There is an extensive railway network with Barcelona as its epicentre. That's why planning a short getaway by train from the capital is easy. In the suburban, medium-distance, or high-speed services, you will find many proposals to spend a day outside the city with the added value that the train journey will give your experience. Different train lines leave from Barcelona in all directions. You can go north, west, or south; stay close to the city or make longer journeys; contemplate mountain, forest and farmland landscapes or urban and beach landscapes. Here we propose some excursions from Barcelona by train in complete comfort. 1. Montserrat, a symbol of Catalonia Getting to Montserrat by train is straightforward. This mountain captivates with its spectacular shapes and the views it offers. The Llobregat-Anoia railway line of the Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) takes us to the foot of the mountain. You can get off at the Aeri de Montserrat or Monistrol station and connect respectively with the cable car or the rack, which will take you to the monastery. There, you will be amazed by the Benedictine complex, the small hermitages that you will find along the mountain, the stone walls that stand next to the monastery itself or the art collection that you will find in the Museum of Montserrat. You will spend a day enjoying nature and intensely experiencing the spirituality of this mountain. In addition, on your train journey to Montserrat, you can also add a stop to your trip at such exciting places as Colònia Güell, Martorell or Olesa de Montserrat. 2. Girona, a placid city Girona is one of the cities connected by train from Barcelona. In less than forty minutes we can go there at high speed from the centre of Barcelona. If you opt for the regional trains, the journey time is just under an hour and a half. Whether you choose one option or the other, there is a high frequency of trains, and you will have no problems adapting the expedition to your schedules and needs. In Girona, you will find a city with streets full of history and corners that invite us to take a stroll and spend the day observing the houses next to the Onyar River, visiting its cathedral, entering the Jewish quarter, or relaxing tea in the Devesa park. And we must remember the cuisine because, in Girona, you will find some of the most prestigious Catalan restaurants internationally. 3. Tarragona, Roman and Mediterranean legacy The most important display of the Roman legacy in Catalonia is only an hour's train ride from Barcelona. To go to Tarragona, you can use high-speed trains and regional services. In the first case, you will gain time and comfort during the trip; in the second, you will enjoy a unique coastal landscape. In addition, Tarragona station is between the historic centre and the Port, with the Serrallo seafaring district. Tarragona is a perfect choice for a small day out from the Catalan capital, with its heritage, pleasant walks close to the Mediterranean Sea and cultural life. You can also stop in neighbouring towns, such as Altafulla, Torredembarra or Calafell, where you can discover an exciting heritage in addition to the sun and the beach. 4. Sitges and the Garraf coast, a journey to enjoy inside the train The best views of the Mediterranean Sea can be seen from inside a train. The Rodalies R2 South line leaves Barcelona and crosses the Costa del Garraf. At some points, the train track goes through the middle of cliffs, allowing you to see some hidden small beaches and coves. Making this short journey from Barcelona is attractive. If you want to experience a full day, stop in Sitges, one of the most famous towns on the Catalan coast, for the Carnival, its culture and heritage, the beaches, or the atmosphere of a fishing village. You can also go to Vilanova i la Geltrú, where you can visit the Railway Museum, very close to the station. 5. Lleida, the capital of Ponent Lleida is a city full of surprises. With an agricultural tradition and a fascinating architectural heritage, it is an ideal place to enjoy Catalonia away from the crowds of the coast but in an urban and modern atmosphere. You only need an hour from Barcelona-Sants station to reach the Terra Ferma's capital with the high-speed train. In one day, you will have time to walk around the city, discover the Seu Vella, the surroundings of the Segre River and take advantage of its cultural activities. Lleida is also an excellent point to stop if you continue your journey towards the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. 6. Vic, heritage and youthful atmosphere Located within the province of Barcelona, Vic is a city that shows the essence of inner Catalonia. Getting there by train is very easy with the Rodalies R3 line. It takes a little over an hour. The journey is worth it, with the Montseny massif as a backdrop. In the capital of Osona, you can visit places such as Sant Pere's Cathedral or the Episcopalian Museum. We also recommend that you stroll around the emblematic Plaça Major, taste the cured meat sausages of the area and experience the young and exciting atmosphere of one of the cities with the most significant number of university students in Catalonia.