2 Sud.

2. Girona

One of the strongest all-round trips. The Old Quarter, the cathedral, the Jewish Quarter — the Call — the city walls and the colourful houses along the Onyar are all walkable from the station.

Girona is compact enough that the whole day happens on foot, which is exactly what you want without a car.

3. Tarragona

Roman Tarragona is an excellent alternative to another beach day. The amphitheatre above the sea, the circus, the walls, the upper town and the Balcó del Mediterrani fill a day comfortably.

The essentials are urban and close together, so nothing requires leaving the city.

4. Vic

Take the R3 inland to Vic for its enormous main square, the medieval art museum and one of Catalonia's most distinctive market towns.

The traditional market transforms the visit, so it is worth checking the town's calendar before choosing your day.

Right now, though, no R3 trains run between Barcelona and La Garriga: the R4 and Rodalies replacement buses cover that stretch, and the journey takes longer (Rodalies notice of 6 July 2026, still in force on 24 October).

5. Figueres

The obvious choice for the Dalí Theatre-Museum, and an easy one without a car. There is also the toy museum and the vast Sant Ferran fortress if you have time.

Figueres has more than one station depending on the service. Check which train suits you and where it arrives, because the walk into the centre is not the same from each.

6. Vilanova i la Geltrú

Often overlooked next to Sitges. Vilanova combines a beach, a promenade, a working town centre and Catalonia's railway museum immediately beside the station.

Usual line: R2 Sud.

7. Mataró

A useful mix of Mediterranean waterfront and architecture. Gaudí's early Nau Gaudí is a short walk from the station and is one of his first completed buildings.

Usual line: R1.

8. Sant Pol de Mar

A small coastal town where the train practically drops you beside the Mediterranean.

There is no complicated itinerary to build here. You walk, you eat, you look at the sea, you go home.

9. Vilafranca del Penedès

A particularly good option for wine culture. VINSEUM sits in the historic centre, a short walk from the railway station.

Usual line: R4.

10. Sant Sadurní d'Anoia

Catalonia's cava capital. Several producers run guided visits.

Be precise about this one: not every winery is walkable from the station, and almost all of them require booking ahead. Check the actual walking distance and book before you travel.

Usual line: R4.

11. Manresa

A less touristy inland city with the basilica of La Seu, a historic centre and Ignatian heritage along the Cardener river.

Manresa is hillier than most places on this list. Still fine on foot, but worth knowing in advance.

Usual line: R4.

12. Terrassa

One of the best Modernista alternatives to central Barcelona. MNACTEC occupies a spectacular modernist factory and pairs well with the Masia Freixa and the town centre.

A strong choice in bad weather, since most of the visit is indoors.

Depending on where you start, you can arrive by Rodalies or by FGC.

Which day trip is best?

For the sea: Sitges or Sant Pol de Mar.

For history: Tarragona or Girona.

For art: Figueres.

For architecture: Terrassa and Mataró.

For wine: Vilafranca del Penedès and Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.

For a Catalan city with its own life and fewer international visitors: Vic.

Before you go

Catalan rail services change temporarily for engineering works and disruption. Check the official journey planner on the day you travel, and do not treat journey times copied from old blog posts as a promise.

Official timetables: rodalies.gencat.cat.

If you are travelling at the weekend, our weekly listing covers what is on. For destinations beyond the obvious, here are ten that are not Montserrat.

Keep reading

• Beyond Montserrat: 10 Barcelona day trips
• 10 medieval villages in Catalonia
• 8 lesser-known Gaudí sites
• Barcelona tourist traps, and what to do instead
• What's on in Catalonia this weekend