Parc de L’Oreneta: Mini Train Rides in Barcelona

Published

*This site contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission when you buy. See my full disclosure.

My son was obsessed with trains, and it was high time we took him to the Parc de l’Oreneta, a leafy park near Collserola in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. While the park has lots to offer like hiking areas, playgrounds, ping pong tables, rich vegetation, and more, the steam train is the most popular attraction.

IMG_9245
Parks in the roundhouse at Park de L’Oreneta

IMG_9152

The Parc de L’Oreneta train circuit was built in 1980 by an association of train enthusiasts. and these experts haven’t missed any details. The trains are a small scale of a real railway circuit, equipped with a train depot, bridges, tunnels, railroad crossing signs, and viaducts. It’s surrounded by pine and oak trees.

IMG_9106

How cute is this water tower?

IMG_9160

There’s even a canopied train ticket station.

IMG_9271

It also has a bell you can ring 32 times until you annoy everyone.

IMG_9308
All aboard!!!

The train ride is about five minutes long, covering 636 meters of train tracks. There are 11 trains total, two of which are usually running. Waiting for the train doesn’t take very long. At the purchase gate, the kids even get a little brown ticket to give to the conductor when they board.

IMG_9256

The seats are quite narrow, so only two people can fit in a car: an adult and a small child. If you’re a safety-conscious American mom like me who worries about seat belts, welcome to Spain! There are none. You basically have to be on your toes if you have a squirmy kid.

Park of Oreneta trainWe got a peek at the dashboard.

IMG_9284And every train needs a cute caboose.

IMG_9265

Here comes a tunnel! I had to make sure my son’s head wasn’t sticking out when going through either of the two tunnels. They’re so narrow — I’m pretty sure that they break safety regulations in the US 😉

IMG_9250

The train engineers running the trains take it pretty seriously. Probably because you get to wear the cool train hats.

IMG_9331Chugga-chugga-chugga-chugga choo-choo! Real steam even comes out!

IMG_9312

After a train ride, you can hit up a non-shaded playground if you wish.

IMG_9224

The Parc de L’Oreneta is a fun place to spend an afternoon with the kids on a Sunday. You can even bring a picnic lunch and sit in one of the shaded areas. We’ve done this a few times with other families, and it is a fantastic break to take away from the busy part of Barcelona.

To get there, you have to climb uphill to the top of the park. If you have a stroller, just know that the route is a little rocky.

IMG_9236

A playground in the Oreneta Park

Parc de L'Oreneta playground
IMG_9228

Information for Parc de L’Oreneta

Entrance Fee: Free

Open 10am – Sunset

Parc del Castell de l’Oreneta
Passatge Blada
08017  Barcelona

To get there take the V3 or 106 bus. The train stop is Reina Elisenda of the FGC L6.

More information: Parc de L’Oreneta Website

Train (Tren de L’Oreneta)

Ride Fee: 2 euros, purchased on-site

Open on Sundays and holidays only, 10:30am – 1:30pm

More information: Tren de L’Oreneta Website

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.