Is there a train to Montjuic? How long does it take to get there from the boatdock? I know theres a 'gondola', but that's out of the question. We only have 8 hours, is there something else we should see in Barcelona instead of this?

You can get bus to Metro Drassanes, change at Parallel for the funicular that takes you into Montjuic. From there it's an uphill walk to the Castle.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...uise-port.html

http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/tu...llocs/17_0.htm

http://www.barcelona.com/barcelona_c...elona/montjuic

It's a huge area, though. There are city buses that go up the other side from the city centre.

You might prefer to spend more time in the centre, around the Barri Gotic.

It depends what you like doing.

iS THE BUS RIDE "HARROWING" WITH HAIRPIN TURNS AND CANYONS? HOW FAR FROM THE CITY? CHECKED WEBSITES AND CAN'T FINE INFO ON BUS, TRAIN, ETC. (IT SEEMS CLOSE TO THE CITY).IS FUNICULAR THE SAME AS A TRAIN? (WE'RE 4 SENIORS)

montjuic is part of the city, its more like a large hill than a harrowing mountain with "canyons".

the funicular is like the metro (subway) but its operates on a slope, underground on a sort of pulley cable. it is very modern and very convenient. it is connected to the metro and you can access it with your metro pass.

the view from the fortress at the top (which houses the military museum, which is recommended) is amazing at around sunset.

With only eight hours in Barcelona, you should think of what you want to see in the city. There are lots of great attractions in Barcelona, and some of them are on Montjuic, but if I only had eight hours in Barcelona, I'm not sure I'd head up there.

The mini-guide to Barcelona found here on Fodors can give you some ideas:
http://tinyurl.com/22kmel

You can also look at the excellent guide to Barcelona posted by Maribel at www.maribelsguides.com.

You might want to take a ride on the Bus Turistic, a hop-on-hop-off tour bus that will take you to the sites and give you an overview of the city. You can decide which things you want to get off and visit. There are some stops at attractions on Montjuic on the southern route. You can see a list of the stops here: http://tinyurl.com/ypo87g

Public transport in Barcelona:
http://www.tmb.net/en_US/home.jsp

I surely wouldn't include the Montjuic on an 8 hours itinerary of Barcelona unless you are a huge Joan Miro fan. I was there for a week and didn't see it all. Spend time in the Gothic Quarter, head to Exiample and see some of the Gaudy buildings, walk down the Ramblas, see the market there. And IF you have time head over to the Sagria Familia. All of that plus stopping to eat will take up 8 hours easy.

I agree with Chevre. I would make it a priority to see some Gaudi buildings, and walk some neighborhoods rather than head up to Montjuic.

However, if you are set on that please be sure the gondola that goes up to the fortress is open. They were doing a major overhaul when we were there in March and it was closed. We decided to walk up to the fortress, but got lost. Thanks to a friendly Spainaird who spoke very limited English, he gave us a ride there, but we still had to walk a ways as there was a lot of construction going on near the fortress.

Personally, I would skip it entirely.

Just got back from Barcelona. If you want to see Montjuic-the Olympic stadium and the Musee Joan Miro etc. then take the metro to Plaza Espagna and then the #50 or 55 bus. It is very easy. There is a Tourismo Office when you come up from the metro. They are very helpful and will give you a map of the Montjuic area. Or get tickets for the Touristic hop on hop off bus and see as many sights as you can. Northern route takes in much of the Gaudi sights. Very easy getting off, seeing the sight and then catching another bus. Barcelona is a beautiful sprawling city, have a wonderful time whatever you decide to do.